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COTA SA E-NEWSLETTER
25 MAY 2022

   

RECONCILIATION WEEK 2022

Friday is the start of Reconciliation Week 2022 - Be Brave, Make Change.


Reconciliation is a verb – we must act as organisations and as individuals.


COTA SA is taking steps to be braver and to make changes.

 

We are members of Reconciliation SA. We have begun a journey of Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training with @bookabee.australia. We are reaching out to learn from, and stand with, First Nations Elders. We welcome the leadership of our governments to commit to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and to truth, treaty and voice.

 

Find actions you can take to Be Brave and Make Change HERE.

   

BLOKES WANTED!!

The COTA Visitors program continues to seek volunteers who can visit with older people for conversation and company. This simple gift of time can have a huge impact on someone's joy and wellbeing. 

Across Salisbury, Playford and Ingle Farm eight men have registered for a COTA Visitor.
Do you know someone who could spare an hour a week, who might like to chat with...

*Pete in Andrews Farm, whose hobbies are cars, watching soccer and boxing.

*Doug in Ingle Farm who is a movie buff and enjoys conversations on religion, politics and conspiracy theories.

*Sam in Hillier  who enjoys music especially jazz, English premier league, reading and world events.

*Names above have been changed for privacy.

Interest in our COTA Visitors program remains high. Can you give an hour a week?

Volunteer at COTA SA by contacting us on 8232 0422 or 1800 182 324 or email cotasa@cotasa.org.au, or click here for more information.


Tune into Channel 44 on Monday 6 June, 7pm for a feature on the COTA Visitors program. 

   

CALD LEADERS WORKSHOP

COTA SA’s Strength for Life Program partnered with Breast Screen SA, Wellbeing SA, City of Marion, Cancer Council SA and Carers SA in planning and hosting a CALD Southern Leaders Network meeting that took place at Glandore Community Centre on 4 May 2022

 

The aims were to:

-  Develop/renurture relationships with community leaders, and subsequently their communities, in the southern Adelaide region

-  Provide a networking opportunity for community leaders after long periods of covid-related restrictions

-  Seeking information from community leaders to better inform culturally appropriate service provision by the host organisations.

I could tell that the appreciation and excitement was actually flowing in every direction towards all attending, so eager to reinstate our valuable networks. This is how we learn and exchange ideas and make everyone belong and included in everyday life in Australia. I look forward to working with you and others to make it happen, sharing it with all who can benefit – members of our CALD communities - Yvonna (Polish Community Leader and Managing Director ABDC Multilingual)



NOW EVEN MORE SFL INSTRUCTORS!

13 Instructors from across South Australia ranging from Elizabeth to Kingston SE attended a full day of training to accredit them to deliver Strength for Life. Topics included Program Methodology, managing Chronic Conditions and Exercise Prescription.

They join a workforce of over 300 Instructors delivering Strength for Life 6 days a week!

Click here  for more information or to find your closest Provider.


     

COTA SA TEAM CELEBRATION
- BETTER TOGETHER

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate on 18 May.

Congratulations to team members who received awards for recognition of hours of significant service, years of service and nominations for the Premier's Certificate for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

As COTA SA’s Chief Executive, Jane Mussared said, “We are one COTA SA team – whether volunteer or staff - working together for COTA SA’s cause. Today is a celebration of what we achieve together”.
If you would like to join the team, please let us know as we have exciting opportunities for you to become involved, including the volunteer roles below.

80 VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!
Eighty older people living in their own home or in an aged care home, have let COTA SA know they would appreciate a friendly regular visitor as part of the COTA Visitors program. This means we need eighty volunteers to match these requests.
To find out more, please click 
here for more information.

CUSTOMER SERVICES SUPPORT - RECEPTION ASSISTANT

We are in need of more than one volunteer who has reception experience to join the COTA SA team. This role would suit an experienced receptionist. As a volunteer reception assistant you will be the ‘face’ of COTA SA, being the first person people see when they visit the office, and often their first point of contact with our organisation when they visit, call and email us.

SIMPLE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND RESOURCES


Do you have a parent or loved one living in regional SA who needs some support to stay living independently in their community? 


One of the steps to accessing services to help older people stay living safely in their own home, is an in-home assessment with a representative from My Aged Care.  The Let's Talk Aged Care team at COTA SA has designed a series of information sheets to assist you to get the best outcomes when dealing with My Aged Care System and Information sheet #2 is a guide to help you with this assessment process.

Information sheet #2 is available now using the button below or the suite of four information sheets are available for download and print from our website.

You can also talk with John Moran, our Ageing Well Coordinator – Country for more information on free call 1800 182 34.


