Why do people become members of COTA?

To Belong

• to become a part of the COTA ‘family’ and become involved in the organisation
• to meet with and connect with others
• to be provided with information and opportunities to improve their lifestyle and well being
• to increase their participation in the community

To Benefit

• have exclusive access to the COTA Rewards & Savings Program

To Be Heard

• on behalf of older Australians, COTA informs, lobbies and influences both State and Federal Government, the business sector and the general community on issues affecting older people such as the pension, superannuation, health, transport, housing, aged care and more. COTA represents their interests via a wide range of forums, committees, consumer advisory groups and research bodies.
• COTA currently sits on numerous government and non-government committees to represent older Australians.
• over the last 20 years, COTA has been centrally involved in every major aged related Government policy.
• have COTA raise awareness of the contributions that Seniors make

Each of the above in isolation or in combination attracts people to become a member of COTA.

Who can join COTA as a member?

Anyone can join COTA, irrespective of their age, background or where they live in Australia. They don’t have to be a senior – just support the work that COTA does and what it stands for. Younger members are a growing trend as they seek information in support of older family members.

Can I give a membership as a gift?

Yes. Either give us a call on 1300 1400 50 or enter the recipient details when you join online.

How can I join COTA?

People can join COTA by:

• downloading a Membership Application form here and posting it back (no stamp required) to reply paid 85665, Hutt Street SA 5000
• calling 1300 1400 50 and providing details over the phone (will take less than 5 minutes)
• joining online
• in person at your local State COTA office

How can I pay for membership?

You can pay for your COTA Membership by:

• credit card
• debit card
• money order
• personal or bank cheque

How long is membership for?

12 months from the day the application is processed and payment received.

Can I pay for more than one year’s membership?

Yes. Membership can be paid for more than 12 months – but must be in 12-month increments.

What is the cost of membership?

Single for 12 months = $42

Joint for 12 months = $52

How long does it take to get a membership card?

Within two weeks of receiving an application, a new member pack will be received by the member.

What can new members expect to receive once they have joined and when?

Each member receives a new member pack, which contains:

• a “Welcome to COTA Membership” letter
• a personalised member card – one for each member if joint membership
• immediate access to all the COTA member benefits
• the benefits of the work that COTA does in influencing Government, business and the community in general
• the latest ONECOTA Magazine

What other benefits do COTA members receive?

COTA members receive a personalised membership card giving access to The COTA Rewards and Savings Program, which incorporates The Ambassador Card – Australia’s premier member benefit program. This provides a wide range of exclusive benefits and services, which helps member save money on dining out, wine, travel, cinema, leisure activities, entertainment and everyday living expenses such as groceries and fuel.

Other exclusive member benefits include:

• ONECOTA – Regular issues of our full colour members’ magazine
• COTA Insurance ‐ the insurance specialists for COTA members
• Invitations to events, workshops and seminars on informative and interesting topics.

What happens at renewal time?

At the beginning of the month in which the renewal is due, we will contact members by letter advising that their membership is due for renewal. Members are given a number of methods to renew their membership including renewing online.

What happens if I need a replacement membership card?

Simply call COTA Membership on 1300 1400 50 or email us on [email protected] to request another one.

What if I’m not happy with my membership?

If, for any reason you’re not happy, simply let us know within 30 days of receiving your member card and if we can’t rectify the problem, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee once you have returned your membership card/s.

How can I become a member of COTA ACT or NT?

COTA ACT and Northern Territory manage their own independent COTA Memberships.

If you wish to join COTA ACT please call them directly on 02 6282 3777 or visit their website www.cotaact.org.au

If you wish to join COTA NT please call them directly on 08 8941 1004 or visit their website www.cotant.org.au

Who is COTA?

COTA is the national peak body dedicated to representing the interests, views, circumstances and wellbeing of older Australians. Our work draws on the opinions of today’s older people and concerns for future generations. COTA informs & influences all levels of Government, the Business Sector and the Community in general to deliver better outcomes for people aged 50 and over.

How long has COTA existed?

COTA was established in 1957. COTA has made a great deal of progress, but there is still a lot more that needs to and can be done.

Why is COTA unique?

