Council on the Ageing Queensland

03/09/2026

🚨 Could you spot a scam before it’s too late?

Have you ever wondered:
❓ How can I tell if something is a scam?
❓ What are the warning signs I should look for?
❓ What if the caller, text or email seems completely genuine?
❓ How can I check if something is legitimate before I act?
❓ What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
❓ How can I protect myself and my money in the future?

You’re not alone. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be targeted.

Join COTA Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank for a free Banking Safely in a Digital World – Scam Awareness Workshop.

There’ll also be plenty of time to ask questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

📍 South East Queensland – we’re coming your way!

Don’t wait until you’ve been caught out. Book your place today and learn how to protect yourself.

Cost: Free

👉 Monday 7 September 2026 at the Toombul Main Hall, Toombul Shire Hall, 1141 Sandgate Rd, Nundah Queensland 4012
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-brisbane

👉 Tuesday 8 September 2026 at the Baringa Community Centre 20 Edwards Tce, Caloundra West QLD 4551
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-sunshine-coast

👉 Wednesday 9 September 2026: Cooroy Memorial Hall, 23 Maple St, Cooroy Queensland 4563
1:30pm arrival | 2:00pm–3:30pm workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-cooroy

👉 Thursday 10 September 2026 at The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre 77 Exhibition Rd, Southside QLD 4570
9:00am arrival | 9:30am–11:30am workshop.
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-gympie

03/09/2026

Accessible transport keeps us connected

Last week, our team visited Yeronga train station to check out how accessible it is for older people.

Sue Bowles, one of our volunteers, and Steph Power from our team joined other groups, including Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), to walk through the station and share feedback.

We saw some great features: wide walkways, shady spots to rest, clear signs, and paths with raised surfaces to help people find their way to platforms and lifts.
Good public transport should work for everyone. That means shelter from the weather, comfy seating, clear signs, handrails, and help finding your way around.
Thank you to the Logan and Gold Coast Rail team for a great morning.

Photo Caption: Sue Bowles, lived experience representative and volunteer, COTA Queensland, with Steph Power, policy and research officer, COTA Queensland, with Sarlie Drakos and Nicholas Mukherjee from QDN.

02/09/2026

Did you notice?
Sometimes, someone may be trying to tell us something without saying it directly.

Maria's Story shows how fear and control can affect the everyday choices of an older person, and how difficult it can be to tell someone what is happening. The signs may not always be obvious on their own. Noticing changes, listening without judgement and creating a safe opportunity to talk can make a difference.

Learn more about Maria's Story and the signs to notice: https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/mariasstory/

31/08/2026

Elder abuse happens in our communities.
Sometimes, someone is waiting for a chance to speak.

Maria didn't have long.

A brief conversation while she was out gave her a chance to share something she had been keeping to herself. Inspired by real experiences, Maria's Story is part of COTA Queensland's A Time to Listen campaign. It reminds us why making time to listen can matter.

Watch Maria's Story: https://cotaqld.org.au/a-time-to-listen/mariasstory/

29/08/2026

Sunshine Coast, we're coming your way!

Join COTA Queensland, Auswide Bank and MyState Bank for a free Banking Safely in a Digital World workshop.

You'll learn how to:
✔️ Spot the latest scam tactics
✔️ Bank online safely and with confidence
✔️ Protect your personal and banking details
✔️ Know what to do if something feels off.

Come along, ask questions, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming session with morning tea and good company.

📅 Tuesday 8 September 2026
📍 Baringa Community Centre, 20 Edwards Tce, Caloundra West QLD 4551

Free to attend, but you'll need to register as spots are limited!
https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-sunshine-coast
Bring a friend or family member and learn together.

27/08/2026

What a great day at the Positive Ageing Expo in Cairns last Friday!

Lisa and Kate from our Aged Care Navigator team shared a stall alongside Janet, Aged Care Navigator from Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC . They spent the day chatting with local seniors, swapping stories, and sharing information on the supports available to older Queenslanders in the Far North.

