Call For Nominations: Open Now!
Advocare, as the newly appointed Seniors Peak Body in Western Australia, is inviting Expressions of Interest to join the Consumer Reference Group (CRG) – a group of 12 older Western Australians who will provide independent input and advice to ensure the experiences and perspectives of older people inform the work of the Seniors Peak.
Contribute your experience to improve outcomes for older Western Australians
This initiative is supported through a Memorandum of Understanding between Advocare and COTA WA, with COTA WA providing secretariat support for the CRG.
Purpose of the CRG
The CRG will provide independent advice to the Seniors Peak Body on:
- Perspectives on current issues, policies, and platforms affecting older people in WA
- First-hand experiences with aged care, health, housing, transport, digital access, and other key services (from a Western Australian context)
- Identification of new and emerging issues facing older Western Australians
- Systemic or community-based problems that impact quality of life, equity, or inclusion
Who can apply?
We are seeking older Western Australians who:
- Are aged 55 or older and reside in Western Australia
- Have experience navigating ageing-related systems and services
- Are passionate about improving outcomes for others
- Can offer constructive, practical insights into how services, systems, or community life could be improved
We strongly encourage nominations from individuals who bring diverse perspectives, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
- People who identify as LGBTI
- People living in regional, rural, or remote areas
- People with lived experience of disability or health vulnerability
No previous committee experience is necessary. Training, support, and accessible participation options will be provided.
Example Topic: Age-Friendly Communities
An example of a topic the CRG may explore is how age-friendly our communities are, based on the Age-Friendly Communities Framework developed by the WA Department of Communities.
The group might consider:
- Are public spaces and transport options accessible and safe for older people?
- Do older people feel respected and included in community events?
- Is information (about services, entitlements, support) easy to find and understand?
- What barriers do older people face in remaining connected, healthy, and independent?
These insights would inform the Peak Body’s advice to government and community partners.
Commitment and Support
- Members are appointed for a 12-month term
- The group will meet up to six times per year, both in-person (Perth-based) and virtually
- Meetings will commence in November 2025, aligned with WA Seniors Week
- Members participate in a voluntary capacity and is not renumerated
How to apply
Complete the Expression of Interest form and submit it via email: admin@cotawa.org.au
Applications close: 10 October 2025
Posted in Information, Media, Newsletters