COTA

This year is a special one for COTA Victoria – we’re celebrating 70 years of promoting opportunities and protecting the rights of all older Victorians. It’s a time to reflect on our origins and achievements, and to look ahead at how we continue to advocate on the important issues for older Victorians.

COTA Victoria’s origins
COTA Victoria came into being in the period following the Depression and World War 2. With the postwar baby boom and economic reconstruction efforts putting the focus on younger people, the needs of older generations were being forgotten.

Growing concern among social welfare organisations and private funders led to the formation of the Old People’s Welfare Council – the organisation that later became COTA Victoria. The aim was to address poverty among older people and attract state and federal government attention and spending.

Celebrating 70
For COTA, turning 70 is an occasion for reflection. But more importantly, it’s a time to rededicate ourselves to the cause of shining a light on the issues older Victorians tell us need to be addressed to improve their quality of life.

‘When you are 70 you recognise the importance of having a positive outlook and a network of people who are genuinely interested in you and are willing to work with you to maintain a good quality of life,’ Tina Hogarth-Clarke says.

‘That’s how we’ll celebrate being 70! A COTA Victoria that continues to be positive and a leader in promoting and working for the interests of all older Victorians,’ she says.