Q: What does COTA stand for?
A: COTA is an abbreviation of our original name, Council on the Ageing. In 2009 it was decided to drop ‘Council on the Ageing’ and be known simply as COTA as we felt that the original name no longer accurately reflected that we work on behalf of people over 50. Today we no longer think of people over 50 as ‘the ageing’ and we now use the tagline ‘for older Australians’ to more accurately reflect our work.

Q: How is the work of COTA Australia funded?
A: COTA Australia receives government funding through the Health System Capacity Development Fund and is also funded by levies on each State/Territory COTA organisation. State and Territory COTAs receive funding through a variety of sources including membership. COTA Australia has also received specific funding through the then Department of Health and Ageing to facilitate consumer engagement in aged care reform.

Q: Is there a COTA in every State/Territory?
A: Yes, there is a COTA in every State/Territory of Australia; click here for contact information and links for each COTA

Q: How can I become a member?
A: To support the work of COTA by becoming a member, please follow this link to COTA Membership Services

Q: What kinds of things can COTA help me with?
A: COTA Australia is an advocacy organisation which lobbies for action at a national level on issues affecting seniors.  Members requiring assistance for specific issues should contact their local State/Territory COTA which will be able to provide information and advice on an extensive range of issues affecting older people.

Q: What does COTA offer organisations and Seniors Clubs?
A: Organisational membership options and benefits vary from State to State, please contact your local COTA for more information

Q: How does COTA ask for the views of its members?
A: We solicit the views of our members through OneCOTA magazine, public forums, via COTA volunteers including those on Boards and Policy Councils, mail and email.