Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland

Working with older Queenslanders? This is for you. From policy developments to practical resources, research and events, Council on the Ageing Queensland brings together updates that matter to your work. Stay connected with older Queenslanders’ experiences, the issues shaping our sector and opportunities to make a difference. Sign up to our sector newsletter.

Have you been treated differently because of your age, had your views overlooked or heard someone make assumptions about what you can do? COTA QLD wants to hear about your experiences of ageism, including the words people use and whether you feel heard and respected. Your responses will help shape our advocacy, resources and community awareness work in 2027. The survey is anonymous, and all questions are optional. Have your say through our Ageism Survey.

Have you been treated differently because of your age, had your views overlooked or heard someone make assumptions about what you can do? COTA QLD wants to hear about your experiences of ageism, including the words people use and whether you feel heard and respected. Your responses will help shape our advocacy, resources and community awareness work in 2027. The survey is anonymous, and all questions are optional. Have your say through our Ageism Survey.

When Sharon’s neighbour moved into aged care, he trusted her to look out for him. Then things started happening that didn’t seem right. Charges she couldn’t understand. Questions without clear answers. And concerns that didn’t seem to be heard. Abuse and mistreatment of older people isn’t always about the actions of a family member or someone close to them. It can also happen within the systems and services older people rely on. Inspired by real experiences, Sharon’s Story is part of COTA Queensland’s A Time to Listen campaign. It asks us to look more closely at what happens when systems don’t protect the rights, choices and wellbeing of older people. For organisations working with older people, this also gives us something to reflect on. Clear communication matters. Charges and decisions should be easy to understand and explain. People should feel comfortable asking questions, and when concerns are raised, they should be heard and taken seriously. Creating systems that are transparent, responsive and easy to navigate is one way we can help safeguard the rights of older people.

Wiremu works at his local post office. He knows the regulars. The familiar faces. The everyday routines. But sometimes, something in an ordinary interaction doesn't feel quite right. Inspired by real experiences, Wiremu's Story is part of COTA Queensland's A Time to Listen campaign. His story reminds us that we can all play a role in looking out for the older people in our communities. Sometimes, simply noticing can be the beginning of something important.

Some stories don't begin with a crisis. They begin with small moments that slowly become someone's new normal. Inspired by real experiences, Anne's Story is the first in COTA Queensland's A Time to Listen campaign. Through storytelling, the campaign encourages us to pause, listen and look a little closer at the subtle signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people. Recognising these signs is often the first step towards supporting someone to live safely, with dignity and respect. Watch Anne's Story and learn more about recognising the signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people, and where to find trusted information and support.