Ipswich 60 and Better Program

13/04/2026

We’re hearing increasing concerns about how aged care assessments are working in practice.

As a consumer peak, we regularly hear directly from older people and those supporting them about their experiences navigating the aged care system. Recent discussion has focused on the use of algorithms in aged care assessments, with national reporting highlighting more than 800 cases of concern. Through our Aged Care Navigation work (Care Finders) in Cairns, we are seeing some of the practical implications firsthand.

Older people with complex needs don’t always fit neatly into structured assessment frameworks.
This reinforces an important point.
These tools should support professional judgement, not replace it.

Some key considerations in this space include:

• Ensuring experienced assessors can apply judgement, including overriding system outputs where needed
• Strong safeguards for people with complex or changing needs
• Clear, accessible pathways to review and challenge decisions
• Ongoing monitoring, informed by older people and frontline experience

Ultimately, the goal is simple.
To ensure older people receive care that genuinely reflects their circumstances.

24/03/2026

Connection matters more than we sometimes realise.

In the COTA Queensland Pulse Survey, 32% of older Queenslanders said they were feeling lonely.
That’s nearly one in three people.

Loneliness isn’t always visible.
And even small moments of connection can make a difference.
A conversation.
A familiar face.
Feeling part of something.

The Pulse Survey helps share what older Queenslanders are experiencing - and why connection, community and belonging matter.

What helps you feel connected?

Discover more insights:
🔗 https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/q9afcpvsis

24/03/2026

We want - no, WE NEED your feedback! Come down to the house from Monday 23rd March until Thursday 2nd April and fill in the Neighbourhood Centre Experience Survey!

Whether you are a Visitor or a volunteer, your feedback is important and can help make a real difference!

The survey will take a few minutes, and we will be here to assist you accessing it through your own device, our community computer or tablet.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.

23/03/2026

23/03/2026

Connection matters.

In our latest Pulse Survey, social connection was the strongest wellbeing area reported by older Queenslanders. Relationships with family, friends and community continue to play a vital role in how people experience ageing.

But connection looks different for everyone, and understanding those experiences helps shape better policies, services and communities.

Do you agree that connection plays an important role in ageing well?

Read more from the Pulse Survey:
https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/jtmmvtmgmj

23/03/2026

COTA Australia has welcomed the latest increase to the Age Pension, saying it will provide some relief for older Australians facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

18/03/2026

Public transport affordability matters for older Queenslanders

COTA Queensland has responded to the Queensland Parliament’s inquiry into the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes that the community receive 28 days’ notice before any future public transport fare increases.
Affordable and accessible transport helps older people stay connected to services, community and everyday life. In our response, we emphasised the importance of clear communication and meaningful community consultation if any fare changes occur in the future.
Read more about our response on the website:
🔗 https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/xhqmqwyhmz


We’d love to hear from you: Have the 50-cent public transport fares changed how often you use buses, trains or ferries?

18/03/2026

18/03/2026

“I was diagnosed early. I find this an advantage, because that allowed me to do what I did to get what I called my ‘Active Dying Plan’ out of the way. And now I’m on my ‘Active Living Plan’ and my adventure with dementia.”

Pam, who lives with a type of dementia called primary progressive aphasia, shares her experience of advance care planning.

Pam said thinking ahead and putting things in place now was something she wanted to embrace.

“Getting my active dying plan together is the only thing I can give my loved ones in the end. I can help them by ensuring they don’t have to worry about making plans or thinking what I would want.”

This week is National Advance Care Planning Week and is an opportunity to think about putting plans in place and ensuring your healthcare choices are heard.

Advance Care Planning has a number of resources and webinars available to mark the week: www.advancecareplanning.org.au/news-and-events/latest-news/acp-week-toolkit-free-education-webinars-and-resources

To find out more about advance care planning and support available, please contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat and email.

You can also listen to more of Pam’s story in season one of our Hold the Moment podcast avaliable on Apple, Spotify, other podcast streeming platforms or via our website: https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/hold-moment-podcast/episode-future-planning

18/03/2026

A request has been made to Lisa’s Lunches by Ipswich Hospital for blankets to comfort veterans in their final days.

If you can help us with this request please contact us at :
[email protected]

18/03/2026

The Social group has organised a trip to Mt Coo-tha, to have a wander around the botanic garden and then head up to the top for something to eat...and enjoy the view.
There is a small bus booked and currently have some spaces left. ( $10 contribution towards the bus. Plus bring money for lunch. )
Bookings essential!!!! CALL THE OFFICE on 32828644 (Tuesday the 24th at the latest).
Date 26th March.
Pick up from the Riverview and District Community Centre. 138 Old Ipswich Road Riverview at 9 am. To return by 2.30pm.
There are a few seats left.
( photos for attention. Walking group at Elderflower Cafe at Christmas) 🌳🏞️🌴🎉👍😊