Fifty years of advocacy on behalf of Western Australian seniors were celebrated today with the launch of the Council on the Ageing Western Australia (COTA WA) anniversary celebrations by Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney.

“COTA has evolved along with the needs and aspirations of the seniors it represents,” Mrs McSweeney said.

“It started off in 1959 as the ‘Old People’s Welfare Council’ and has developed into an exceptional peak body representing the interests and issues facing WA seniors.”

The Minister said today’s seniors were reaping the benefits of COTA WA’s numerous accomplishments.

These included the establishment of Aged and Community Services Western Australia, collaborating in the creation of the Trinity School for Seniors and the revival of Seniors Week in 1984 by the Seniors Education Association.

“I look forward to working with COTA WA on emerging issues facing seniors and also encouraging seniors to continue to actively contribute to the building of our communities.  Their participation is invaluable,” Mrs McSweeney said.