Seniors voice
COTA NT contributed a weekly column ‘Seniors Voice’ to The Sun until June 2019 when the paper was discontinued. This was a free community newspaper with over 35,000 copies distributed throughout the Northern Territory including Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and other centres.
Read all about it
Read our latest news or view past Seniors Voice articles below.
18 Jun 2019
A big thank you to those organisations that confirmed their event details for this year’s Seniors Month with us, so that they can be listed in the printed Seniors Month… (read more)
11 Jun 2019
We hope that all the organisations that are organising events for Seniors Month in August have now contacted COTA NT with their event details for inclusion in the printed 2019 Seniors Calendar. As we speak, it’s are… (read more)
4 Jun 2019
COTA NT was part of a panel for the recent Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission forums held in Alice Springs and Darwin. These forums went through the eight standards in force from… (read more)
28 May 2019
Well, this is Expo week and excitement is running high in the COTA NT camp. The staff and volunteers have worked exceptionally hard to make this year’s Expo – in… (read more)
21 May 2019
We have received good news from Territory Families regarding the re-confirmation process for the NT Concession and NT Seniors Recognition Schemes. As the schemes were only finalised in February 2019… (read more)
14 May 2019
In the upcoming election, don’t count on either Leader’s vision for Australia’s future, or even the present. The absence of any mention of aged care in last week’s Leaders’ Debate… (read more)
7 May 2019
By the time you read this COTA NT will be in the NT Budget Lock Down. For those who haven’t experienced this, the private sector, not for profits and other organisations… (read more)
30 Apr 2019
It was extremely disappointing last week to arrive at work and realise that the COTA NT’s offices had been vandalised again. It reinforces our intention to put a fence along… (read more)
23 Apr 2019
After perusing the Territory Government’s plan for repairing the budget, the sale of the Integrated Land Information System (ILIS) appears to be quite innovative. However, we would caution that costs of… (read more)
16 Apr 2019
“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things…” So firstly, the Federal election has been called for the 18th May, so you will have a chance… (read more)
9 Apr 2019
Well the Federal Budget was handed down and the Opposition replied. Lots of tax cuts and good news for people who need to utilise various medical services – but what… (read more)
2 Apr 2019
We had a few seniors ring us about the new Grants NT system and how to apply for Seniors Month grants. It would appear there were a few gremlins in… (read more)
26 Mar 2019
COTA NT had a meeting with staff from the Chief Minister’s Department and as mentioned previously, the plans for the Seniors Village have moved to a critical phase. The NT… (read more)
19 Mar 2019
This week the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety focuses on home care services, something which all COTAs in Australia called for as part of the Commission’s Terms of… (read more)
12 Mar 2019
There are two more weeks left for you to register attendance at our fifth Seniors Expo in Palmerston on Friday 31 May. If you want to be a stallholder or… (read more)
5 Mar 2019
COTA NT visited seniors in Katherine last week as part of our ‘COTA Across the NT’ program. Topics discussed included the role of our new Aged Care Navigators in helping… (read more)
26 Feb 2019
COTA NT received a few complaints regarding the closure of some Adult Night Classes and difficulties with the online payment only option and hearing the ads (on TV and radio). … (read more)
19 Feb 2019
More funds for aged Care It was a good news day when the Federal Health Minister advised more funds would be made available for aged care – with $622 million… (read more)
12 Feb 2019
As highlighted previously, COTA NT now has two Aged Care co-ordinators on board to help seniors and their families and carers better access aged care in the Northern Territory. Janet… (read more)
5 Feb 2019
There is a lot to love about what’s going on at COTA NT this February with a diverse and interesting program accessible to all seniors in the local community. If… (read more)
29 Jan 2019
I recently did an interview on ABC Radio’s morning programme regarding lime scooters. These are motorised foot-scooters currently being trialled in Brisbane as part of a sharing scheme brought to… (read more)
22 Jan 2019
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has now commenced and if you are interested, you can view or listen to the web streams on the Royal Commission… (read more)
15 Jan 2019
Welcome to 2019. We hope you had some respite from busy everyday schedules and commitments over Christmas and had time to catch up with family and friends. COTA staff and… (read more)
18 Dec 2018
It is an exciting time again for us at COTA NT. We have just been advised that we have been successful in our bid as part of COTA’s national tender… (read more)
11 Dec 2018
At this time of year, COTA celebrates and thanks staff, volunteers and members for their contributions to the organisation with social functions featuring festive foods and music. We have much… (read more)
4 Dec 2018
