
‘Through volunteering at COTA Victoria, I learn from others on the committee, and I also use my knowledge and skills as a nurse, academic and researcher to support, connect, engage and represent with and for the benefit of older Victorians.’
– Policy Development Committee member Helen Rawson
Do you understand some of the challenges facing older people in today’s society? Are you interested in public policy? Do you want to help COTA Victoria advance the rights, interests and futures of older Victorians?
COTA Victoria is looking for two new members to join our Policy Development Committee (PDC), a subcommittee of the COTA Victoria Board made up of up to nine older people with policy experience or subject matter expertise.
What the PDC does
The PDC was established to set the strategic direction for our policy and advocacy work. It:
- helps establish our policy priorities
- consults with older people to inform our policy work
- develops policy positions and advocacy strategies
- contributes to policy documents, including submissions
- represents COTA Victoria in government and community consultations
- gives guidance, feedback and support to our policy and advocacy team.
Because COTA Australia takes the lead on national advocacy, our focus is on issues that can be addressed at the state level.
Representing our diversity
The PDC needs to reflects the diversity of Victoria’s ageing population. We would particularly welcome interest from older people who are:
- First Nations (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
- from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds
- based in regional or rural Victoria
- gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex
- over the age of 80.
How to express interest
If you are interested in joining the PDC, simply complete and submit a copy of our expression of interest form by 15 April.
If you have any questions about the PDC or the expression of interest, contact our Policy Officer, Lauren Henley on (03) 9655 2140 or by email at lhenley@cotavic.org.au.