Melbourne, 17 May – COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) today recognise the contributions of Gerard Mansour, the Commissioner for Senior Victorians, as he steps down from the role after ten dedicated years of service.
Mr Mansour was appointed the Commissioner for Senior Victorians back in September 2013 and served over four terms. Among the Commissioner’s many achievements are the launch of the “Ageing Well in a Changing World” report in 2020, and being appointed the Deputy Chair of the Elder Abuse and Safeguarding Advisory Group and Chair for the Ministerial appointed Senior Victorians Advisory Group.
The Commissioner steps down today, 17 May, at the end of his current term.
“Gerard’s professionalism, dedication, and outstanding service excellence are without question a testament to the vital role he has played for a decade in our community,” said COTA Victoria & SRV CEO, Mr Chris Potaris.
“I consider the role Gerard has played within the Victorian community as being a vital conduit between community and government,” Mr Potaris continued.
“Older Victorians deserved a learned, experienced advocate and voice when liaising with, and informing government – and that’s exactly what they got!”
In addition to his role as Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Mr Mansour also acted as the Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, playing a key role in yearly events such as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which takes place on 15 June.
COTA Victoria and SRV wish to thank Mr Mansour for his tireless service and look forward to the appointment of a suitable successor to such an important function and role.
Mr Mansour encouraged older Victorians to follow Seniors Card Victoria and the Seniors Festival on Facebook or to visit Seniors Online Victoria in order to sign up for e-news updates ahead of the announcement of his successor.
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Further information
Steve Wright
Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: swright@cotavic.org.au
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a program of COTA Victoria and the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.
