About Us
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the rights, interests, and wellbeing of older Queenslanders.
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.
Our Approach
Respect
We respect and value the contribution and lived experience of people as we age and support each person’s right to make choices and participate in their community.
Diversity
We value the great diversity that characterises people of all ages and are committed to genuine exchange and engagement.
Collaboration
We communicate and work collaboratively with older people, with each other, with our partners and with the Queensland community to achieve Council on the Ageing Queensland’s vision and purpose.
Integrity
We operate ethically, openly, honestly and with accountability in all our interactions.
Equity
We recognise the impact of systemic inequalities, disadvantage and discrimination on some Queenslanders as we age and are committed to speaking out on these issues to achieve our vision.
Ageing in Queensland is a time of possibility, opportunity and influence.
We advance the rights, needs, interests and futures of Queenslanders as we age.
Engaging diverse community voices to form independent evidence-based insights
- Advocate for older people and their supporters to be engaged in all areas that matter.
- Strengthen and expand Council on the Ageing Queensland’s network of older Queenslanders.
- Build capability of service sectors to engage with older people and their supporters.
- Break down barriers affecting groups that struggle to be heard, due to prejudice, ignorance and/or system inadequacies.
- Expand Council on the Ageing Queensland’s activities in ways that strengthen the voice of older Queenslanders.
- Inform Queensland government policies to protect and uphold the rights, needs and interests of older Queenslanders.
Collaborating with local, national and international experts and networks
- Build focused collaborations and partnerships with seniors interested organisations.
- Build and grow Council on the Ageing Queensland policy, advocacy, research and evaluation capability through effective partnerships with universities and related organisations.
- Develop the capacity of an independent vehicle for new collaborations beyond Queensland, which builds knowledge, capability and learning for those involved in ageing and aged care activities.
- Strengthen relationships that support Council on the Ageing Queensland’s unique consumer peak role to improve community access to voice and advocacy.
- Form partnerships to enhance responses to the unique needs of older Queenslanders who identify as LGBTIQ+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or from diverse cultural, linguistic and/or religious backgrounds
Creating innovative and real impact
- Promote the development of age-friendly environments.
- Improve opportunities for social inclusion and community connectedness.
- Advocate for improved quality, accessibility and integration of health and social care.
- Advocate for older Queenslanders to age well through adequate income, housing and social entitlements.
- Strengthen early intervention and health promotion activities.
- Improve service responsiveness to regional, rural and remote areas.
- Advocate for and support unpaid carers.
- Encourage opportunities for lifelong learning.
- Remove barriers for active participation in volunteering.
- Foster opportunities for intergenerational activities.
Reduce the digital divide for older people. - Promote the development of age friendly workplaces and reimagine retirement.
- Challenge ageism, discrimination and support improved responses to reduce elder abuse.
- Promote involvement and safeguards for older people in times of emergencies and disasters.
Our Strategic Plan
Learn more about our strategic agenda for Ageing Well in Queensland and how we are including our priorities for delivering on our approach by reading our Strategic Plan 2023-2026.
Our Funders
We appreciate the support and collaboration with our funders who include:
Queensland Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
Queensland Treasury (formerly Queensland Department of Climate and Energy)
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Financial Reports
Our Financial Reports are published on the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC) website. Click on the button below for more information including our tax deductibility status for donations, Annual Information Statements and Financial Reports.
Our Patron
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is honoured to have Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, as our Patron.
Her Excellency has an outstanding record of service in the health sector, including her role as Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.
The Governor’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders aligns with the Council on the Ageing Queensland’s mission to advance the rights, interests and futures of older people across the state.
We greatly value her leadership and contribution throughout her distinguished career and are proud to work together to promote the wellbeing of Queensland’s ageing population.