COTA NT has been lobbying for some time regarding more lifestyle choices for our rural seniors, so we were very pleased to hear about the proposed new retirement village at… (read more)
19 Nov 2018
Approximately 48% of the total number of members (aged over 65) of the NT Concession Scheme have now confirmed their details and membership of the scheme with Territory Families. A… (read more)
6 Nov 2018
The deadline for confirming your details for the NT Concession and Seniors Recognition Scheme is the end of the year. We have been receiving numerous enquiries from people who want… (read more)
30 Oct 2018
Just a reminder that COTA NT’s survey is still available on line and hard copies available at COTA’s office. We have received over 850 responses so far – the survey… (read more)
23 Oct 2018
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… (read more)
16 Oct 2018
It has been an interesting news week, especially with our members being very vocal about the NT Government’s new Alcohol Reform measures which include an increase in the floor price… (read more)
9 Oct 2018
As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, the NT government is running free Be Cyber Smart presentations to support the community to better protect against cyber security threats. Presentations are… (read more)
2 Oct 2018
COTA NT has managed the NT Seniors Card program since February 2018 and is working hard to improve the program for Territory seniors. More than 1200 new memberships have been… (read more)
25 Sep 2018
COTA NT’s headquarters located at Spillett House on Smith Street in Darwin CBD include a large activity room with adjoining kitchen. We aim to keep this space as busy as… (read more)
18 Sep 2018
COTA NT staff and volunteers have been out and about during the last two weeks to assist people fill in the COTA NT 2018 Survey. We have worked hard to… (read more)
11 Sep 2018
COTA NT has had quite a few visits by disgruntled Territorians regarding the Population Strategy and the $15,000 incentive for people in the 55 to 65 age bracket who wish… (read more)
4 Sep 2018
COTA NT and Office of the Public Guardian’s forum with key speaker, The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO, Age Discrimination Commissioner was well attended last week. The theme was “Seniors… (read more)
28 Aug 2018
COTA NT attended the Chief Minister’s unveiling of the new master branding for the Territory and it is impressive. When you think of the colours of the Territory and the… (read more)
21 Aug 2018
COTA NT took possession of a new shuttle bus – courtesy of the NT Government’s Community Benefit Fund major grants – last week. We are delighted with this outcome as… (read more)
14 Aug 2018
There is quite a bit happening again this month, especially with the release of the Northern Territory Government’s Public Housing Calculation Change. This will affect all seniors who are tenants… (read more)
31 Jul 2018
Seniors Month starts tomorrow and there is something for everybody! The COTA NT Coomalie branch holds their Seniors Picnic on Friday and a busload of Darwinites will be attending. I’m… (read more)
24 Jul 2018
COTA NT recently visited Katherine and spoke to seniors there about COTA NT’s work and the new concession scheme. It was important for us to meet local seniors and hear… (read more)
17 Jul 2018
The Seniors Month 2018 calendar is printed and is now available for pick up throughout the NT at numerous locations including libraries, electorate offices, community centres, shopping centres and aged… (read more)
10 Jul 2018
COTA volunteers have been working on a project grant-funded by The Continence Foundation of Australia to raise awareness of the National Public Toilet Map. They undertook the very large task… (read more)
3 Jul 2018
Last week COTA NT attended the National Policy Reform (NPC) in Canberra. The NPC brings together all COTAs from around Australia to meet and discuss Federal issues that pertain to… (read more)
26 Jun 2018
COTA NT, along with Darwin Community Legal Service, hosted an Elder Abuse Awareness Workshop on International Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday the 15th June. There were some thought-provoking videos… (read more)
19 Jun 2018
The Seniors Month August 2018 calendar is off to the printers shortly. Remember that if you missed the print deadline, you can still add your event to the online Territory… (read more)
12 Jun 2018
Our Seniors Month Calendar is shaping up nicely, but the time frame is extremely tight. All organisations who were successful with their grants for Seniors Months should have been contacted… (read more)
5 Jun 2018
Our biggest event of the year – our Seniors Expo last week was an outstanding success, exceeding the numbers of both stall holder numbers and attendees from past expos. It… (read more)
29 May 2018
Our fourth annual Seniors Expo is on this Friday at the Palmerston Recreation Centre. It has grown in exhibitors and status. Next year’s will be our fifth year of Expo alongside… (read more)
22 May 2018
It was a fantastic night at our recent Deckchair fundraiser when the iconic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was screened. We had over 350 people attend and the raffle for the… (read more)
15 May 2018
More budgets! The Federal Government released their budget last week and while it was pleasing to see more emphasis on seniors – especially on aged care, we still have a… (read more)
