It’s somewhat daunting to think that we’re in March already — the first few months of this new year appeared to have flown past. This would invariably have a lot to do with the significant focus and volume of work my dedicated team and valued volunteers continue to put into improving who COTA Victoria (COTA Vic) and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) are, and the reason we exist!
We exist and are funded to serve older Victorians. We represent over 1.5 million people over the age of 50 in this state, and our strategic plan and outcomes-driven purpose continues to gain significant traction with key stakeholders within all tiers of government, the community, corporate, and like-minded community services organisations.
We’ve reached a point in our evolution where we’re taking a deep introspective look into who we are, what services we currently provide, what services we need to provide, and how being a member of ours will be seen as essential to support the work we do. We are inviting our members and supporters to participate in an important survey that poses these questions, and seeks honest, constructive feedback. This survey comes at a pivotal time as we’re about to launch our new membership services model, new membership categories, and increased benefits and services. The survey can be conducted by clicking here.
Preliminary information regarding the proposed changes, timelines, and process for the introduction of our totally new membership services model can be found here. While we’re not currently accepting new members, you can head here to sign up for updates on the process and be informed when that changes. As always, your support is highly valued and welcomed.
Our core objective continues to be the identification of issues that impact the lives of vulnerable, marginalised older people that seem to constantly fall through the gaps. Focussing on real world matters such as the cost of living, aged care reform, housing and homelessness, the growing prevalence of elder abuse, ageism, and many other serious issues facing older Victorians.
Health Justice Partnership Services within Seniors Rights Victoria
In the coming weeks, I look forward to formally announcing an imminent new partnership between SRV and a major health services provider for the provision of Health Justice Partnership services by lawyers at SRV.
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.
COTA Victoria responds to Exposure Draft for New Aged Care Act
A major milestone in the reform of the aged care system was reached in December 2023 with the release of an Exposure Draft for a new Aged Care Act – the main legislation that will govern all Commonwealth-funded aged care services across Australia.
An overarching feature of the new Act is to put older people’s rights and contemporary expectations of quality care at the centre of the regulatory framework across a more unified system. This reverses existing legislation, which is primarily focused on providers. Please read our full submission by clicking here.
Submission on the next stage of Victoria’s work to end family violence
One of our most recent submissions aims to address the critical issue of elder abuse within the context of family violence, drawing attention to the unique challenges and needs faced by older individuals. It acknowledges the Victorian Government’s efforts in combating family violence while emphasising the need for specialised focus on elder abuse.
While elder abuse shares commonalities with family violence, it is distinct in its dynamics and motivations. Elder abuse often arises from ageism and the exploitation of trust, diverging from the dominance, control and aggression seen in general family violence. Consequently, responses to elder abuse require tailored approaches, recognising its unique aspects such as the balanced gender distribution of perpetrators and the varying profile of perpetrators.
Please read our full submission here.
Warm Safe Home project raises elder abuse awareness – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024
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.
Special General Meeting (SGM) & new COTA Victoria Constitution
The COTA Victoria Constitution has undergone a holistic review and update since the current version was adopted in 2013. The comprehensive review and update has been made possible through the in-kind, pro bono support of a partner at Maddocks, a highly respected, and modern Australian law firm. We sincerely thank partner Ron Smooker for the in-kind, learned support he’s provided to us.
A special communique will be sent to members shortly, confirming the proposed date for the SGM in April, along with copies of the existing and new Constitution, as well as summaries of the proposed changes, and why they’re being implemented.
In conclusion
Thank you for your ongoing support, we are here to serve all older Victorians with focus, passion, dignity, and pride.
Sincerely,
Chris Potaris, CEO, COTA Victoria & Seniors Rights Victoria