I hope our members and broader community of older people in our state had a wonderful Easter break. It’s always important to spend time with our loved ones, family, and friends where possible, and I sincerely hope you had that opportunity.
These are difficult and challenging times for older Victorians; every chance we can get to catch our breath is highly valued.
Our journey
As we enter the fourth and final quarter of our financial year, April to June, I reflect on the significant number of achievements, competing priorities, challenges, and other matters that my team and I have realised, come across, faced, and focussed on since July 2023. Historically, this time of year represents a seemingly mad rush towards completing some of the funded programs that may be coming to an end, or to review these and other programs and services that we can improve on, noting the absolute priority of listening to all segments of older people we represent, either as formal members, or members of our community.
COTA Victoria (COTA Vic) and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) have come a long way over the past 22 months since I commenced my tenure and continue to make significant strides towards our genuine vision of representing the best interests and legal rights of over 1.5 million people over the age of 50 in this state. We do however have quite a way to go to be the world-class peak bodies we aspire to being, as scripted in our summary Strategic Plan.
Membership
I’ve paid particular attention to the results of a state-wide survey we conducted last month with the help of the members, supporters, and friends of COTA Vic and SRV, reading every comment and suggestion, whether positive or not. In general, I’m very pleased with the genuine, constructive, and helpful feedback received, the majority of which is very positive. Importantly, the survey has helped inform the significant volume of work and communications we’ve been preparing in the background, in the lead up to the adoption of our proposed new Constitution on 18 April 2024 at our Special General Meeting. Listening to our members and to older people is the absolute priority for me and my team moving forward, we can and will do better!
We recently advised our members that there are profound changes to our membership services, benefits, and membership categories imminent. One of the distinct focal points for the COTA Victoria Membership Services Framework is the introduction of free individual membership for every older Victorian. We recognise that the cost of living has dramatically increased in the past year, and don’t overlook the importance a saving of a membership fee can be to a COTA Victoria member. More information of the proposed process and changes can be accessed here.
Special General Meeting
A Special General Meeting (SGM) of the members of our Association will be held at our offices at Level 2, 424 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004 and online via Zoom on 18 April 2024. It’s very important that as many members can attend in-person, or via Zoom.
Please find all the necessary information, including the full Information Pack here. I look forward to seeing as many of our valued members as possible at this important SGM.
Request for urgent investment into Australian Community Legal Centres
SRV has joined Community Legal Centres Australia in advocating for immediate investment in the 2024/25 Federal Budget. Community legal centres are at breaking point. Funding shortages and overwhelming demand are forcing centres to turn away over 200,000 people each year, reduce service offerings, and cancel local outreach services and clinics. Frontline workers are suffering high rates of vicarious trauma and burnout.
To assist this important cause, SRV asks its supporters to join in on a letter writing campaign raising awareness of the dire situation faced by community legal centres throughout the country. We’ve created letter templates that can be sent to federal representatives, bundling these asks and detailing the challenges it faces as a specialised community legal centre here. Please help us get this urgent message to the Federal Government!
Updates to COTA Vic & SRV websites
We’ve recently undertaken some aesthetic and navigation-based improvements to the COTA Vic website. These changes should aid in navigating through our services and provision of key information.
I’m pleased to announce that there are also significant changes pending to the SRV website; these changes and other key information relating to SRV will be communicated over the coming months. There are some exciting times ahead regarding SRV and I look forward to sharing them with you all.
Warm Safe Home project raises Elder Abuse Awareness – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024
As I mentioned in last month’s message, older people should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse. In elder abuse situations however, the home can become a place of peril and threat, because of the actions of family or relatives. The Warm Safe Home Project uses art making to start conversations to spread the message that everyone has the right to leave free from violence and fear in their homes.
We will launch this flagship event on 13 June at the Melbourne Town Hall, inviting key representatives from the State Government, partnering organisations, project participants, and members of the public. For more information about this key event, as well as our media release, please click here.
Draft decision on the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) by the Essential Services Commission (ESC)
We welcomed the draft decision on the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), and the potential impact of its proposed price decrease for older Victorians. However, while the VDO is not meant to be the best available price to consumers, more needs to be done to ensure older people can access cheaper energy. Please read our full submission here.
Submission to 2024 Progress Report on Implementation of Royal Commission Recommendations
We have provided input to the Inspector General for Aged Care’s next Progress Report on Implementation of Royal Commission on Aged Care Recommendations. This review focuses on service access and navigation, as well as considering overall progress and the effectiveness of reforms in meeting the needs of diverse communities.
Our submission outlines the early implementation of the Care Finder program, based on COTA Victoria’s direct experience as a provider of this program, and liaison with several other statewide peak bodies. While seeing positive results for our Care Finder clients, we raise several concerns about the scope and provider mix for the program and highlight areas for improvement. Please read our full submission here.
Health Justice Partnership Services within Seniors Rights Victoria
The formal announcement of a new partnership between SRV and a major health services provider for the provision of Health Justice Partnership services by lawyers at SRV should be made sometime this month. The proposed partnership will combine the legal expertise of SRV with the healthcare resources of this large health care provider.
The primary and allied health service provider has been operating throughout the southeastern suburbs for over 50 years. Working with them will expose SRV to more vulnerable older local residents who require information, support, or legal advice.
In conclusion
There is so much more information I’ll be sharing with you all next month, information that relates to the systems, processes, and plans we’re putting in place currently to ensure we continue to be the leading peak bodies representing the interests, opportunities, and legal rights for all Victorians aged over 50.
I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to what lies ahead for us all.
Sincerely,
Chris Potaris, CEO, COTA Victoria & Seniors Rights Victoria