Mission Statement

To maximise support for, minimise barriers against, and recognise the value of seniors in the Redlands

 

Our Vision

A Redland Community having no barriers to older people realising their potential in life.

Group in Park

About Us

RDCOTA Redlands Fifty Plus has  provided 40 years of service to the Redland community.

Redland District Committee on the Ageing (RDCOTA) is an incorporated not-for-profit organisation working towards the wellbeing of all citizens over the age of 50 years.

The organisation has evolved over the years to best serve the needs and interests of the ever-increasing ageing population of the district whether they live independently in the community, or in one of the many retirement villages or aged care facilities.

Statistics show that the proportion of residents in the Redlands aged 65 years and over is expected to rise by 46% within the next decade, while an expected increase of 25% will occur in the number of residents aged over 75 years.  RDCOTA’s focus is therefore ever changing to meet the increasing challenges faced by seniors.

RDCOTA has a high profile and credible reputation locally with a strong track record of achieveing its aims. 

Our Strategic Goals

RDCOTA and its volunteers pursue activities linked to:

1. Community Development

By supporting and sustaining the development of new community groups designed to tackle the needs and problems experienced by senior citizens, and to assist them generally in achieving a better lifestyle.

2. Community Research and Advocacy

RDCOTA undertakes research in matters that affect many seniors, and then publishing this material with a view to advocating with service providers, government departments, and the community at large on a range of issues including the need for change where necessary and the ongoing education of community members.

3. Community Education

By providing community education, news, information and awareness about healthy and positive ageing and other lifestyle interests.  A number of workshops and information seminars have been held over the years to assist seniors to better understand how to use computers, mobile phones and digital equipment.

4. Administration and Finance

By providing internal administration, financial management and fulfilling a volunteer support role. As a not-for-profit organisation RDCOTA relies on donations from individuals and organisations, fund raising activities, business partnerships and grants from various community and government sources.

5. Marketing and Promotion

RDCOTA works to obtain support for the organisation from government, the business sector and the wider community

Some of Our Achievements:

  • Established Senior Citizens Clubs in the Redlands in the early 1970’s
  • Supported Queensland Senior Citizens Week since 1986 by co-ordinating a week of events and activities for the community
  • Worked to establish the Donald Simpson over 50’s Leisure Centre which opened its doors in 1987.  Representation on their management board.
  • Supported the building of, and purchased equipment for the Redland Hospital
  • Provided support and financial assistance for the building of “Rotary Lodge” at Redland Hospital
  • Raised funds and built RDCOTA Cottage of Rehabilitation in the Redland Hospital grounds in 1998 – the first of its type in Queensland. 
  • Auspiced Redland District University of the Third Age Inc (U3A)
  • Auspiced the Redland Older Mens’ Well-being Group Inc, Women's Well-being Group and Seniors Action Group MacLeay Island
  • Auspiced and continues to support the Circle of Men Group working in Redland Retirement Villages
  • Established in 1999 and continuing support for the program “Tournament of Minds” in Aged Care facilities
  • Compiled in 1999, printed and since updated “A Guide to Aged Care Facilities and Residential Accommodation for Older Persons in the Redland Shire ”
  • Staged International Year of the Older Person 1999 & International Year of the Volunteer in the Redland Shire
  • Presented the “Bayside Retirement Lifestyle Expo” in association with Queensland Community Newspapers since 2000.
  • Compiled in 2004 and keeps updated a “Seniors’ Directory of Services”
  • Undertook research and published results on Social Isolation:
    • “Social Activity Participation by Senior Australians” in Retirement Villages 1999
    “Redlands Senior Living” 2001
    “Caring for the Carers Survey”
    “Tackling Social Isolation the Redland Senior’s Community”
  • Member of the Redlands Advisory Group on Seniors Issues (RAGOSI) (March 2005 - March 2008)
  • Stakeholder in the development of Redland City Council's seniors policy and Ageing Well in the Redlands: A ten-year strategy for seniors