It's always a privilege to meet community members face-to-face and hear what matters most to them. Thanks to Cairns Regional Council for putting on such a welcoming event, and to everyone who stopped by the stall for a chat!

27/08/2026

Brisbane, we're coming your way!

Join COTA Queensland, and MyState Bank for a free Banking Safely in a Digital World workshop.

You'll learn how to:
✔️ Spot the latest scam tactics
✔️ Bank online safely and with confidence
✔️ Protect your personal and banking details
✔️ Know what to do if something feels off.

Come along, ask questions, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming session with morning tea and good company.

📅 Monday 7 September
📍 Toombul Main Hall, Toombul Shire Hall, 1141 Sandgate Rd, Nundah

Free to attend, but you'll need to register as spots are limited!
https://events.humanitix.com/banking-safely-in-a-digital-world-brisbane
Bring a friend or family member and learn together.

27/08/2026

Older Queenslanders deserve fair value from the private health cover they've paid into for decades, not higher costs and reduced support just as they need care most.

COTA Australia - for older Australians is calling on older Australians to add their voice to this important petition. If you'd like to help fix private health insurance for older Australians, please take a moment to read the petition and add your name.
https://cota.org.au/project/fix-private-health-insurance-for-older-australians/

Fix Private Health Insurance for Older Australians – Add Your Voice

Many older Australians have paid private health insurance premiums for decades. Now, just as they are more likely to need health care, they face high, unpredictable costs, no assurance their cover is giving them fair value, and a Government proposal to cut the age-based rebate that helps keep their cover affordable.

COTA Australia are inviting older Australians to sign a petition that adds their voice to fix private health insurance for older Australians. Please take the time to read the petition proposition and if you would like to take action, sign the petition by adding your name.

Click here to join:
https://cota.org.au/project/fix-private-health-insurance-for-older-australians/

26/08/2026

Words matter.

The language we use about ageing and older people can quietly reinforce stereotypes and shape attitudes, often without us even noticing.

Join Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex at the next EAAA Lunch & Learn on 10 September as he unpacks ageist language and its real impact on older people, exploring the words and expressions that reinforce ageist attitudes, covertly and overtly.
He'll be joined by our own Senior Policy and Research Officer Stephanie Power, who'll look at ageist language through a systemic advocacy lens and its connection to the abuse and mistreatment of older people.

Thursday 10th September 12.30 - 1.30pm

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5417871943913/WN_E5cPRoMISC2Iszb0UKn_Xg #/

Words matter.

The language we use to talk about ageing and older people can reinforce stereotypes, shape attitudes and contribute to ageism with real consequences for older people.

Join us for our next EAAA Lunch & Learn on 10 September as we explore how ageist language impacts older people.

Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex will unpack the language of ageism, exploring words and expressions that can covertly or overtly reinforce ageist attitudes.

He’ll be joined by Stephanie Power from Council on the Ageing Queensland who will explore ageist language from a systemic advocacy perspective and its connection to the broader context of abuse and mistreatment of older people.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4zvurTI

25/08/2026

It's with great sadness that we share this news from our friends at Moreton Bay Dementia Alliance.

One of their long-standing and much-loved members, Jodi Doe, was tragically killed in a road accident last week. Our thoughts are with her husband Anthony, their family, and everyone who knew and loved her.

Ariana Doolan MP paid tribute to Jodi during her adjournment speech in Parliament.

Watch here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/.../Live-and-Archived.../

It's with great sadness we share that one of our long standing and very loyal Moreton Bay Dementia Alliance members, Jodi Doe was tragically killed last week in a road accident.

Tonight, Ariana Doolan MP will honour Jodi during her adjournment speech in Parliament with a special tribute.

* This is expected to take place now from approximately 1130pm onwards (apologies for the late change) and can be watched online via the link below.

Jodi's husband, Anthony and family have given their consent and requested that this be shared throughout the network & community, so that as many people as possible who knew and loved Jodi can have the opportunity to watch and honour her memory 🕊️

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Live-and-Archived-Broadcasts/

* This will be recorded and posted by Ariana tomorrow