8 May 2018
The budget has come and gone. It is interesting to see the comments in relation to the 2018/19 Territory Budget. There were no funding cuts to social services which is… (read more)
1 May 2018
We are already into May and the year seems to have gone very quickly so far. We have working hard on contacting local business throughout the Territory in relation to… (read more)
17 Apr 2018
Thankfully the City of Darwin did not implement a suggested Tree Levy on rate payers. Residents are still experiencing financial stress paying to remove trees from private properties and unit… (read more)
10 Apr 2018
Applications for Seniors Month grants are in the process of being assessed by the team at Territory families. As soon as the outcomes of these applications are known, we will… (read more)
3 Apr 2018
We have been inundated with Seniors applying for their NT Seniors Card, which is terrific. However, there appears to be some confusion over two different cards: the NT Seniors Card… (read more)
27 Mar 2018
It’s been good to see the community rallying together after Cyclone Marcus and we owe a debt of thanks to the emergency crews, volunteers and workers who work tirelessly to… (read more)
20 Mar 2018
Seniors EXPO 2018 will be held on Friday 1 June in Palmerston Recreation Centre. We will be closing registrations at the end of the month, so make sure you have… (read more)
13 Mar 2018
COTA NT is delighted with Minister McCarthy’s recent announcement of a $69m investment towards public housing repairs and maintenance. It appears that the NT government has listened to COTA NT’s… (read more)
6 Mar 2018
This morning Spillett House will be buzzing with conversation and music including the pick of our highly valuable, vintage vinyl. If you are in Darwin, drop in and meet some… (read more)
27 Feb 2018
It was interesting watching the four big banks (NAB, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and Westpac) on the news recently. They expressed their concern regarding the financial abuse of older Australians. According… (read more)
20 Feb 2018
COTA NT attended the Chief Minister’s function on Monday, where he outlined his Government’s $1.75 billion infrastructure spend to kickstart the NT economy. It would appear there is something for… (read more)
13 Feb 2018
COTA is working on transitioning the Seniors Card scheme and a new Territory business discount directory. Businesses that are currently registered for the scheme will have received information from Territory… (read more)
6 Feb 2018
You may recall that before Christmas, the NT Government released a discussion paper on NT Territory Revenue and how best to raise revenue in the Territory. One of the easiest… (read more)
30 Jan 2018
I read with interest a press release by the Federal Minister for Aged Care, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM regarding an Australian Government-funded Frailty in Community Dwelling Older People – Using… (read more)
19 Dec 2017
COTA hosted a Neighbourhood Watch NT presentation which included useful advice for going away: let your neighbours know when you are away – they can report suspicious behaviour complete an Absentee… (read more)
12 Dec 2017
COTA Australia is asking Australians their views about quality of life and quality of services in aged care over the next two months as part of a project to better… (read more)
28 Nov 2017
COTA NT, the peak body for seniors in the Northern Territory, welcomed last week’s commitment by the Opposition Leader, Hon Bill Shorten MP, to improving the quality of life and… (read more)
21 Nov 2017
For those Territorians are paying excessively for insurance, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been directed by the Australian Government to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of… (read more)
14 Nov 2017
Well – as they say, the cat is out of the bag with the revamped NT Concessions Scheme, the most generous scheme of its kind in Australia. The NT Government… (read more)
7 Nov 2017
It’s not uncommon for seniors to find themselves caring for the younger generation all over again, either as grandparents or as non-parent carers and providing care that goes beyond helping… (read more)
24 Oct 2017
Seniors are still waiting with bated breath for the Gunner Government’s recommendations on the NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme. We would recommend the NT Government release the ‘Have Your… (read more)
19 Oct 2017
At the COTA Annual General Meeting last week in front of a good turnout of members, it was time to reflect on the work that the organisation has done over… (read more)
17 Oct 2017
It is interesting watching the debate in the Victorian Parliament regarding the Euthanasia Laws and how volatile and emotive it can become. How many of our seniors remember back to… (read more)
10 Oct 2017
COTA NT receives numerous enquiries from Territorians every week – and not just from seniors – on how best to plan for ageing. Issues such as guardianship, advance personal planning,… (read more)
3 Oct 2017
Seniors certainly had their say in the recent review regarding the NTPCCS (Northern Territory Pensioner and Carers Concession Scheme). Over 10,000 seniors voiced their concerns, either via the forums that… (read more)
26 Sep 2017
Australians are travelling overseas in ever increasing numbers and this certainly seemed true too for many of the senior Territorians who attended our multicultural luncheon recently. We certainly wish everyone… (read more)