WEBINAR SERIES

Hear from COTA SA’s Specialist Aged Care Navigator, Julie Lawrie, in our last lunchtime webinar session. 


1 June           Managing my aged care services 
                      12 noon - 1pm 

 

This webinar is best suited to older people or their families who are new to, or have not yet accessed aged care. They are not suitable for aged care or associated workers. Book using the button below or contact COTA SA for more information on 8232 0422 or cotasa@cotasa.org.au  A zoom link will be emailed to registered attendees one day before the session. 

     

WHO WILL DECIDE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE HEALTH CARE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO?

SA Health have been revising the existing Advance Care Directive Form and DIY Kit to be easier to read, access and complete. The Plug-in has partnered with SA Health to understand community experience of Advance Care Directives. We want to hear from you! You could influence the final design of the revised Advance Care Directive form and guide to help other people just like you.

 

We want to hear from people who are considering an Advance Care Directive, have completed one, and generally interested in knowing more. There is no need to have prior knowledge on this topic, just a desire to be involved and help shape a key government document so it is easy to understand.

 

FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE 

 

If you would like to become a Plug-In Influencer, you can register your details to be notified of our upcoming projects through our sign-up page here.  If you have research that you would like to conduct with people over 50, please contact us for more information through our contact page here.

   

CONVERSATIONS WITH SALISBURY SENIORS

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

Getting out and about as we age, can for some, require some planning and good knowledge of transport options. 

Jane Mussared facilitated the COTA SA Conversations with Salisbury Seniors about "Getting About As We Age". Guest speakers from SA Police were Chief Inspector Col Cunningham - Head of Media and Marketing and Melissa McCaig, Senior Public Information Officer, who came along to talk about a new SA road safety campaign focused on older drivers.


The session allowed people to share their ideas about effective messaging, the best ways to target older drivers and what else will support people to get out and about.

   

REVIEW OF AGEING AND ADULT SAFE GUARDING ACT 1995

The South Australian Government has commissioned an independent review of South Australia’s ageing and adult safeguarding legislation and is seeking community input.

 

The review is being conducted by the South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI), based at the Adelaide University Law School. Further information about the review is available on SALRI’s website and through this short video.

 

Your views are important and make a difference to the outcomes of the review. You can provide your feedback on the operation of the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding Act by:

South Australian Law Reform Institute

Adelaide Law School

University of Adelaide

Adelaide  SA 5000

 

COTA SA will be making a submission to this important review. If you would like to give your feedback to COTA SA to consider in its submission please contact us at cotasa@cotasa.org.au or 08 8232 0422 or free call 1800 182 324.  

   

RAINBOW HUB MONTHLY LUNCH

A lunch for LGBTI people aged 50+

DATE: ***TOMORROW** 26 May, 12 noon - 1:30pm
23 June,  12 noon - 1:30pm

WHERE: Treasury 1860, 144 King William Street, Adelaide

BOOKINGS: Email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422. 



NEW!  RAINBOW HUB MONTHLY SESSION @ THE COLONEL LIGHT

The Rainbow Hub is trialling another social activity for our 50+ LGBTI Community at the Colonel Light Hotel hosted by Tullula Bright. Last Saturday attracted an appreciative crowd of older LGBTI+ Community and their family and friends enjoying the chance to catch-up, connect and meet new friends. Coffee, cake, mocktails and cocktails available for purchase all afternoon. This is an inter-generational event so everyone is welcome.

WHEN: Saturday 18 June,  3:00pm 

WHERE:  141 Currie St, Adelaide

BOOKINGS: essential at events@cotasa.org.au or phone 08 8232 0422.


Please note: Attendees need to be double vaccinated.
Check our Facebook page for updates if the COVID-19 situation changes in South Australia.




STRENGTH FOR LIFE

Strength for Life Instructor Jenny ran a workshop discussing the benefits of the Program at the LGBTI Seniors Health and Wellbeing Day on 4 May 2022

SILVER RAINBOW COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

People interested in exploring the needs and rights of LGBTI elders in aged care are invited to our next Communities of Practice meeting, LGBTI Care Perspectives, in person or on zoom. A chance to hear about three different projects to support LGBTI people to age better. Followed by discussion and afternoon tea.

Speakers:

  • Palliative care traineeship project - Karen Glaetzer, Palliative Nurse Practitioner, Eldercare
  • Rainbow Horizons, inclusive end of life care - Jackie Wurm, Rainbow Hub, Project Officer, COTA SA
  • Created Communities trial - Robyn Lierton, Community Engagement and Diversity Manager, ECH.

