Changes to COTA Victoria membership
This article was updated on 4 January 2024.
Table of contents
Overview of changes
COTA Victoria is reviewing our membership services, model, and framework, with a view of providing our valued members with a more comprehensive suite of benefits, value, and membership categories. As part of this review, COTA Victoria has taken direct responsibility of membership management from COTA Membership.
One of the distinct focal points for the COTA Victoria Membership Services Framework is the introduction of free individual membership for every older Victorian. We recognise that the cost of living has dramatically increased in the past year, and don’t overlook the importance a saving of a membership fee can be to a COTA Victoria member.
The transfer of existing Victoria-based members from COTA Membership to COTA Victoria was completed in December 2023. Those members have been emailed instructions so that they can self-manage their memberships and associated information.
We anticipate the ability to take on new members early in 2024. As part of this new intake, we plan to invite all current COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria email newsletters subscribers to our membership program.
Because of these changes, existing members with approaching paid renewals in the national, COTA Membership-based system will no longer be able to pay to renew their membership. We would like to reassure our members that their status as a COTA Victoria member is ongoing and will not lapse as a result. Existing members will remain COTA Victoria members in good standing.
Those who have recently paid to renew their membership for another year will continue to receive associated benefits through COTA Membership, including future editions of the OneCOTA magazine and the Ambassador Card.
Further to this, our recently launched Older, Not Alone campaign features a number of financial rebates and support schemes for those struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living crisis.
We’ll continue to be in touch with existing members as we continue with this process, including details of our entirely new Membership Services Framework and associated benefits.
If you’ve got any questions about this transfer process, feel free to email membership@cotavic.org.au or call us using our COTA Wise Helpline on 1300 135 090, then selecting option 2.
For information about your current financial membership, please contact COTA Membership on 1300 140 050.
As always, we value your membership and ongoing support of COTA Victoria.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
I’m not yet a member of COTA Victoria. Can I join today?
In the transition to this new model, new membership sign-ups will be placed on hold. We will communicate when new memberships can be registered.
We anticipate that new memberships will be accepted in early 2024.
Can I still renew my membership online?
Existing COTA Victoria members who originated from the national COTA Membership scheme are no longer able to pay to renew their membership.
We would like to reassure our members that their status as a COTA Victoria member is ongoing and will not lapse as a result. Existing members will remain COTA Victoria members in good standing.
What if I’ve recently renewed my membership, or started a new membership?
Those who have recently paid to renew their membership for another year, or who have recently taken up a new membership will continue to receive associated benefits through COTA Membership, including future editions of the OneCOTA magazine and the Ambassador Card.
Paid memberships are currently managed nationally by COTA Membership and not by COTA Victoria. As such, we are unable to process any requests for refunds at this time. We thank you for your continued support of COTA Victoria. As a not-for-profit and registered charity, any support provided is reinvested into services for the older Victorians we support.
I used to donate to COTA Victoria on top of my membership renewal — what if I still wish to donate to COTA Victoria?
Those who wish to donate to COTA Victoria can still do so. As a not-for-profit and registered charity, any support provided is reinvested into services for the older Victorians we support.
Find out more about donating to COTA Victoria here.
Will an individual COTA Victoria membership be free?
Yes, COTA Victoria membership will be free as part of the new Membership Services Framework. We’ll share information about the Membership Services Framework and associated benefits as soon as possible.
As memberships will be offered without costs, COTA Victoria will ensure that both parties in a current, paid couples membership are each offered a free, individual membership.
Will you offer organisational memberships as part of this new model?
Yes, we will offer organisational memberships. More information on organisational memberships will follow.
What if I have further questions about the new COTA Victoria membership model and framework?
Members are welcome to ask questions via membership@cotavic.org.au or by calling our COTA Wise Helpline on 1300 135 090 (option 2), but please note that we may not be able to answer all queries at this time.
We’ll share information about our new Membership Services Framework and associated benefits as soon as possible.
What if I have further questions about my current, financial COTA Membership?
For information about your current financial membership, please contact COTA Membership on 1300 140 050.