Council on the Ageing Queensland

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

ABC News has featured Andrew Denton's National Press Club address, reflecting on a decade of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) reform in Australia.
Denton, founder of Go Gentle Australia, discusses the progress made since VAD laws were introduced and the challenges that remain in ensuring people can access these services. His address explores barriers to access, including in regional communities and aged care settings, and raises questions about what comes next.

Why it matters
Voluntary assisted dying is a complex and deeply personal issue, involving questions of choice, access, safeguards and end-of-life care.
As VAD continues to be discussed and reviewed across Australia, it's important that the experiences and perspectives of older people, families, carers and support people are part of the conversation.

From the address
Andrew Denton reflects on the progress of VAD reform and the ongoing challenges of turning legal access into practical access.
Watch the full address:
https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NC2611C037S00

We also want to hear from you: COTA Queensland is inviting community members, families, carers and support people to share their views and experiences of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland.
Our anonymous survey is open until Wednesday 4 November.
Have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M27CJ3Y

15/10/2026

How well do you understand your personal heat risk?
With Queensland's warmer weather approaching, knowing how heat can affect you and what you can do to stay cool is important. Researchers at Griffith University are inviting older Australians to test a new tool called MyHeatRisk Profile. The tool helps people understand their personal heat risk and offers practical suggestions for staying safe during hot weather.

By trying the tool and sharing your feedback, you can help researchers improve
Research opportunity details:
🔹 Researcher: Griffith University
🔹 Who can take part: People aged 65+ living in Australia with access to a smartphone, tablet or computer.
🔹 Time involved: Approximately 30–45 minutes.
🔹 What's involved: Register your interest, try the tool and share your feedback.
Participants who complete the testing can enter a draw to win one of five $100 vouchers.

Interested in taking part?
Register by filling in this form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=q8h8Wtykm0-_YGZxQEmtYj8zy9hzAV1DnFc1eNbh_mhUNDJVQkhHR0hEOVNIQTQ0QzlXRUpQRFNGRS4u or email [email protected] for more information.

14/10/2026

Queensland's warmer weather is on its way!
We are used to hot days in Queensland, but extreme heat and heatwaves can affect our health, especially when temperatures stay high overnight. With warmer months ahead, now is a good time to think about how you will stay cool and comfortable.

A few simple things can help:
💧 Keep hydrated. Drink water regularly throughout the day.
🏠 Keep your home cool. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
🌳 Plan around the heat. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours and find a cool place to spend time.
🤝 Check in with others. A quick call or visit to family, friends or neighbours can make a difference.
It's also important to recognise the signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headaches, nausea and confusion.

A little preparation now can make a difference when temperatures rise.
Queensland Health has practical advice and resources to help you prepare and stay safe.
Find out more: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/heatsafe

14/10/2026

Nan, Pop, Nonna, Opa, Abuela, Grandma, Grandad, and many more. 💙
There are many names for grandparents, and just as many ways grandparent relationships can look. Across families, cultures and communities, these relationships can bring connection, care, laughter, learning and a sense of belonging. In the lead up to Grandparents Day on 25 October, we’re celebrating the people behind the names, the many different relationships across generations, and the connections that matter.

What do your grandkids call you?

14/10/2026

New grants to support positive ageing and elder abuse awareness!
The Queensland Government 's Positive Ageing and Elder Abuse Awareness Grants are now open!

Funding is available for community projects that challenge ageism, raise awareness of elder abuse and help create more age-friendly communities.
Two funding streams are available:
💙 Up to $15,000 for local community projects.
💙 Up to $50,000 for statewide projects.
Have an idea that could make a difference in your community?
Applications close 30 November 2026.

Find out more and apply:
https://www.qld.gov.au/positive-ageing-elder-abuse-grants

14/10/2026

When older people share their stories, great conversations can happen! 💙

This Queensland Seniors Month, come along to Seniors Speak, a community celebration in Acacia Ridge bringing the experiences and stories of older people to life through interactive theatre.
Through the Seniors Speak project, older Brisbane residents have come together to share experiences, connect and explore what matters in their community. Now they're inviting everyone to be part of the conversation!

The event features forum theatre, where real-life situations are performed and audience members can share ideas, explore different perspectives and help shape how the story unfolds.
It's a chance to listen, connect and enjoy a relaxed morning with music and food.
📅 Friday 30 October 2026
🕙 10am – 1pm
📍 Acacia Ridge Over 50's Community Centre
29 Chardean Street, Acacia Ridge
Everyone is welcome, and no registration is needed. Come on your own or bring a friend!
The event is supported by Brisbane City Council in partnership with Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble and Inala Community House.

Our next Forum Theatre project - Seniors Speak!

Seniors Speak has been shaped by what older people have shared about their experiences, challenges and hopes for their community. The project is open to everyone, with a focus on older people (50+) and the experiences, ideas and perspectives they bring. No acting or theatre experience needed.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more -

Information Session -
🌟Friday 25 September
🌟9:30am – 11:30am
🌟Acacia Ridge Over 50’s Community Centre, 29 Chardean St, Acacia Ridge

Keen to know more but can't make the Information Session? Email Liliana at [email protected]

This project is delivered in partnership with Inala Community House and Brisbane City Council.

11/10/2026

Elder abuse happens in our communities.
Sometimes, it’s the system.

Sharon wanted to do the right thing. When her neighbour moved into aged care, he trusted her to look out for him. Then bills started arriving that didn’t make sense. Sharon asked questions. And kept asking. Inspired by real experiences, Sharon’s Story is part of COTA Queensland’s A Time to Listen campaign. Abuse and mistreatment of older people isn’t always about the actions of a family member or someone close to them. It can also happen within the systems and services older people rely on.

Watch Sharon’s Story:
https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/sharonsstory/

09/10/2026

Send a message to learn more

08/10/2026

Ageing is different for everyone. So why do we keep making assumptions?

Today is World Ageism Awareness Day, a reminder that the words we use, the attitudes we hold and the assumptions we make can shape how people experience ageing. Ageism isn't always obvious. It can appear in everyday conversations, the way older people are represented, or decisions made without their voices being heard.

At COTA QLD, we believe it's time to change the conversation around ageing. And we want older Queenslanders to help shape it. Next week, COTA QLD is launching a survey to hear directly from Queenslanders about their experiences of ageism, the assumptions they've encountered and what respect for people of all ages looks like to them.

Your voice can help shape what comes next. Want to be among the first to have your say? Sign up to our newsletter and we'll share the survey when it launches next week.

https://cotaqld.org.au/stay-informed/