3pm Tuesday 7 June. More details here

Email events@cotasa.org.au or call 08 8232 0422

ELDERS DANCE CLUB RETURNS

All The Queen's Men’s LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club is a safe, joyous space; inclusive and intergenerational; No dance experience required, only enthusiasm. Part of Adelaide Cabaret Festival. 1:30pm Sunday 19 June Tickets free but need to book:

Elders Dance tickets | The Famous Spiegeltent | Ticketek Australia


SILHOUETTES: FASHION IN THE SHADOW OF HIV/AIDS TILL 18 JUNE

A stunning exhibition exploring the lives and works of some of the incredible designers, artist and activists of the late 20th century who passed of AIDS related illness. Visit the website for more including a diverse range of talks. Curated by Skye Bartlett, Team Manager, SAMESH.
Exhibition tours: Friday 11:15am, free with ticket, reservation required.
David Roche Foundation, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide.


   

COTA TRAVEL

NORFOLK ISLAND TOUR

8 DAY GROUP HOLIDAY
A jam packed 8 day getaway with many inclusions. Murder Mystery dinner party, wonderland by night, 4WD tour of Norfolk island, island fish fry, sound and light show, breakfast bushwalk, Pitcairn Settlers tour, garden tour and a ghost tour are just some of the inclusions. Prices include flights from your selected city and start from $3,850*pp twin share ex Adelaide. Single supplement available.  Breakfast and dinner daily included. 26th June 2022 departure

                        CALL NOW! 1300 896 282 
   

FITNESS TO DRIVE

Staying safe on the road is important for all drivers, however as we get older there are physical changes which can affect our driving skills.

If you feel at any time you are not in a fit state to drive, then do not drive and consult your doctor. 

  

 

There are a wide range of medical conditions or combinations of medical conditions that can affect your fitness to drive including:

·  alcohol/drug dependency

·  arthritis and other joint conditions

·  Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia

·  blackouts

·  cardiovascular conditions

·  diabetes

·  epilepsy

·  eye disorders

·  heart disease

·  injuries and disabilities

·  Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders

·  sleep disorder, like sleep apnoea

·  stroke.

 

Both you and your doctor are required by law to declare any medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. You may also be required to undergo medical assessments, self-assessment and/or a practical driving assessment.


For more information on SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre programs and resources
click here

   

BREATHING IN COLD WEATHER

By Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist Janet Bondarenko


The onset of cold weather brings with it the usual challenges – staying warm is a main one a
nd for those who live daily with breathing challenges like asthma, breathing colder air through winter can bring with it some extra hardships.

The cold dry air can irritate lungs and lead to tightness in the chest, difficulties breathing, wheezing and coughing, and increases in mucus which can lead to chest infections.


In partnership with Asthma Australia, Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist Janet Bondarenko will be hosting a free online class “Breathing in Cold Weather”  on 21 June from 6pm to discuss these seasonal problems and some helpful solutions.

The online class is an opportunity for people who have concerns to listen and learn from an expert. 

If you’d like to be part of the “Breathing in Cold Weather” discussion, or simply would like to sit in and watch/listen, consider registering for the class online here.

   

BUSINESS ASPIRATIONS SURVEY


T
he Premier’s Council for Women (PCW) supports the work of the South Australian Office for Women in advancing the status of women in this state. 


In 2022, PCW continues to build on their workplan which includes a special interest in
women’s economic wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion; particularly in response to the economic impact of COVID-19.
They are keen to understand where to focus advocacy for South Australian women and gender diverse business owners, or those aspiring to own businesses. They are keen to hear from South Australian women and gender diverse people with current experiences, or aspirations of running a business in South Australia. The survey aims to gain a snapshot of the business landscape for South Australian women and gender diverse people, including any barriers, challenges, and opportunities.

To gain this understanding, PCW, with support from the Office for Women, are holding a survey of existing and emerging South Australian women and gender diverse people in business.

To find out more or take the survey, click here.

   

CAPRI GIVEAWAY: EXHIBITION ON SCREEN

PISSARRO FATHER OF IMPRESSIONISM


WHERE: 
The Capri Theatre, Goodwood

WHEN: Sunday 29 May, 4pm


Two double passes up for grabs – just be the first to call COTA SA on 8232 0422 and it’s yours!

Without Camille Pissarro, there is no Impressionist movement. He is rightfully known as the father of Impressionism.

It was a dramatic path that Pissarro followed, and throughout it all he wrote extensively to his family. It is through these intimate and revealing letters that this gripping film reveals Pissarro’s life and work. Click here to find out more.

   
   
   

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.

   
   
   

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  
P: 08 8232 0422   |    E: cotasa@cotasa.org.au
www.cotasa.org.au
ABN 28 426 218 58