Media Release Archives

MEDIA RELEASE: New hotline for older Australians during COVID-19 pandemic launched

24 April 2020

A new COVID-19 hotline will help older Australians get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic, providing an accessible one-stop source for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines.

COVID-19, helpline, social isolation

MEDIA RELEASE: Community alert on increase of elder abuse

7 April 2020

Seniors Rights Victoria have issued an alert highlighting the potential increase of elder abuse in the community as a hidden impact of the COVID-19 emergency.

COVID-19, elder abuse, Seniors Rights Victoria

MEDIA RELEASE: It is the little things that count

31 March 2020

COTA Victoria said today that it will be the personal little things that family, friends and neighbours do for older Australians to help them cope as Australia combats the spread of COVID-19.

coronavirus, Digital Inclusion, digital literacy, social inclusion

MEDIA RELEASE: Older Australians support Government’s “strong advice” for vulnerable Australians to remain indoors as far as possible.

30 March 2020

COTA Australia today advised all older Australians to heed government advice, announced by the Prime Minister tonight, to stay home to the maximum extent practicable and to take very careful precautions when outside their home.

coronavirus, COVID-19, social distancing

MEDIA RELEASE: Breaking down the fear and anxiety of isolation for older Australians

25 March 2020

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria said the telephone will play a major role in supporting older people who find themselves isolated and dealing with the fear of contracting the Coronavirus, which is causing increased anxiety in the community.

COVID-19, Digital Inclusion, digital literacy, social isolation

MEDIA RELEASE: Online Scammers Use Virus Fear

20 March 2020

Victoria’s peak body for older Victorians, the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, today warned the community of an online scam campaign designed to look like legitimate community awareness information on COVID-19, but in reality, is a Trojan horse.

MEDIA RELEASE: SAFETY – RESPECT – COMPASSION: Essential foundations of a successful new aged care visitor restrictions regime

20 March 2020

Some aged care providers are using the new restrictions for visitors to residential aged care facilities as an excuse for unacceptable restraint on the rights of residents and families to be treated with compassion and respect.

aged care, aged care standards, COVID-19, Residential Aged Care

MEDIA RELEASE: Digital Divide Challenge for Older People in Bushfire Recovery

14 January 2020

Tina Hogarth-Clarke said many older victims of the bushfires could have a significant challenge in bridging the digital divide as they deal with the loss of personal information in the tragic fires.

bushfires, Digital Inclusion, technology

CEO’s Message – Victorian Bushfire Information

7 January 2020

To assist COTA Victoria members and the wider community, COTA Victoria has put together a list of relevant contact numbers where the community can access help and information.

bushfires, emergency, helpline, information

MEDIA RELEASE: Christmas Day can be the Loneliest Day of the Year

23 December 2019

COTA Victoria today urged people to use the art of conversation with family, friends, neighbours and strangers to breakdown the loneliness and isolation experienced by many people during Christmas.

A Pat Chat and a Walk a Day, loneliness, social inclusion