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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
10 September 2025 | |
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Ageing well in public (and private) life | |
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We were delighted by the enthusiastic response to our invitation last week to join us for Ageing well in public (and private) life, celebrating International Day of Older Persons 2025 and featuring keynote speaker Natasha Stott Despoja AO on Wednesday 1 October. While the event was fully booked quickly, we've added some additional spots to the waiting list so please do add your name and we'll release tickets as cancellations occur. This edition we'll also be introducing our Principal and Supporting Partners who make this event possible - read all about them further down. | |
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We were pleased recently to have the opportunity to celebrate a fantastic milestone with our Digital Coordinator, Kirsteen as she marked 20 years of service with COTA SA. She is pictured here with other longterm staff members who have themselves been with COTA SA for 30, 17 and 10 years. We truly appreciate the commitment of our team to COTA SA and to making a difference to the future of ageing in South Australia. | |
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COTA SA recently hosted a COTA SA Supporters event which was a great opportunity to connect and to share some of the stories and insights we have been hearing from older South Australians. Our Supporters come from a range of likeminded organisations and their support helps us to continue our work across the important issues facing older South Australians. See more pictures on our Facebook post. If your organisation would like to stand alongside COTA SA visit our website to find out more. | |
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Conversations in the City: Eat well, age well | |
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It was a full house this week at our last Conversation in the City for 2025 on the topic Eat well, age well. A big thank you to everyone who joined us! Rebecca Greco, Diabetes Educator and Dietitian from Nourish Adelaide delivered an engaging and informative session building our knowledge of what good nutrition looks like along with practical suggestions to help us age well and feel our best every day. These Conversations in the City are proudly supported by City of Adelaide; Sadie from the City of Adelaide also joined us to speak about their Ageing Well Program - register for their e-news to stay up-to-date on that.
We have two more Conversations coming up in the new year - watch this space for all the details!
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New Strength for Life website online now! | |
We’re thrilled to launch the brand-new Strength for Life website, a fresh, easy-to-use site that brings together everything you love about the program. For more than 21 years, Strength for Life has been helping South Australians stay active, feel strong, and connect with others. Our new website is designed to make it even easier for participants, providers, instructors, and health professionals to get involved.
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August instructor update training | |
Recently some of our Tier 2 instructors gathered for an update training session - these sessions are an important part of keeping Strength for Life strong, ensuring that participants experience high-quality, safe, and effective programs, no matter where they attend. A big thank you to all the instructors who attended and contributed their energy and expertise. Your passion and commitment are what make Strength for Life a program that truly changes lives. | |
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COTA SA’s research and engagement team, The Plug-in, recently facilitated a Forum in Victor Harbor, to hear what concerns are impacting people in the Fleurieu. It was wonderful to meet in person. We heard about the local challenges being faced in the local region such as access to health care, cost-of-living, transport and housing. The insights shared will help COTA SA to develop the election platform ahead of the 2026 state election. | |
COTA SA Election Platform:
Tell us what matters most to you. | |
With the South Australian election coming up in early 2026, COTA SA is committed to ensuring the voices of older people are reflected in election commitments and, the policies that will shape the services and supports available in the years ahead. We want to hear from you! There are a few ways for you to get involved:
Complete our surveyThere is still time to share your insights with us reflecting on your experiences of getting older in South Australia through our election platform survey. Thank you to those who have already taken the time to complete it. The preliminary findings from the survey suggest that cost-of-living remains a top concern amongst older South Australians. | |
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Join us at a workshop We are holding workshops in Northern and Southern metro Adelaide and invite you to register your interest by 9am on Monday 15 September to be involved. We will be discussing difficulties around access to healthcare, and cost-of-living challenges people are facing. | |
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Visit our stand at the Yorke Peninsula Field Day on Tuesday 30 September
COTA SA is headed to the YP Field Day in Paskeville on 30 September. We know that older people in regional areas have specific concerns different from those in metro Adelaide, and we are keen to ensure that we understand and can represent regional issues better. | |
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Introducing our IDOP Partners | |
Principal Partner Kalyra: | |
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Events such as our Ageing well in public (and private) life event could not go ahead without the support of our proud sponsors. We would like to introduce and thank our Principal Partner, Kalyra:
Kalyra is delighted to be the Principal Sponsor of COTA SA’s event, Ageing Well in public and private life. This event celebrates the International Day of Older Persons and is clearly aligned with Kalyra’s vision to enjoy life as you age. With 130 years of experience in award-winning care, Kalyra believes that independence is not about where you live, but how you live. It’s different here. | |
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Member exclusive: Ongoing learning opportunities | |
COTA SA is delighted to be partnering with WEA Adult Learning and Skills SA to provide our members with funded additional learning opportunities through WEA’s program of short courses. As well as developing new skills, lifelong learning can contribute to ageing well with benefits including promoting brain health, staying active and engaged and making new social connections. If you’ve been considering taking a course at WEA this could be the opportunity for you to take a fully subsidised course. | |
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Country SA PHN and Adelaide PHN networking afternoon | |
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Our Care Finders Intake Officer, Janette was pleased to join the over 40 South Australian care finders who came together in-person or online for Country SA PHN and Adelaide PHN’s regular networking afternoon. It was an opportunity to meet other Care Finders, to share insights and experiences and to engage with a representative from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Federal Government to immediately fund 20,000 more home care packages
Last week COTA SA welcomed the announcement that that Federal Government will immediately fund 20,000 more home care packages. We hope that this will reduce the wait time older South Australians are experiencing although we acknowledge there are other challenges in the aged care system that we hope will be resolved with the introduction of the Support at Home program later this year. | |
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How can we help you?
