Council on the Ageing Queensland

Council on the Ageing Queensland Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is the peak body representing older people in Queensland. By participating on this page, you agree to these guidelines.

We work with and for older Queenslanders to amplify lived experience, influence policy and support ageing well across the state. Since 1957, we have been a champion for seniors, advocating for policies and services that improve their quality of life. As Queensland’s population ages, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland plays a vital role in ensuring the voices of older people are heard in policy development and community conversations. Through advocacy, education, and practical support, we empower older Queenslanders to live with dignity, independence, and purpose. We also deliver programs that help older people stay informed, maintain independence, and access services that enhance their lives. We engage directly with seniors through forums, workshops, and focus groups to understand their real-life experiences. This grassroots feedback informs our policy efforts and drives positive change. Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland works closely with government, community groups, and businesses to promote the interests of older people across the state. Our leadership, including Chair Jean McRuvie and CEO Darren Young, supports a dynamic team of dedicated staff who are working to build a better future for all Queenslanders as we age. In a rapidly changing world, COTA Queensland remains the consistent and trusted voice for older people. Through advocacy, education, services and our community networks, our organisation is making a real difference to the lives of Queensland’s seniors. Community guidelines
We welcome respectful conversation and value diverse perspectives. This page is moderated to ensure it remains a safe and constructive space for everyone. We may remove comments that:
Are abusive, threatening or discriminatory
Contain hate speech, harassment or personal attacks
Share misinformation or misleading claims
Include spam, promotions or repeated posts
Disclose personal or sensitive information about yourself or others
Comments that raise concerns or personal experiences are welcome, but this page is not monitored 24/7 and is not able to provide crisis support or individual advice. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact appropriate services or emergency assistance.

Help shape the future of grief support Are you aged 60 or older and have experienced the loss of someone close to you, o...
09/09/2026

Help shape the future of grief support

Are you aged 60 or older and have experienced the loss of someone close to you, or are you currently supporting someone who is nearing the end of life?
QUT and People Tech Revolution are seeking participants for Brisbane co-design workshops exploring Grief Guide, an AI-supported app being developed with older Australians.
Share your experiences, ideas and feedback about what would make this tool helpful, compassionate and accessible. Participants will receive light refreshments and a $25 gift card as a thank you.

Choose one workshop to attend:
📅 Friday 16 October, 10am–12pm
📅 Monday 19 October, 11am–1pm
Workshops will be held at the COTA Queensland office in Brisbane.

Read more and register your interest: https://events.humanitix.com/grief-guide-workshop-co-designing-an-ai-app-for-grief-brisbane

Dementia and Related Disorders Conference A free event for anyone affected by dementia, family, carers, or health profes...
09/09/2026

Dementia and Related Disorders Conference
A free event for anyone affected by dementia, family, carers, or health professionals.

📅 Friday 18 September 2026
📍 Mooloolaba TAFE
🕣 8.30am–3pm (you don't need to stay all day)

Hear from expert speakers, visit expo stalls, and get free morning tea and lunch. A quiet space is available for people living with dementia.

Register free: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1626530
Please share with anyone who might find this helpful. 💛

It's Wills Week Life changes, and your Will should too.Whether you've moved house, welcomed new grandchildren, or your c...
08/09/2026

It's Wills Week
Life changes, and your Will should too.

Whether you've moved house, welcomed new grandchildren, or your circumstances have simply changed over the years, it's worth checking that your Will still reflects your wishes.

Did you know less than half of Queenslanders aged 40 to 60 have a Will? And of those who don't, most say they mean to, they just haven't gotten around to it yet. Having a Will means the people you love are looked after, and your wishes are clear. It's one of those things that's easy to put off, but makes a real difference for your family down the track.

This Wills Week, if you've been meaning to write or update yours, consider this your gentle nudge.

Learn more from the Queensland Public Trustee https://www.pt.qld.gov.au/wills-powers-of-attorney-estates/wills/wills-week-2026

🚨 There’s still time to book your place!Could you spot a scam before it’s too late?Scams are becoming increasingly sophi...
07/09/2026

🚨 There’s still time to book your place!

Could you spot a scam before it’s too late?

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be targeted. Join COTA Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank for a free Banking Safely in a Digital World – Scam Awareness Workshop.

Learn practical ways to:

✔️ Recognise the warning signs of a scam
✔️ Check whether a call, text or email is legitimate
✔️ Protect your personal and banking information
✔️ Bank online more safely and confidently
✔️ Know what to do if you think you’ve been scammed

There’ll also be plenty of time to ask questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

📍 Cooroy and Gympie – there’s still time to join us!

👉 Wednesday 9 September – Cooroy
Cooroy Memorial Hall
1:30pm arrival | 2:00pm–3:30pm workshop
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-cooroy

👉 Thursday 10 September – Southside, Gympie
The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-gympie

💰 Cost: FREE

🎟️ Don’t miss out – book your place today!

It's Women's Health Week! From 7–11 September, Australia comes together for  Women's Health Week, a week dedicated to he...
07/09/2026

It's Women's Health Week!

From 7–11 September, Australia comes together for Women's Health Week, a week dedicated to helping women prioritise their health and wellbeing at every age and stage of life.

