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2017 Victorian Senior of the Year award winners
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The 2017 Victorian Senior of the Year award winner has been announced. Roy Francis won the prestigious award for his tireless work and travel promoting cancer awareness around the state.
The awards recognise the enormous contribution made by seniors across Victoria. Read more to find out the 14 other award recipients who were recognised for their community contributions.
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Be a part of the Seniors Festival
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The Victorian Seniors Festival has returned this month for its 35th year.
The theme of the festival is Have Fun and Act Accordion-ly. Between 8-31 October enjoy more than 1,500 free and low-cost events right across the state, including concerts, classes, workshops, games, tours, exhibitions and more. For more information go to the Festival Program and search for activities near you. Why not have a look at the 20 festival highlights and join in?!
We loved the couple who made the most of the live music at the launch of the festival. Here's the video for you to enjoy.
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Voluntary Assisted Dying
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There has been a lot of community and media discussion on The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017 currently before Parliament.
COTA Victoria is focused on the rights of older people to be accurately informed and supported in their decision-making regarding their own end of life choices. We urge sensitive and respectful discussion by all politicians as they debate the bill. For details on the bill read more at COTA Victoria website.
You are invited to attend a free event called the Law and You Forum: Perspectives on voluntary assisted dying. Thursday 26 Oct 2017 – 6pm to 7:30pm. Bookings essential.
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Renting will become fairer for tenants in Victoria
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The Andrews Government has just announced its plan to give tenants more rights and longer term security under proposed reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act. But, do they go far enough?
Although there are improvements there is no mention of minimum health, safety and efficiency standards - a major concern for older Victorians. COTA Victoria is urging the government to introduce minimum rental standards that protect the health and wellbeing of tenants
The legislation is expected to be introduced in 2018. Read COTA Victoria’s submission to the review of Residential Tenancies Act.
Read the full article at COTA Victoria website
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More assistance for those struggling with energy bills
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People struggling to pay their energy bill will have stronger protections and more assistance under new rules recently announced by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
COTA Victoria commends the ESC on recommending the government reviews.
COTA Victoria encourages people to find the best electricity and gas deal by using the Victorian Government Energy Compare website.
We also invite seniors groups and older people to participate in our free COTA information session on Saving on Energy and getting the best deal. Simply call 1300 13 50 90.
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Boosting knowledge of consumer rights
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is undertaking an aged care project to help educate consumers about their rights under Australian consumer law.
To help with the development of resources, the ACCC is encouraging aged care consumers, their advocates and service providers to take part in a short online survey.
Read more...
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Watch the video of The HeART of Ageing on YouTube
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At the beginning of October we held an event called 'The HeART of Ageing' and took the opportunity to ask “what will it take to change the conversation about ageing?”
If you missed the event you can watch it here or read the full article on the COTA website.
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COTA Victoria Aged Care Advisory Service
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Navigating the aged care system can be a complicated, and at times, frustrating process. COTA Victoria is offering a free service for people accessing the aged care system. It will give you decision making support and point you in the right direction as you navigate the system.
The service will be available between 1st November and 22nd December please call 1300 13 50 90 or email CKeane@cotavic.org.au to make an appointment.
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COTA Victoria Celebrates National Carers Week
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This week, acknowledge and support someone you know who is in a caring role for National Carers Week. Say THANK YOU!
We acknowledge the amazing work of the 700,000 Victorians in a caring role.
We also believe there is significant work ahead in developing more sustainable and equitable care arrangements in our society.
Read more on the COTA Victoria Website.
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The first-ever Older Persons Advocacy Network CEO
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Lewis Kaplan is the first-ever CEO for the new Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). My Kaplan has extensive experience to draw on, having been the CEO of Diabetes Australia, Red Cross NSW and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW as well as Executive Director of Council on the Ageing NSW.
OPAN’s organisations offer free, confidential services to aged care consumers to ensure they understand their rights and participate in decisions relating to their care.
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When something is wrong - preventing elder abuse
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Carers Victoria wants all people in care relationships to feel safe.
As part of a harm prevention project a survey is being conducted to understand the preferred information needs of people in older-age care relationships.
If you are an older carer, or if you care for an older person, or a family member, we encourage you to do the online survey.
Continue reading on the COTA Victoria website.
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Concerns for health and wellbeing of unpaid carers
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Research is showing that unpaid carers are continually ignoring their own health and wellbeing. Those who are primary carers are putting the needs of this person above their own.