Because it provides members with ongoing opportunities to directly tell us about issues that are important to them. We ask, “what concerns you as an older person?” and “what makes a better life for you” and then we act on that information. COTA takes older people seriously.

What philosophy does COTA work under?

COTA’s work is guided by the following principles:

• maximising the social, economic and political participation of older Australians,
• promoting positive views of ageing, rejecting ageism and challenging negative stereotypes,
• formulating and presenting fair and responsible policies to Government and Business,
• raising awareness of the ongoing value and contribution of older Australians, and
• maintaining and extending services and programs that are used and valued.

What are examples of the issues and outcomes COTA fights for?

• Mature Age Employment – ensuring older people fully participate in the labour force,
• Retirement Income – maintaining the pension against the real cost of living in retirement,
• Age Discrimination – reducing deeply instilled ageist attitudes in the community,
• Public Transport – providing more investment towards innovative community transport options,
• Housing – increasing the supply of affordable and appropriate housing,
• Aged Care and Health Services – providing more control for people to remain in their community,
• Essential Services – ensuring concessions maintain their real value.

Is COTA an independent organisation?

COTA will always be a fiercely independent organisation, with no political or social bias or allegiance.

How does COTA lobby Government on behalf of its members and the general public?

The interests of people over 50 are represented by COTA via a wide range of forums, committees, consumer advisory groups and research bodies. COTA for example, currently sits on over 50 government and non-government committees to represent older Australians.

How does COTA fund its activities and pay for staff?

COTA is a registered charity and so, a not-for-profit organisation. It receives financial assistance from both State and Federal Government and some corporations, but there is no certainty and consistency to this funding. Membership is a key income stream for COTA. COTA relies significantly on membership and a strong, committed and large volunteer network.

Why are members important to COTA?

Membership is the lifeblood of COTA. An engaged and growing membership enables COTA to become a stronger and more sustainable organisation, provide more services and support. It further underpins our peak body status, strengthens the voice of older Australians, allows us to have a better understanding of the issues and concerns of older people and is a source of volunteers. “The more members, the more impact, the higher the profile and the more good can be done for all older Australians”.

How does COTA help the concerns of older people be heard?

Our members are represented because COTA is invited to sit on a wide range of forums, committees, advisory groups and research bodies, both Government and non-Government. These are groups that have the power to bring about change. COTA provides members with the chance to belong to an organisation that works with and for them.

In what other ways does COTA support older Australians?

COTA delivers innovative programs and provides information to thousands of older people that:

• promotes health and wellbeing,
• enhances quality of life,
• increases participation in the community, and
• overcomes social isolation by creating opportunities for people to meet and connect with others.

What is the legal structure of COTA?

COTA is a public benevolent institution, governed by a Board that is elected by its members.

How is the work of COTA Australia funded?

COTA Australia receives government funding through the Health System Capacity Development Fund and is also funded by levies on each state/Territory COTA organisation. COTA Australia has also received specific funding through the then Department of Health and Ageing to facilitate consumer engagement in aged care reform.

How are the State and Territory COTAs funded?

State and Territory COTA’s receive funding through a variety of sources including membership.

Is there a COTA in every state/Territory?

Yes, there is a COTA in every State/Territory of Australia.

What kind of things can COTA help me with?

COTA Australia is an advocacy organisation which lobbies for action at a national level on issues affecting seniors. Members requiring assistance for specific issues should contact their local State/Territory COTA which will be able to provide information and advice on an extensive range of issues affecting older people.

How does COTA ask for the views of its members?

We solicit the views of our members through our ONECOTA magazine, public forums, via COTA volunteers including those on Boards and Policy Councils, mail and email.

How does COTA get relevant information out to members?

Via ONECOTA, our member’s magazine, e-Newsletters and emails. COTA develops innovative programs which are delivered by peer educators via the State and territory COTA’s.

What does COTA stand for?

COTA is an abbreviation of our original name, Council on the Ageing. In 2009 it was decided to be known simply as COTA as we felt that the original name no longer accurately reflected that we work on behalf of people over 50. Today we no longer think of people over 50 as ‘the ageing’ and we now use the tagline ‘for older Australians’ to more accurately reflect our work.