Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is pleased to welcome three new appointments – Hayley Hunter, Tanya O’Connor, and Mark Stokes – to its Board of Directors.
These appointments build upon the diverse backgrounds and skills within the COTA Victoria board. Our new board members will add a wealth of knowledge and experience that will prove invaluable to the ongoing work of COTA Victoria.
Hayley Hunter has over ten years of specialist legal expertise in guardianship, administration, wills and estates, and matters involving elder abuse. She also serves as a member of the Seniors Rights Victoria Advisory Committee.
Tanya O’Connor is an accomplished global executive with close to two decades of involvement in technology development and the operational leadership of clinical research. She also serves as a member of boards concentrating on aged care and dementia.
Mark Stokes PhD offers a wealth of knowledge as a researcher, academic and advocate in the fields of public health, psychological, and biomedical knowledge. He draws upon his experience in numerous local, state, national, and international not-for-profit organisations.
“We’re thrilled to welcome such high-calibre and experienced professionals to our Board of Directors,” said COTA Victoria President, Robert Caulfield. “We’re excited about what lies ahead for COTA Victoria with a full contingent of board members, a new strategic plan, and reinvigorated vision.
“The board is eager to work with the state government and our new members to further a positive ageing agenda that will deliver benefits for older Victorians alongside a community dividend for the state,” Mr Caulfield continued.
COTA Victoria CEO, Chris Potaris, said the appointments have come at a perfect time, in the midst of sweeping organisational change and a very focused strategic and operational agenda.
“These appointments follow our 2023-2024 pre-budget submission to the Victorian Government and the formation of our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. With these positions now filled, we can focus on COTA Victoria’s transformation into a resilient organisation that shows demonstrable value for those we represent,” Mr Potaris said.
The new board members will commence their roles effective immediately.
About us
COTA Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a program of COTA Victoria and the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.
Further information
Steve Wright
Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Fax: +61 3 9655 2199