19 Sep 2017
With the review for the NT Pensioners Carers Concessions Scheme (NTPCCS) now completed, and with COTA NT’s joint petition, which was given to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for… (read more)
12 Sep 2017
As part of our ‘Knowledge for Life’ activities, COTA NT’s major health and well-being presentation this month focuses on a common health concern for over 4.8 million Australians, that of… (read more)
5 Sep 2017
It was such a wonderful day of colours, great music, wonderful food and big smiles from Nadem Turkia (Damascus Kitchen) representing the Syrian Community in Darwin. The menu was perfect,… (read more)
29 Aug 2017
A number of seniors reported a touch of event fatigue this week – happily so, we should add – and certainly it’s been a busy time of year with not… (read more)
22 Aug 2017
Spillett House is a hive of activity this August – with a wide range of events and activities on offer for seniors. We will have a new class of iPad… (read more)
15 Aug 2017
It was interesting reading in the paper about the costs of child care and how a lot of parents rely heavily on their parents to provide childcare while they work. … (read more)
1 Aug 2017
With over 200 activities and events organised for Seniors Month this August, the next four weeks promise to offer opportunities for celebration, reflection, learning and adventure. If you are planning… (read more)
25 Jul 2017
It was interesting to read in Letters to the Editor in the NT News recently that COTA NT is supposedly saying silent on the slashing of concessions for seniors. Obviously… (read more)
18 Jul 2017
Traditionally August is a busy month for Senior Territorians with numerous outdoor and indoor festivals, events and activities being held in the wonderful Dry Season. The Northern Territory Government’s Seniors… (read more)
11 Jul 2017
There’s a lot of talk about the review of the Territory pensioner and concessions card. COTA NT has canvassed quite a few of our members, and it has been interesting… (read more)
4 Jul 2017
As some seniors are aware, COTA attended a national policy conference in Canberra last month, which was very interesting. Issues discussed included the low take-up of e-health by seniors. It… (read more)
27 Jun 2017
It has been very exciting to review the events being organised throughout the Northern Territory for seniors for the upcoming Seniors Month in August. We’d like to offer our congratulations… (read more)
20 Jun 2017
COTA NT has been contacted by seniors in the Territory community regarding the changes to the pensioner and concessions scheme. Unfortunately there are a lot of rumours and innuendo out… (read more)
13 Jun 2017
COTA NT will be attending a Housing Conference in Canberra next week where the issue of seniors housing will be right at the fore. With Territory Housing having 520 applicants… (read more)
6 Jun 2017
Nearly 1,000 Territory seniors visited COTA NT’s SENIORS EXPO held in the museum grounds on Friday and enjoyed an event full of fun, celebration, information and conversation. EXPO, now… (read more)
30 May 2017
Four fun, informative and festive jam-packed hours await seniors at COTA NT’s third SENIORS EXPO on Friday 2 June between 10am and 2pm at the Museum and Art Gallery of… (read more)
23 May 2017
As usual with the advent of the dry season, the greater Darwin area is humming. I was fortunate to visit the Batchelor area last week where I was reminder that… (read more)
16 May 2017
With the support of the Northern Territory government, COTA NT has developed and launched a new community event calendar for seniors on its website. This calendar has been specifically developed… (read more)
9 May 2017
Under much fanfare the NT Governments 2017/18 budget was released. COTA NT also attended a special Expert Review Group, which you will recall was set up to review the Pension… (read more)
2 May 2017
COTA NT is encouraging the community to get involved in the local Boomerang Bags initiative set up by the Eco-Warriors at Parap Primary School by hosting the first workshop for… (read more)
25 Apr 2017
At the moment, it is all go in our office for organising Seniors Expo 2017, and for those aspiring models out in the community – we need you. Why not… (read more)
18 Apr 2017
COTA has some exciting forums lined up next week for Wellness Week. Starting on Tuesday, we have something for everyone including conversations and presentations on Managing Your Pain and The… (read more)
11 Apr 2017
Grant applications for organisations wishing to apply for funding for Seniors Month in August have now closed. COTA NT is thrilled to announce that we will be organising, printing and… (read more)
5 Apr 2017
COTA attended the last of Economic Summits that the NT Government held down at the Convention Centre. Housing, the revitalisation of the CBD and age friendly activities were discussed, also… (read more)
28 Mar 2017
Our members would have been aware that COTA was on the Expert Review Group and have attended a few meetings late last year and early 2017. This consultative group which… (read more)
28 Mar 2017
Our members would have been aware that COTA was on the Expert Review Group and have attended a few meetings late last year and early 2017. This consultative group which… (read more)
21 Mar 2017
