Tribute to stalwart supporter of seniors

23 Oct 2018

VALE Graeme Bevis – Much missed

It was with great shock and sadness that the Board of Management, staff and members of COTA NT recently learnt of the sudden and tragic passing of a previous and much-loved CEO, Graeme Bevis.

Graeme served as a Board Member and CEO of COTA NT. He tirelessly advocated for the rights of all senior Territorians. During his service for COTA NT, he campaigned for a full government review of the NT Pensioners and Carer Concession Scheme. Changes to this scheme, designed to provide equity and recognition across the board for all seniors came into effect of July this year. Graeme continued to lobby for fairness and equity for all seniors no matter their economic status.

He also worked to transition the management of the NT Seniors Card program to COTA NT with the aim of having the organisation actively involved in promoting and improving the scheme. After his lobbying, persistence and persuasion, management of the program came to COTA NT in February of this year. In working on the program, our staff and volunteers feel as if we are doing our bit to reduce the cost of living for seniors throughout the Territory where practically possible. With over 50 new businesses added to the scheme and a resurgence in membership, we hope to honour his memory by successfully continuing his work.

Graeme was a popular and highly-regarded figure in all sectors; local and Territory government, national bodies and senior groups. Graeme and his wife Sally were the first Territorians to receive lifetime membership of the organisation in recognition of their service to seniors. Graeme was a wonderful colleague, generous mentor and friend to COTA NT’s staff, board, volunteers and members.

More recently Graeme was the President of A.I.R. Darwin (Association of Independent Retirees) and continued to advocate for better outcomes for seniors. He will be much missed by us all.

~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice