COTA Australia welcomes the four new members of the Aged Care Council of Elders who will join the important advisory body in 2025.
The new members Professor Ponniah Anandajayasekeram, Associate Professor John Cullen, William (Uncle Benny) Hodges and Russell Westacott will join continuing members Val Fell OAM, Gillian Groom AO, James Carey, Lynette Cullinane, Gwenda Darling, Dr John Davis, Anna Harrison AM, JP, Julie Rankin and Lynda Whiteway under the continued strong leadership of Council Chair, Anne Burgess AM.
COTA Australia – the leading advocacy organisation for older people – Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow, said the Council of Elders – which serves as an important voice for older Australians providing advice to government – will benefit greatly from the experience of the new members of the Council.
“The new members bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that will undoubtedly be a great asset to the Council and help ensure the government is getting the strong advice it needs on how to drive change in aged care reform and aging-related matters,” Ms Sparrow said.
“Each new member brings a wealth of knowledge in aged care and ageing that will no doubt enhance the Council’s work.”
“We would also like to thank the outgoing members of the Council – Margaret Walsh OAM, Professor Tom Calma AO, and Professor John McCallum – who greatly contributed to improving the lives of older people in Australia through their tireless work.”