This year's theme is "do it anyway." It's a reminder that you don't need to overhaul your whole routine to look after yourself. A short walk, a proper night's sleep, or finally booking that check-up you've been putting off all count, even on the busy or tired days.

For older women, staying active, eating well, resting properly, and keeping up social connection all make a real difference to how you feel and how well you age. None of it needs to be perfect. It just needs to happen.

The week's daily focus:
🍎 Day 1 – Fuel
🚶 Day 2 – Move
😴 Day 3 – Rest
🧘 Day 4 – Breathe
🤝 Day 5 – Connect.

There are articles, expert tips and real stories from women across the country covering each of these areas throughout the week.

Older women deserve health information and support that actually speaks to their lives. If this week gives you one small nudge to do something for yourself, that's a win.

Explore the full program here: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/get-involved/womens-health-week/

Happy Father's Day! Whether you're a dad, grandad, father figure, or celebrating the memory of one today, we hope you ge...
06/09/2026

Happy Father's Day!

Whether you're a dad, grandad, father figure, or celebrating the memory of one today, we hope you get to spend it with the people who matter most.

To all the older dads and grandads in our community, thank you for the wisdom, the stories, and the quiet ways you've shaped the people around you.

Happy Father's Day from all of us at COTA Queensland.

ABC News  has reported on how everyday services moving online are putting older Australians' independence at risk.The ar...
04/09/2026

ABC News has reported on how everyday services moving online are putting older Australians' independence at risk.

The article shares the story of Marjorie Jones, 85, who relies on her younger sister Wendy to help her manage online banking and government services after cheques were phased out. Across Australia, more than 65% of people aged over 75 are digitally excluded, meaning family, neighbours and even retirement village staff are increasingly stepping in to fill the gap.

Why it matters
Everybody wants to be able to run their own life, but when services move to digital-only, that independence can quietly slip away. This isn't just a rural issue either. It's happening in cities too, wherever someone doesn't have the right support close by. Digital access needs to sit alongside, not instead of, other ways for older people to bank, connect with services and stay independent.

Quote
"Suddenly she had to give up her financial independence and trust me to do the right thing." — Wendy Trow

Read the full story:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-26/older-australians-losing-independence-as-digital-divide-widens/107070936

🚨 Could you spot a scam before it’s too late? Have you ever wondered:❓ How can I tell if something is a scam?❓ What are ...
03/09/2026

🚨 Could you spot a scam before it’s too late?

Have you ever wondered:
❓ How can I tell if something is a scam?
❓ What are the warning signs I should look for?
❓ What if the caller, text or email seems completely genuine?
❓ How can I check if something is legitimate before I act?
❓ What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
❓ How can I protect myself and my money in the future?

You’re not alone. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be targeted.

Join COTA Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank for a free Banking Safely in a Digital World – Scam Awareness Workshop.

There’ll also be plenty of time to ask questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

📍 South East Queensland – we’re coming your way!

Don’t wait until you’ve been caught out. Book your place today and learn how to protect yourself.

Cost: Free

👉 Monday 7 September 2026 at the Toombul Main Hall, Toombul Shire Hall, 1141 Sandgate Rd, Nundah Queensland 4012
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-brisbane

👉 Tuesday 8 September 2026 at the Baringa Community Centre 20 Edwards Tce, Caloundra West QLD 4551
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-sunshine-coast

👉 Wednesday 9 September 2026: Cooroy Memorial Hall, 23 Maple St, Cooroy Queensland 4563
1:30pm arrival | 2:00pm–3:30pm workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-cooroy

👉 Thursday 10 September 2026 at The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre 77 Exhibition Rd, Southside QLD 4570
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-gympie

Accessible transport keeps us connected Last week, our team visited Yeronga train station to check out how accessible it...
03/09/2026

Accessible transport keeps us connected

Last week, our team visited Yeronga train station to check out how accessible it is for older people.

Sue Bowles, one of our volunteers, and Steph Power from our team joined other groups, including Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), to walk through the station and share feedback.

We saw some great features: wide walkways, shady spots to rest, clear signs, and paths with raised surfaces to help people find their way to platforms and lifts.
Good public transport should work for everyone. That means shelter from the weather, comfy seating, clear signs, handrails, and help finding your way around.
Thank you to the Logan and Gold Coast Rail team for a great morning.

Photo Caption: Sue Bowles, lived experience representative and volunteer, COTA Queensland, with Steph Power, policy and research officer, COTA Queensland, with Sarlie Drakos and Nicholas Mukherjee from QDN.

Did you notice?Sometimes, someone may be trying to tell us something without saying it directly.Maria's Story shows how ...
02/09/2026

Did you notice?
Sometimes, someone may be trying to tell us something without saying it directly.

Maria's Story shows how fear and control can affect the everyday choices of an older person, and how difficult it can be to tell someone what is happening. The signs may not always be obvious on their own. Noticing changes, listening without judgement and creating a safe opportunity to talk can make a difference.

Learn more about Maria's Story and the signs to notice: https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/mariasstory/

Address

10 Market Street, Level 6
Brisbane, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+61733162999

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