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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
22 MARCH 2022 | |
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CONGRATULATIONS COTA SA congratulates and welcomes new Premier, Peter Malinauskas and our new state government. We very much look forward to working with them toward their vision of a better and fairer South Australia. Peter Malinauskas is pictured here with Anne Burgess AM, COTA SA Deputy President at our Leaders Forum on 1 March 2022. | | | |
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SENIORS ON BOARD - MAKING THE MOST OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT | |
Learn how to make the most of Adelaide's public transport system, whether you still drive or not. Get useful information on timetables, find out how to plan your journey, enjoy the ride and avoid any pitfalls that may affect your comfort in using the system.
We are offering free information sessions for groups of people aged 50+. From a free ride around the city, trips to events, shopping and doctor’s appointments on either the bus, train or tram, we’ve got you covered. If you have questions, we have answers!
Book now for your club, community group, sports club etc... or just for you and a group of friends! We can come to you at a time and location suitable for your group. Be quick as this service is only funded until the end of June 2022.
COTA SA has closely examined Adelaide Metro. We are sharing our findings so you can make the most of our public transport system. | |
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COTA SA'S PODCAST SERIES
VOICES ON AGEING: SOCIAL CONNECTIONS | |
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Voices on Ageing is the first podcast series COTA SA has produced. It was created to share the experiences of older people seeking new connections in a period of their life when previous relationships had ceased due to retirement, death, distance, health, mobility and COVID.
We hope they inspire others to see that it is possible to move through periods of change, of grief and experiences of loneliness or isolation and emerge with a refreshed outlook on how to live life and spend time with others for fun, friendship and purpose.
Episode 6: Bonnie – Staying connected at home Our final episode features Bonnie. Bonnie’s warmth and humour shone through from the moment I met her. She has cared for others her whole life, through highs and tragedies. Once an active swimmer and beach goer, Bonnie’s mobility issues now keep her at home most of the time. COTA SA helped connect Bonnie with My Aged Care support and a volunteer home visitor.
Voices on Ageing is streamed on podcast services and on the COTA SA Social Connections webpage.
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Read the full report on our Social Connections project here.
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In August and September 2021, COTA SA staff, Policy Council and Advisory Group members undertook a series of listening posts to learn from older South Australians what works well as they age and what doesn’t. We spoke to 243 older people across 12 locations in South Australia who represented a broad cross-section of voices and experiences. They are active citizens, neighbours, customers of local shops, workers, volunteers, family members and participants in local initiatives.
Through our conversations, we learnt about older people’s experiences of aged care, housing, ageism, getting around, staying in touch with friends and family, liveable spaces and climate change. Our report shares these learnings and recommends practical measures or commitments that would support older people across South Australia to stay in their communities as they age, remain connected to family, friends and services, and receive the care they need to be healthy and well.
The insights from our listening posts have informed our policy priorities, including our election platforms. | |
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FLEURIEU NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK | |
COTA SA has been funded by the Commonwealth Government to establish a program in the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network is a member-based program run by and for older people, supporting each other to age well and get the most out of life.
The Steering Committee are keen to hear from older people living in and between Victor Harbor and Goolwa to assist with establishing the program. The link below will take you to a survey, which provides further information about the program and a series of brief questions that will assist with planning the next phase of the program.
For further information contact Desmond Ford, Project Manager on 8224 5536 or email dford@cotasa.org.au. | |
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THE PLUG-IN TEAM FEATURED IN THE AUSTRALIASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING | |
Congratulations to The Plug-in for being part of the research team to publish this piece in the Australasian Journal on Ageing: “What do older people want from integrated care? Experiences from a South Australian co-design case study”. For a full copy of the article phone 8232 0422. | |
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EMPOWERING OTHERS TO HELP THEMSELVES | |
How a conversation with COTA SA’s Let’s Talk Aged Care team supported a caller to be empowered to navigate the aged care system.
Tom (not his real name) rang recently requiring information on understanding how the aged care system operated so he could ‘continue to try and help himself’. We discussed that for him to be screened for eligibility for government subsidised aged care services he would need to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register. We spoke about the difference between entry level supports offered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) as assessed by a RAS assessor and the higher support offered through a Home Care Package and assessed by an ACAT assessor.
After our conversation Tom reported that he had gone to his local library to use a computer to look at the My Aged Care website to gather more information. He said he had found the My Aged Care booklets, Your guide to Commonwealth Home Support Programme services and, Your guide to Home Care Package Services very useful.
Tom advised that he then rang My Aged Care and was screened by the My Aged Care contact centre and then referred for an assessment. He said the support he received from COTA SA had made him feel ‘listened to and appropriately advised’, and more confident when calling My Aged Care.
You are most welcome to call our Let's Talk Aged Care team for further assistance with understanding this process or to find out more about supports and services. Our friendly receptionists will ask you questions about your situation and will then add you to our waiting list for this valuable support. The wait time for a call back is variable depending on demand and capacity. Contact us on 8232 0422 or 1800 182 324 for country callers. | |
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COLLABORATION CREATES COMMUNITY
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COTA SA has had the great pleasure working in collaboration with The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) and The Gardens Recreation Centre over the past few months; we explored ways of making Strength for Life more accessible and culturally appropriate for our new and emerging communities.
As a result of this collaboration, a group of Syrian women are ready to commence their very own Strength for Life group sessions at The Gardens. They have undergone their individual assessments, have had their plans written up and are ready to go! Welcome to this new Strength for Life community group!