COTA NT is thrilled to announce they have been successful in their application for a Northern Territory Government Community Immediate Works Grant. These funds enabled COTA NT to commission Nightcliff… (read more)
7 Mar 2017
It was interesting listening to a local radio station this week who were focusing on the Darwin CBD and asking for suggestions that would make the CBD a more vibrant… (read more)
28 Feb 2017
This is a sad week for a few of our seniors who have experienced a home invasion for the first time. One such lady, who lives in Alice Springs, was… (read more)
21 Feb 2017
This is an exciting time to volunteer with COTA NT and be part of a vibrant, energetic team, all working together to support the extraordinary over 50s in our community…. (read more)
14 Feb 2017
COTA NT’s third SENIORS EXPO is all set to live up to its award-winning reputation once again with nearly 1,000 seniors expected to attend this year’s event. SENIORS EXPO 2017… (read more)
7 Feb 2017
COTA NT has launched a new-look website for seniors in the Northern Territory. The new website is part of COTA NT’s aim to disseminate age-friendly information to Territory seniors. The… (read more)
24 Jan 2017
It was a firm pre-election commitment by the Labor Government upon gaining office to review the NT Pensioners and Carers’ Concession Scheme. At that time COTA NT gave a firm… (read more)
17 Jan 2017
With Australians living longer than ever before, the number of those aged 65 and over is projected to double by 2055. It is critical that the social security system can… (read more)
13 Dec 2016
Elegance, sophistication, fine china, tea-pots and fascinators were the order of the day at the COTA NT High Tea event staged at the Spillett House senior’s hub last Wednesday. The… (read more)
12 Apr 2016
COTA NT is part of the COTA Australia national policy organisation which is the national consumer peak body of a Federation of more than 1,000 seniors’ organisations and members representing… (read more)
29 Mar 2016
COTA NT has been flooded with calls from seniors supporting demands for the Seniors Concessions Scheme to be reinstated to the pre-May 2014 Budget status. These seniors are angry and… (read more)
22 Mar 2016
COTA NT watches with despair as frustrated and angry seniors are forced to write to the newspapers to vent their frustrations with the inequitable and unfair concession scheme which now… (read more)
16 Mar 2016
Elder abuse is any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult. Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse… (read more)
9 Mar 2016
The Department of Human Services has a charter to help and support seniors through the provision of programs and various services, benefits and payments which includes providing ‘Duty of Care’…. (read more)
2 Mar 2016
Feeling lonely is a normal human emotion and is simply a sign of wanting contact with people. It can often happen because of external circumstances, such as loss of a… (read more)
17 Feb 2016
Leading seniors advocate Council on the Ageing has welcomed the introduction of federal legislation which will give control of aged home care packages and services to older people for the… (read more)
11 Feb 2016
We are quick to criticize pre-election debates and policy speeches, to analyze the speech-making and insinuations, yet when it comes to discussions on Australia’s future we’re unthinkingly accepting of the… (read more)
4 Feb 2016
Through the assistance of an AUSPOST Our Neighbourhood Community Grant, COTA NT opened a ‘Surf Space for Seniors’ at Spillett House. Originally dubbed the ‘Surf Shack’, the name had to… (read more)
27 Jan 2016
COTA NT was delighted to receive from the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim the Darwin Community Event of the Year Award for SENIORS EXPO 2015 last week. This… (read more)
20 Jan 2016
In December 2015 the Government introduced into Parliament a Bill which seeks to amend the Electoral Act. The changes proposed in the Bill aim to increase voter participation and decrease… (read more)
14 Dec 2015
This week, COTA NT Board members and staff met with Aged Care Commissioner, Rae Lamb, who from 1 January 2016 will be directly responsible for managing complaints about the care… (read more)
25 Nov 2015
Active ageing is defined by the World Health Organisation as, “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality life as people age. Policy,… (read more)
18 Nov 2015
Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation and despair. Elder abuse is any act occurring within a relationship where… (read more)
11 Nov 2015
Healthy life expectancy is defined as expected years of remaining life in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ health. Disability life expectancy is defined as expected years of remaining life free from… (read more)
4 Nov 2015
Jan Jewell is the new vice-chairwoman for COTA NT At the recent Annual General Meeting of COTA NT all positions for the 2013/2015 term of the Board were declared vacant… (read more)
28 Oct 2015
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In order to help promote women’s health and to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the ladies of COTA’s regular ZUMBA GOLD class held a… (read more)
21 Oct 2015
There is a tendency for people, including politicians and policy makers, to frame the debate on ageing within a dependency storyline which sees older people as a ‘burden and a… (read more)
