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Council on the Ageing Queensland

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Council on the Ageing Queensland

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Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is the peak body representing older people in Queensland. By participating on this page, you agree to these guidelines.

We work with and for older Queenslanders to amplify lived experience, influence policy and support ageing well across the state. Since 1957, we have been a champion for seniors, advocating for policies and services that improve their quality of life. As Queensland’s population ages, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland plays a vital role in ensuring the voices of older people are heard in policy development and community conversations. Through advocacy, education, and practical support, we empower older Queenslanders to live with dignity, independence, and purpose. We also deliver programs that help older people stay informed, maintain independence, and access services that enhance their lives. We engage directly with seniors through forums, workshops, and focus groups to understand their real-life experiences. This grassroots feedback informs our policy efforts and drives positive change. Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland works closely with government, community groups, and businesses to promote the interests of older people across the state. Our leadership, including Chair Jean McRuvie and CEO Darren Young, supports a dynamic team of dedicated staff who are working to build a better future for all Queenslanders as we age. In a rapidly changing world, COTA Queensland remains the consistent and trusted voice for older people. Through advocacy, education, services and our community networks, our organisation is making a real difference to the lives of Queensland’s seniors. Community guidelines
We welcome respectful conversation and value diverse perspectives. This page is moderated to ensure it remains a safe and constructive space for everyone. We may remove comments that:
Are abusive, threatening or discriminatory
Contain hate speech, harassment or personal attacks
Share misinformation or misleading claims
Include spam, promotions or repeated posts
Disclose personal or sensitive information about yourself or others
Comments that raise concerns or personal experiences are welcome, but this page is not monitored 24/7 and is not able to provide crisis support or individual advice. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact appropriate services or emergency assistance.

30/10/2026

What matters to you as you get older?
Conversation with the Chair is coming to Toowoomba!

Come along for morning tea and share what’s working, what isn’t and what needs to change.
Your experiences and ideas will help shape Council on the Ageing Queensland’s policy and advocacy priorities. You might want to talk about housing, cost of living, health care, transport, accessing services, staying connected, using technology or something completely different. This is your chance to tell us what life is really like for you and what could make it better.

📍 Highfields Library, 32 O'Brien Road, Highfields
📅 Wednesday 2 December 2026
🕥 Registration from 10.30am, conversation starts at 10.45am

Everyone is welcome, and attendance is free.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/conversations-with-the-chair-toowoomba

Other sessions will occur throughout the State during 2027.

28/10/2026

Need health advice but not sure who to call?

Did you know you can speak to a registered nurse for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? 1800MEDICARE provides health advice over the phone, including after hours, when you're unsure what to do about a non-emergency health concern. More than one million Australians have already used the service, including over 31,000 callers from Queensland.

Whether you're concerned about a new symptom or unsure if you need medical attention, a registered nurse can help you understand your next steps.
📞 Call 1800 633 422
💙 Save the number in your phone or share it with someone who might find it useful.

For life-threatening emergencies, always call Triple Zero (000).
Learn more by clicking the link in our bio.

28/10/2026

Need health advice but not sure who to call?

Did you know you can speak to a registered nurse for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?1800MEDICARE provides health advice over the phone, including after hours, when you're unsure what to do about a non-emergency health concern. More than one million Australians have already used the service, including over 31,000 callers from Queensland.

Whether you're concerned about a new symptom or unsure if you need medical attention, a registered nurse can help you understand your next steps.
📞 Call 1800 633 422
💙 Save the number in your phone or share it with someone who might find it useful.

For life-threatening emergencies, always call Triple Zero (000).

Learn more: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/more-than-one-million-australians-access-free-health-advice-through-1800medicare

27/10/2026

Did you notice?
Sometimes, noticing is just the beginning.

In Wiremu's Story, an everyday interaction makes him wonder if something isn't quite right.
Someone else answers for the older person. They seem unsure about speaking. They quietly question where their money is going.
You don't need to have all the answers. If something doesn't seem right, taking a moment to check in, listen and see if they're okay can be a first step.

Learn more about Wiremu's Story and the signs to notice: https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/wiremusstory/

27/10/2026

Being spoken over. Having an idea dismissed. Hearing “you’re too old for that”. Ageism can show up in everyday conversations, at work, in services and in our communities. Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes it’s so familiar that it goes unquestioned. COTA Queensland wants to hear about your experiences and views, including the words people use about ageing and what needs to change.

Our Ageism Survey will help inform our advocacy, resources and community awareness work in 2027. The survey is anonymous, and all questions are optional. You don’t need to have experienced ageism to share your views. The survey can take anywhere from 15-30 mins.

Have your say by Monday 18 January:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BK8TPWL

Please share this with someone who might like to have their say.

26/10/2026

Elder abuse happens in our communities.
Sometimes, it starts with noticing.

Wiremu works at his local post office. He knows the regulars. The familiar faces. The everyday routines. But sometimes, something in an ordinary interaction doesn't feel quite right. Inspired by real experiences, Wiremu's Story is part of COTA Queensland's A Time to Listen campaign. His story reminds us that we can all play a role in looking out for the older people in our communities.

Sometimes, simply noticing can be the beginning of something important.

Watch Wiremu's Story: https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/wiremusstory/

24/10/2026

It’s Grandparents Day!

Today we connect and celebrate grandparents, grandparent figures and the many different relationships that bring generations together. Every relationship has its own story. Some are shaped through everyday moments, others across distance.

Grandparents can be carers, mentors, storytellers, supporters, friends, or a little bit of everything. Whatever the relationship looks like, today is a chance to celebrate the connection, experiences, laughter and moments shared across generations.

Happy Grandparents Day!

Read our latest blog exploring the many names we give grandparents, the stories behind them and the connections they represent. A special thank you to Grandparent Advocate Slawka Bell, who helped bring this story to life.

https://cotaqld.org.au/grandparents-names-stories-connections/

22/10/2026

ABC News has reported that almost 80,000 older Australians could drop their private health insurance by 2030 under proposed changes to government rebates.

New federal health department analysis estimates that around 78,000 Australians aged 65 and over could leave private health insurance by the end of the decade if the proposed changes proceed.
The proposal would reduce additional private health insurance rebates for people aged 65 and over, with the Australian Government planning to redirect approximately $3 billion in savings towards aged care. The ABC also reports that more than 3.2 million older Australians would be affected by the changes, including around 2 million living on less than $37,000 a year.

Why it matters
For many older Australians, private health insurance is already a significant household expense.
Changes to rebates raise important questions about affordability, access to healthcare and the choices available to older people, particularly those on fixed or lower incomes. While the proposed savings would support aged care services, it's important to understand how the changes could affect older people and the broader health system.

Read the full ABC News story:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-12/private-health-insurance-changes-older-australians-dump-cover/107255436

Take action
COTA Australia is calling for fairer private health insurance for older Australians, including protecting age-based rebates, improving transparency around costs and ensuring better value for consumers.
If you share these concerns, you can add your voice by signing COTA Australia's petition.
Read and sign the petition:
https://cota.org.au/project/fix-private-health-insurance-for-older-australians/

22/10/2026

Helping older Queenslanders navigate aged care

Our Aged Care Navigation team in Cairns recently visited Hambledon House Community Centre in Edmonton, connecting with around 40–50 older community members. The team shared information about current aged care reforms, how to access services and where to find support when navigating the aged care system. It was a great opportunity to answer questions, share information and hear from older people about their experiences.

A big thank you to Hambledon House for welcoming our team and everyone who came along and joined the conversation! Learn more about COTA Queensland's Aged Care Navigation service in Cairns: https://cotaqld.org.au/aged-care-navigation/

22/10/2026

With heavy rain and flooding affecting parts of Queensland, it's a good time to check that you know where to find the latest warnings and advice. The Bureau of Meteorology has a free Flood Knowledge Centre to help you understand:

💧 The different types of flooding and how they happen.
💧 What Flood Watches and Flood Warnings mean.
💧 How to prepare and stay informed.

It's also a good time to check in with family, friends and neighbours, particularly anyone who may need a little extra support during severe weather.

Remember, if it's flooded, forget it. Never drive or walk through floodwater.
Explore the Flood Knowledge Centre:
https://www.bom.gov.au/resources/learn-and-explore/flood-knowledge-centre
For current weather warnings, visit https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
For emergency flood and storm assistance, call the SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

Address

10 Market Street, Level 6
Brisbane, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61733162999

Website

https://www.cotaqld.org.au/, https://cotaqld.org.au/get-involved/

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