COTA SA has a dedicated Care Finders team available to older people living in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Contact us to talk to one of our Aged Care Navigators who will be able to assist you with navigating the aged care system. This is a free service developed to support vulnerable people – who have no one else who can support them – to navigate the aged care system. Even if you’re not eligible for the Care Finder service please do reach out and contact us – we’re still available to support you; we'll help as much as we can and point you in the right direction.
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Where we'll beOur community connect events team and staff are regularly out and about at expos and events. If you're in the area, please come and say hi!
What: Yorke Peninsula Field Day
When: Tuesday 30 September
Where: Paskeville
What: Ageing Well Expo
When: Wednesday 1 October, 9:30am - 1pm
Where: City of Onkaparinga – Woodcroft Library, 175 Bains Road, Morphett Vale
What: Carers Expo
When: Thursday 2 October, 10am - 2:30pm
Where: Lightsview Community & Sports Centre, 244-270 East Parkway, Lightsview
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Rainbow Hub SA monthly lunch
A monthly lunch for members of the LGBTI+ community over 50. You can now book directly with Rainbow Hub SA for their monthly lunches.
When: 12noon - 1:30pm, 25 September, 23 October and 27 November Where: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide
Booking: https://rainbowhubsa.com/connect/ or call 0487 033 684. It really helps the venue plan for catering. If you're new there will be someone to welcome you. | |
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Pride at Country Markets - Port Pirie Rainbow Hub SA is looking forward to being at the Port Pirie market Sunday 14 September. Say hello if you’re in the area or spread the word to other locals. If you’re interested in connecting in Port Pirie the night before the market to hear more about Rainbow Hub SA’s work, email info@rainbowhubsa.com for venue details.
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Centennial Park Planning Seminar | |
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COTA SA Supporter, Centennial Park invites you to join them to talk about the power of planning and how it can bring more joy to life! From mapping out careers to creating cherished memories, we're experts at planning for the big moments. So why not also plan for our end-of-life journey? Join them for a free conversation over coffee, where they'll discuss the benefits of end-of-life planning, with a focus on the legal aspects and things to consider for your final farewell.
Where: Centennial Park
When: Thursday 25 September, 4pm
Register: Via the link below
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Government House Lunch on the Lawns | |
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Lunch on the Lawns is back! COTA SA Patrons, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and her husband, Mr. Rod Bunten invite members of the public to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the beautiful gardens of Government House. These free events, no booking necessary, run monthly from September 2025 to May 2026; bring your picnic lunch, spread out a rug and enjoy the surroundings, while listening to a community band or orchestra. The next event is Friday 3 October 2025. Free Garden Tours are also available on these days - registrations required for the garden tours only.
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Capri giveaway: School Holiday Movies | |
Win a family pass!
Come and enjoy School Holiday Movies at Goodwood's Iconic Capri Theatre!
Thanks to the Capri Theatre we have a family pass (2 adults & 2 kids or 1 x Adult & 3 kids) to give away to a movie/session of your choice at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood from 27 September - 12 October.
Movies Showing will be: Gabby’s DollHouse:The Movie, Kangaroo, The Bad Guys 2.
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If you don't win the family pass but you'd still like to go, they have a Scoopon offer available.
To win a double pass, click the button below and complete the form by 9am Monday 15 September. One entry will be randomly selected and we will email the winners on Monday 15 September. | |
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Let us know how we are doing | |
At COTA SA we always welcome your feedback so we can improve our services to you. If there's something you'd like us to know, please tell us using the button below. | |
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COTA SA acknowledges the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional custodians of the land our headquarters occupy. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal nations throughout South Australia. We honour Aboriginal peoples’ continuing connection to Country and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people. | |
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POSTAL ADDRESS
PO BOX 7024, Hutt Street SA 5000
STREET ADDRESS
Kaurna Country Level 1/85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
Office open to visitors Tues-Thurs 9am - 5pm, please call or email outwith these hours www.cotasa.org.au ABN 28 426 218 58
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COTA SA receives a commission from all insurance sales in South Australia. | |
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