From 20 to 26 May this year we’re celebrating National Volunteer Week, with the theme ‘Making a world of difference’. We certainly appreciate the world of difference made by our 143 wonderful volunteers, who contribute so much to the governance and delivery of our programs – including elder abuse education, profiled in this issue. We will celebrate with our volunteers and acknowledge their work during Volunteer Week.
Our work with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues, with information sessions being held around the state. Merle Mitchell gave a powerful witness statement to the Commission on her experiences of living in residential care.
I have recently announced my intention to leave COTA Victoria later in the year to pursue other interests. It has been a great privilege to work with COTA Victoria for the last three years, and COTA Australia prior to that, in pursuing my passion to work with older people to uphold their rights and interests and to promote their positive contributions. It has been a pleasure to work with our members, volunteers and staff who also share the vision of ageing being a time of possibility, opportunity and influence. The Board has commenced the process of searching for a new CEO.