What We Do
What We Do
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.
How we do it
COTA ACT provides a range of free services to COTA members and the Canberra community. Visit Get Involved to find out more about becoming a member of COTA ACT.
You can find out more about our services in Services and Events or by calling 6282 3777.
- Seniors information service
COTA staff and volunteers provide advice and referrals to individuals on a wide range of issues
- ACT Seniors Card scheme
We administer the ACT Seniors Card scheme on behalf of the ACT Government, and produce the Seniors Card Discount Directory.
- Policy and advocacy
COTA ACT has a policy committee, which is a representative group of older people with an active interest in seniors’ issues and a commitment to ensuring that seniors have a strong voice in the community. The policy committee identifies issues and priorities that COTA ACT should focus on and helps determine COTA policies based on member input, research and consultation.
- Housing Options Advisory Service
COTA ACT runs a free service to advise people on a range of topics including:
- home care and support packages
- residential care
- respite services
- transitioning to residential care from retirement villages
- retirement villages
- home modifications
- downsizing
- public and private housing options
- elder abuse
- de-cluttering
- assistance accessing financial and legal advice, and
- assistance to complete forms for residential aged care homes, Centrelink and social housing.
To speak to the Housing Options Advisor or make an appointment for a meeting, contact COTA ACT on 6282 3777.
- Sessions for seniors
We host one-on-one sessions for individual seniors with a range of community, not-for-profit and government organisations, such as:
- Advance Care Planning team
- Legal Aid
- ACT Policing, and
- Better Hearing Australia.
Contact us to book an individual appointment.
- Community education
We run free information sessions and programs on a range of issues out of the Hughes Community Centre, and can also come and speak at your group or organisation by appointment.
- Strength for Life
Strength for Life is an exercise program to help people over the age of 50 improve their physical strength and fitness. COTA ACT has sourced and trained qualified and experienced exercise professionals to deliver the program in 2020.
- Information resources
COTA ACT publishes and distributes a vast range of printed material on behalf of community organisations in the ACT. These include our popular:
- Guide to getting around Canberra – transport guide to Canberra
- COTA ACT information brochures – about health, activities and services available to older Canberrans
- monthly e-newsletter – full of information and events of interest for older Canberrans, and
- the members’ only newsletter delivered to your mail box.
Commitment to using Local Suppliers
COTA ACT is committed to, where possible, using local businesses and suppliers to deliver work. As part of this commitment, when procuring goods and services, COTA ACT prioritises local companies that employ local people, particularly those that have a local factory or office.