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Alexandrina Council has a brand new stadium in the heart of Goolwa and YMCA has partnered with the council to run Strength for Life classes in this lovely space overlooking the oval. The instructor Caroline has run Strength for Life classes in the community for 10 years and she is motivating and adaptable to suit all participant's needs. All participants are welcoming of new people joining in. Phone 08 7078 4150 for more information. | | | |
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RAINBOW HUB MONTHLY LUNCH
A lunch for LGBTI people aged 50+ DATE: 24 March, 12 noon - 1:30pm WHERE: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide BOOKINGS: ASAP - email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. Attendees need to be double vaccinated and wear a mask (except while seated). Check our Facebook page for updates if the COVID-19 situation changes in South Australia.
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VICTOR INFORMAL SOCIAL GATHERING WITH THE RAINBOW HUB
LGBTI community members of all ages are invited to join us for an informal gathering in Victor Harbor. Hear what’s happening in your region and with the Rainbow Hub. DATE: Wednesday 13 April, 4.00pm – 5.30pm WHERE: Warringa Room, Anchorage Seafront Hotel, Victor Harbor RSVP ESSENTIAL: For catering and numbers are limited due to COVID-19. Email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. | |
CALL FOR RAINBOW HORIZONS PROJECT PARTICIPANTS Take part in one of our focus groups in Adelaide metro, Burra, Mt Gambier or Victor Harbor to help inform and co-design this important project to create greater support across generations for LGBTI people in SA in relation to end-of-life care, planning and dying. More information here. | |
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7 day railway holiday
Darwin – Katherine – Alice Springs – Coober Pedy – Adelaide
Travel aboard the longer Ghan expedition train journey with an extra day on board, a full day in Coober Pedy and a longer visit to Alice Springs. A 3 night stay in Darwin with a choice of sightseeing activities is also included. Prices include flights from your selected city and start from $5990*pp twin share 1 May and 4 September 2022 departures 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 3 lunches included.
CALL NOW! 1300 896 282 | |
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CROSSINGS FOR PEDESTRIANS | |
There are different types of pedestrian crossings:
Emu Crossings have white road markings, red and white posts and operate only when the children’s crossing flags are displayed. They are placed within school zones and a speed | | | |
limit of 25 km/h applies to drivers when children are present. Drivers must stop for pedestrians using or about to use the crossing.
Koala Crossings have white road markings, red and white posts with two yellow alternating flashing lights on top. They are only operational when the yellow lights are flashing and a speed of 25 km/h applies to drivers between signs on the approach to the crossing. Drivers must stop for pedestrians using or about to use the crossing.
Pedestrian Actuated Crossings have white road markings and are controlled by traffic lights. Push buttons are provided at these crossings for pedestrians to use to activate red traffic lights to stop vehicles and allow pedestrians to cross safely. Lights with a green or red pedestrian symbol are displayed for pedestrians, and may be accompanied by a signal counting down the time until the red pedestrian symbol is displayed. Drivers can travel at the general speed limit of the road and must stop on the red signal.
Zebra Crossings have white parallel stripes painted on the road with pedestrian crossing signs and may include two yellow alternating flashing lights. Drivers must give way to a pedestrian or rider of a bicycle on or entering the crossing and must drive at a speed which allows them to stop safely before the crossing if necessary. Wombat Crossings have white parallel stripes painted on a raised section of road with pedestrian crossing signs and are usually accompanied by a 40 km/h speed limit. Drivers must give way to a pedestrian or rider of a bicycle on or entering the crossing and must drive at a speed which allows them to stop safely before the crossing if necessary.
Level Crossings are where train tracks or tram tracks cross a road or path. Pedestrians must not cross train tracks or tram tracks at a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching. Warning lights start ringing and flashing when a gate, boom or barrier is opening, closing or is closed.
For more information on SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre programs and resources visit www.police.sa.gov.au/road-safety | |
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The Australian Government is seeking feedback on proposed reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 to ensure they remain efficient and effective, are fit for purpose and meet the current needs of Australians. Find out more here. | |
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VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING
SA PUBLIC MEETING | |
Sunday 3 April at 2.15pm The Box Factory
59 Regent Street South, Adelaide
Guest speaker will be Cheryl McKenna Ms McKenna supported her late father through his voluntary assisted dying process under the Victorian Act which has been operational since June 2019 . There will also be an update on commencement of VAD in South Australia *The meeting will be conducted under the COVID 19 protocols applicable on the day. Numbers are restricted for this meeting. Please contact to register your interest: email info@vadsa.org.au or call 0421 305 684
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ENJOY NATURE IN THE CITY WITH REGENERATE | |
Regenerate in the Adelaide Park Lands provides friendly, safe nature based activities for people 55+ and international students, who are invited to join us the Adelaide Park Lands to try bush care and take a guided we a guided walk in nature. Park Lands is the perfect place to connect safely with other people if you’re feeling isolated or alone. A healthy lunch will be provided
10am - 1pm
Park17: Saturday 26 March, Wednesday 6 April, Thursday 21 April, Saturday 7 May, Thursday 19 19 May and Saturday 4 June
North Adelaide: Tuesday 12 April and Wednesday 15 June
Exact location will be given when when you register.
Registrations are essential.
Contact Trees Fees For Life on 8406 0500 or triciac@treesforlife.org.au.
Safety equipment and tools will be provided. COVID-19 Safety protocols will be in place.
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LET US KNOW HOW WE ARE DOING... | |
At COTA SA we always welcome your feedback so we can improve our services to you. If there's something you'd like us to know, please tell us using the button below. | |
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COTA SA acknowledges the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional custodians of the land our headquarters occupy. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal nations throughout South Australia. We honour Aboriginal peoples’ continuing connection to Country and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people. | |
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POSTAL ADDRESS
PO BOX 7024, Hutt Street SA 5000
STREET ADDRESS
Kaurna Country Level 1/85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
www.cotasa.org.au ABN 28 426 218 58
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