COTA ACT

COTA ACT Get the latest information about policy, health and events affecting seniors in the ACT.

COTA ACT talks to Government, the media and the community about issues of direct concern to all older people in the ACT. We distribute submissions to government officials regularly on issues affecting older people. COTA ACT is an independent, non-political and non-religious organisation working to protect and promote the well-being, rights and interests of all older people in the ACT irrespective of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or cultural background.

Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on and strengthen the bonds between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous pe...
02/06/2026

Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on and strengthen the bonds between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

It’s a privilege for us to live and work alongside the Ngunnawal people as Traditional Custodians of this land. Their heritage and culture is all around us, from scar trees and grinding grooves to rock art and shelters and there’s always more we all learn from their rich and continuing history.

If you’d like to explore Country this week and discover more about Ngunnawal heritage, here are a few great places to start:

1. Yankee Hat rock art site – Namadgi National Park. UPDATE: Access to the Yankee Hat trailhead is closed until 12 June due to roadworks on Old Boboyan Road.
2. Hanging Rock – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
3. Namarag – Molonglo River Reserve
4. Wandarawari Track – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Please remember that these are significant cultural sites for the Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians. The Elders ask that you respectfully visit this place by staying on the marked track, taking only memories and leaving only footprints. 👣

➡️ Plan your Reconciliation Week adventure at https://www.parks.act.gov.au/find-a-nature-park
Images with courtesy of ACT Government / ACT Parks & Conservation

Reconciliation Day, Goodwin Aged Care Services communities reflected on the theme: All In. It’s a message that reminds u...
02/06/2026

Reconciliation Day, Goodwin Aged Care Services communities reflected on the theme: All In. It’s a message that reminds us that reconciliation is a shared journey which calls on all Australians to step forward, listen, and learn every single day.

At Goodwin Village Farrer, their residents and team spent the day doing exactly that by coming together for an incredible Aboriginal art workshop run by the talented team at Burrunju Art Gallery.

From painting beautiful canvases to crafting traditional First Nations bracelets, they love finding hands-on ways to connect with and learn about Indigenous history and culture together.

Dark comedy meets existential collapse in Exit the King. Queens, a dying king, a collapsing world, and one of the great ...
02/06/2026

Dark comedy meets existential collapse in Exit the King. Queens, a dying king, a collapsing world, and one of the great plays of all time - intimate, theatrical, and painfully human at The Mill Theatre.

Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco Produced & Directed by Jack Spahr
Previews: 3-5 September 2026
Show: 9-19 September 2026
$50 tickets, $40 concession, $35 previews
7:30pm Wednesdays - Saturdays, 2:30pm Saturdays
www.milltheatreatdairyroad.com

ABOUT USCouncil on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) is a local organisation working to improve the lives of older people in the...
31/05/2026

ABOUT US

Council on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) is a local organisation working to improve the lives of older people in the Canberra community. We work with older people, their families and friends, community organisations, business and government to identify gaps and implement services and programs to encourage older people to participate in the community and contribute to their fullest.

COTA ACT is part of the national federation of COTA’s, which has representation in every state and territory and work with national body COTA Australia in policy development, advocacy and representation for older Australians at a federal level. ​
Image COTA ACT

Brighten your garden this winter!The City Renewal Authority’s FREE plant giveaway is on and they need your help to rehom...
31/05/2026

Brighten your garden this winter!

The City Renewal Authority’s FREE plant giveaway is on and they need your help to rehome their plants. These plants beautify and enrich the city’s public places, and every 6 weeks they refresh them according to the season.

To see which plants are up for grabs, head to https://www.inthecity.com.au/plant-giveaway

Save the date Wednesday, 3 June 2026, 11:30am until 1:00pm, or until they’re all gone!Ainslie Pl, City Walk - directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9zMaWvMVvoToBQ9Z8
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Experience the difference that nature can make! Be curious, learn and relax. Be part of the NatureArt Lab - Art Classes ...
27/05/2026

Experience the difference that nature can make!

Be curious, learn and relax. Be part of the NatureArt Lab - Art Classes community of like-minded people. Expand your creativity and discover your full potential through their award-winning art school.

Their art classes are located in Canberra at M16 Artspace plus online - and they have programs that can take you anywhere with their Australian and international immersive art nature tours.

Nature photography
Art workshops
Community programs
Nature journalling
Bird watching
Nature walks
Nature tours
And more!

