Council on the Ageing Queensland

Council on the Ageing Queensland 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 polic

y 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.

Are you a Queensland man aged 65 or over?Your experience could help shape better support for older men.Council on the Ag...
21/08/2026

Are you a Queensland man aged 65 or over?

Your experience could help shape better support for older men.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is looking for older men from across Queensland to take part in the Reaching Older Men Earlier (ROME) project.
We would like to hear from men who have experienced things such as retirement, losing someone close, changes in health or independence, feeling less connected to others, or going through a difficult time. You do not need a mental health diagnosis or experience with formal support services to take part.

You choose what you are comfortable sharing, and you will be paid for your time, starting at $50 per hour. If you know an older man who may be interested, please share this opportunity with him or pass the link on.

Find out more and complete the Expression of Interest form:
https://mailchi.mp/cotaqld/rome

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Knowing the signs can help protect you.As part of Scams Awareness Week (24–28 ...
20/08/2026

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Knowing the signs can help protect you.
As part of Scams Awareness Week (24–28 August), Services Australia 's Scams Prevention and Engagement Team, in partnership with COTA Australia - for older Australians , is hosting a free webinar to help you stay one step ahead of scammers.

During the webinar you'll learn how to:
✔ Recognise common scam tactics
✔ Spot the warning signs
✔ Know what to do if you or someone you know is targeted.

You'll also have the opportunity to submit your questions when you register, with a live Q&A following the presentation.

Monday 24 August
12.00 pm – 1.00 pm (AEST)
Free to attend.

Register here: https://cota.org.au/project/scams-awareness-week-learn-the-signs-and-protect-yourself-free-webinar/

Did you know that sharing time across generations can make a real difference to how connected and supported older people...
20/08/2026

Did you know that sharing time across generations can make a real difference to how connected and supported older people feel?

In our latest Conversations on Aged Care video, Sherryn Davies from COTA Queensland chats with Lisa Bird (St John Queensland ) and Rachael Speechley (Meals on Wheels Queensland ) about Shared Smiles - a program bringing older people and younger generations together for meaningful shared experiences.

From reducing loneliness to building genuine community connections, hear how this simple idea is making a big impact for older people, volunteers and young people alike.

Watch the video on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/kCXIXOtvY5o

Did you notice?Sometimes, it's the small changes that tell the biggest story.Anne's story reminds us that the signs of a...
18/08/2026

Did you notice?
Sometimes, it's the small changes that tell the biggest story.

Anne's story reminds us that the signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people aren't always obvious. They can appear gradually, making them easy to overlook.
Learning to recognise these subtle signs is the first step towards helping someone who may need support and start a conversation.

Learn more about Anne's Story:
🔗 https://cotaqld.org.au/annesstory/

ABC News has reported on the barriers stopping older Australians from downsizing, even when they want to.The article sha...
18/08/2026

ABC News has reported on the barriers stopping older Australians from downsizing, even when they want to.

The article shares the story of 78-year-old Eleanor Shearing, who has spent four years trying to downsize from her Seaford home but can't find a smaller, one-level house in the community she loves. Experts point to stamp duty costs, pension rules, and a lack of suitable smaller homes being built in established neighbourhoods.

Why it matters
Most older people want to age in place - staying close to family, friends and the services they know. But when the right housing isn't available locally, people can be forced to choose between a home that no longer suits them, or leaving the community they've spent decades building.
Real choice means having options: to stay, downsize, or move - without unfair costs or a lack of housing getting in the way.

Quote: "I've been down here since 1971 … everything's familiar. The bus runs past my door. I've got a park across the road. The doctors are just across the park." - Eleanor Shearing

Read the full story:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-04/older-people-downsizing-barriers/106975436

“I would give anything to stay at home.”Audrey’s words, shared in ABC Four Corners’ The Waiting Game, are a powerful rem...
18/08/2026

“I would give anything to stay at home.”

Audrey’s words, shared in ABC Four Corners’ The Waiting Game, are a powerful reminder of what aged care reform means for the people at the centre of it. The program looks at the experiences of older Australians and families navigating the new Support at Home system, including delays in assessments and funding and concerns about how care needs are being determined.

For many older people, staying at home means independence, familiarity, connection and choice.

When support is delayed, the impact can be deeply personal. Older people deserve an aged care system that listens to their needs, respects their choices and supports them to live with dignity.

Read and watch via ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/the-waiting-game/107047564

Central Queensland – Don’t Miss Out! 🚨There’s still time to book your place at our free Banking Safely in a Digital Worl...
17/08/2026

Central Queensland – Don’t Miss Out! 🚨

There’s still time to book your place at our free Banking Safely in a Digital World workshops with COTA Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank.

Join us to learn practical ways to:

✔ Recognise the latest scam tactics
✔ Bank online safely and confidently
✔ Protect your personal and banking information
✔ Know what to do if something doesn’t feel right

Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to ask questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

📍 Wednesday 19 August – Gold Room, Rockhampton Art Gallery, Rockhampton
📍 Thursday 20 August – Maxine Brushe Meeting Room, Philip Street Precinct, Gladstone

Free to attend, but registrations are essential.

👉 Book your place today: https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-central-queensland

17/08/2026

Elder abuse happens in our communities.
Sometimes it's in the silence.

Some stories don't begin with a crisis. They begin with small moments that slowly become someone's new normal. Inspired by real experiences, Anne's Story encourages us to pause, listen and look a little closer.

Watch Anne's story and learn how recognising the subtle signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people can help make a difference.

Watch Anne's Story:https://cotaqld.org.au/annesstory/

Have you or someone you love experienced the move from hospital back home? Bond University's Lynnea Co-Design Research P...
14/08/2026

Have you or someone you love experienced the move from hospital back home?

Bond University's Lynnea Co-Design Research Project is inviting people from the Brisbane and Gold Coast area to take part in workshops looking at how we can make hospital-to-home transitions smoother, safer, and better supported for older Australians and people with disability.

They'd love to hear from:
🔹 People with lived experience of hospital-to-home transitions
🔹 Family members and informal carers
🔹 Health professionals, service providers and coordinators

Proposed workshop dates:
📅 Thursday, 1 October 2026
📅 Monday, 19 October 2026
📅 Friday, 13 November 2026

The Expression of Interest form asks about your availability, preferred date, participation format, location, travel and accessibility needs. Your response helps shape a workshop that actually works for you.

Expressions of Interest close Sunday, 13 September 2026.

Find out more or register your interest: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=YPKu_smCsEmVUOC3Auaza2fTkDLHKChNsiT3J8fNZL1UNjZWNExBVEk3U0ZVUVhRTkUyUzVSVVJXRy4u

Your experience could help shape better care for older Queenslanders in the future.

This project has ethics approval from Bond University (BUHREC Ref ).

What does "home" mean to you as you get older? Home isn't just four walls. It's the garden you've tended for 30 years, t...
13/08/2026

What does "home" mean to you as you get older?

Home isn't just four walls. It's the garden you've tended for 30 years, the street where the neighbours know your name, the kitchen where the grandkids do their homework.

This month we're thinking about housing and what it really means to older Queenslanders. We'd love to hear from you:
What does home mean to you? And what would make it easier to stay in the home you love as you get older?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your stories help shape the work we do advocating for older Queenslanders.

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

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