With National Carers Week taking place this week it is important to remind carers to take the time to look after themselves.
Read the full article here.
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We remember Life Member Delys Sargeant
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We were sad to hear of the passing of our Life Member Delys Sargeant in late September.
Delys was a very well-known educator, medical scientist, health professional and advocate for change before she added championing older persons to her CV.
There are thousands of older Victorians who might never know the contribution Delys has made to improving their lives - but we do, so we thank her.
Read about Delys important contributions on the COTA Victoria website.
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Annual General Meeting – 2017
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Mark your diaries. The COTA Victoria Annual General Meeting will be held at 10am on 22 November 2017 at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth Street.
You are invited to join us to hear about COTA’s work and achievements over the last year. Bookings are essential. To book go to Eventbrite or call 9655 2125.
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Strategies for successful ageing
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How do you feel about ageing? What choices are you making to stay happy, healthy, socially-connected and active as you age?
Find out how staying happy, healthy, socially-connected and active can help you age successfully, with a free online course.
During the five-week course, distinguished academics and physicians at Trinity College Dublin will present world-leading research in successful ageing, which may challenge many of the assumptions you have about growing old.
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ACOSS National Conference 2017
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You have just a few days to secure your spot at the national conference Australia 2030: Creating the Future We Want.
This is your National Conference, in your sector, filled with your colleagues.
Your voice is an essential part of what makes this event Australia’s premier annual, public social service forum.
To see the speakers and learn more about this event visit the ACOSS website. Register here.
24 and 25 October at the Sofitel, Melbourne.
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Alzheimer’s Australia National Dementia Conference
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The 17th Alzheimer’s Australia Biennial National Dementia Conference is taking place on 17 - 20 October in Melbourne.
Be the Change will provide a unique opportunity to transform the way we think about dementia. The conference will inspire delegates to explore more innovative and creative ways to improve the quality of life and support of people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia.
Register now.
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The Law and You Forum: Perspectives on voluntary assisted dying
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The Victorian Parliament will soon consider new legislation on voluntary assisted dying. The proposed laws would strengthen the rights of people in Victoria with terminal illness to end their lives.
What will the proposed changes mean for Victorians?
Victoria Law Foundation presents a community forum to explore what this proposed legislation could mean through a panel discussion of experts covering legal, and health perspectives. The Law and You Forum: Perspectives on voluntary assisted dying will also discuss how the recommendations made in the Final Report would affect people receiving and working in palliative care.
Thursday 26 October
6pm to 7:30pm
Deakin Edge
Federation Square
1 Flinders Street
Melbourne
Register here.
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Anne Deveson documentary PAPER TRAILS on the ABC for Mental Health Week
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A powerful portrait of one of Australia’s most inspiring women, PAPER TRAILS, follows the beloved Australian broadcaster, writer, activist and mental health advocate Anne Deveson AO as she reflects on her life, memory and history while racing against time to pack her 85-year paper trail into boxes destined for the National Library of Australia (NLA).
Watch the trailer here.
Visit ABC iView to see the full documentary.
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Walk Together 2017
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Walk Together is Welcome to Australia’s annual national celebration of Australia’s diversity.
Join the walk to express a welcome to migrants, and to celebrate our successful multicultural nation.
Find the Walk Together event in your area.
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Loving Vincent ticket giveaway
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Grab your chance to win tickets to the new film Loving Vincent!
Tell us what you like about COTA Connects and what topics you would like to find in COTA Connects. Email your comments to enquire@cotavic.org.au to win a double pass to Loving Vincent.
Enjoy the world’s first fully oil painted feature film.
The film brings the paintings of Vincent van Gogh to life to tell his remarkable story, his passionate and ill-fated life, and mysterious death.
In cinemas November 2.
Watch the trailer now.
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Win a double pass! Mark Vincent in Concert at the Hammer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
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This is your chance to win big! Win two double passes to Mark Vincent in Concert at the Hammer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. (Valued at $150 each). Simply tell us what you like most about this COTA Connects. Email enquire@cotavic.org.au.
Australia’s hottest classical treasure, Mark Vincent will showcase the songs and arias that made Mario Lanza world famous. Mark will pay tribute to the great Hollywood legend with a 20-piece orchestra.
Sunday 12 November 2017 at 5pm.
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