They believe that when people engage nature through art, it fosters a deep connection of custodianship to country and care for nature. Contact the team to learn more NatureArt Lab www.natureartlab.com.au
Image with citing

🌿 If you’ve visited the Arboretum, there’s a good chance you’ve met Trish. A standout volunteer with a remarkable breadt...
27/05/2026

🌿 If you’ve visited the Arboretum, there’s a good chance you’ve met Trish. A standout volunteer with a remarkable breadth of contributions, Trish has supported everything from standing at the front gate with a donations bucket before we officially opened, to planting trees and guiding visitors. She also served as Chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra, followed by 10 years of dedicated volunteering in seat sponsorship.

🟢 What inspired you to start volunteering with us?

I had a friend who was very involved in the Arboretum when it first began, she told me that I should join as a Volunteer and I have never looked back.

🟢 What skills or experiences have you gained that you didn’t expect?

I have had some amazing experiences and been involved in so many areas of the Arboretum. I went on a fundraising trip to Singapore with the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra, I also hold a bus license through one of my Volunteering roles, which I didn’t ever think I would do.

🟢 If you could describe volunteering at the Arboretum in three words, what would they be?

A few more than three - commitment, culture, contribution, camaraderie, conversation, community.

🟢 What’s your favourite part of volunteering?

There is not one part that I can put above anything else. I love it all.
I love sitting in my office (the Village Centre) looking out at the roses, seeing my friends which include the Arboretum, Café and Curatoreum staff.
Every year and every season is special, all Volunteers at the Arboretum have copious amounts of goodwill and good humour.

🌿 Feeling inspired? This is “Your Year to Volunteer”. Learn more at: https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/support-us/volunteer
Image with courtesy of

On April 22, pre budget, the Health Minister Mark Butler revealed sweeping changes to the Private Health Insurance (PHI)...
27/05/2026

On April 22, pre budget, the Health Minister Mark Butler revealed sweeping changes to the Private Health Insurance (PHI) rebate for older Australians during a speech at the National Press Club

Older Australians are concerned about the federal government plan to reduce private health insurance rebates for over-65s.

While the government argues the move is about fairness between generations, advocates fear it will lead to increased pressure on the public hospital system.

COTA Australia has been advocating on the short-sighted nature of the reform and is talking to politicians, the Department and other stakeholders about this issue. We have heard from many of you about this and will continue our advocacy.

Read disability pensioner Denise Peters’ story and the impact this decision will have on her quality of life, like so many: Read here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-18/aged-care-government-private-health-rebates/106684476

Read our Policy Alert here; https://cota.org.au/report/policy-alert-federal-budget-2026/
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Image & text with courtesy of COTA Australia

Hey anglers! Keep an eye out for new tackle bins and info signs at some of your favourite fishing spots. The bright gre...
27/05/2026

Hey anglers!

Keep an eye out for new tackle bins and info signs at some of your favourite fishing spots.

The bright green bins are here for your unwanted fishing line, hooks, lures, sinkers, swivels, and rinsed bait packaging. You’ll find them along the Molonglo River and around Lake Burley Griffin.

The new signs are your quick and easy guide for fishing zones, recreational fish species (including legal lengths, bag limits, and fishing seasons), protected species and fishing rules. You’ll find them along the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee Rivers, including the Cotter recreational precinct.

Thanks to the Molonglo Conservation Group, OzFish Unlimited and the National Capital Authority for making this project possible.

To learn more about recreational fishing in the ACT, visit https://www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/animals/wildlife-management/fish/recreational-fishing-in-the-act
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In our previous newsletter, we shared some information on managing leaf disposal and ordering green garden waste bins. ...
26/05/2026

In our previous newsletter, we shared some information on managing leaf disposal and ordering green garden waste bins.

We would like to clarify an important detail regarding the costs associated with green garden waste bins.

Green garden waste bins are optional and for a fee. Fees are outlined below:

First green garden waste bin
You can order your first green garden waste bin for a one-off registration fee.

The one-off registration fee is waived if you hold an ACTION Gold Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or ACT Seniors Card.

Second green garden waste bin
Second green garden waste bins are available for a one-off registration fee and an annual service fee.

If you hold an ACTION Gold Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, Centreline Pensioner Concession Card or ACT Seniors Card, the one-off registration fee is waived.
The annual service fee applies for this bin.

If you have already requested an additional bin following the newsletter sent yesterday and this is your second green garden waste bin, please note that the annual service fee will be applied.

www.cityservices.act.gov.au

Address

2 Wisdom Street
Hughes, ACT

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+61262823777

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