COTA stands for Council on the Ageing, and their office is located at the Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes.

They are a not-for-profit organisation, which provides “a one-stop-shop for older people in the ACT to get information, referrals and advice on anything.”

The services they provide range from the administration of ACT Seniors Cards and the production of the ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory, to putting together a range of events and programs aimed at increasing the quality of life of older people.

“No day is the same in the COTA ACT office,” Ms Mobbs declares.

“One minute we might be helping someone to work out what bus to catch and the next assisting someone to understand their latest water bill.”

They are a very busy organisation as well. “Our staff need to be across all of the issues of concern to older people as they answer 14,000 calls on the Seniors Information Line each year.”

In addition, COTA ACT provides high-level advice to government on issues of concern to older Canberrans, as well as sitting on a number of advisory groups and committees.  

“With the population of the ACT ageing, it is essential we put (in) the necessary infrastructures and policies to support our future population.

“Retirement can be a significant life change for people. COTA ACT works with people pre– and post– retirement to ensure they are adequately informed of their options when it comes to housing, services and activities.

“Our Housing Options Advisory Service provides comprehensive information to more than 1,000 older Canberrans and their families each year.

“Every situation is unique and needs and individual approach and the COTA ACT Housing Advisor gives every client information.”

For information about your housing options, and COTA ACT’s other services, call 02 6282 3777 or visit www.cotaact.org.au.