Ian Day - Chief Executive Officer
Ian joins COTA (NSW) following a long history as an accomplished Chief Executive in leading companies such as Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Limited (MBF), Bushells Australia Limited and Best Foods (Uncle Tobys). More recently Ian was a consulting to the Exodus Foundation (Rev. Bill Crews) providing advice, assisting senior managers and implementing major projects.
As a baby boomer Ian is passionate about how COTA enagage with this generation and how we remain relevant to people across the ageing continuum. Ian says, "I believe it is important to our society that older people continue to contribute. It is ironic that there is constant talk about skills shortages while there is an underutilisation of the skills of older Australians."
Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and a Master of Commerce from the University of NSW.
Tim Martin - Administration Manager
Tim graduated from the University of Manchester in 1978 with a BA (Hons) degree in Art History, and worked for Sothebys in London before moving to Sydney in 1987 to become curator and then Membership Manager at the Powerhouse Museum.
He has been with Council on the Ageing (NSW) since 1993 as Administration Manager, and is coincidentally exactly the same age as COTA itself. He joined when the organisation operated out of a terraced house in Argyle Place, before it moved to York St in 1995, and then to its current office in Pitt St. in 2000.
Annette Barnes - Information Officer
In February 2005 Annette came on board as an information officer while COTA (NSW) still managed the Seniors Information Service, and was asked to stay on, when that program was re-defined and relocated as a call centre by Dept Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC).
In 2008 she successfully graduated (as a mature aged student) from university with a Bachelor in Adult Education and previously had attained a Diploma in Community Services (Welfare), as well as various certificates in training & assessment, counselling and dealing with challenging behaviours.
Prior to coming to COTA (NSW) Annette’s work experience lied with Disability Services; and with 'At Risk' youth and young people registered in Juvenile Justice.
The lifeskills and knowledge she has accumulated of Centrelink processes and community services has served her well at COTA (NSW), and her extensive history of working in the community fits in well with the hands-on, proactive approach that COTA (NSW) offers.
Policy and Communications Manager (Vacant)
Danny Manich - Special Projects Officer
Danny Manich joined COTA NSW in July 2010 as a Special Projects Officer.
Danny has worked in senior roles in marketing both in Australia and overseas. Danny holds a Business Degree, Majoring in Marketing and Business Management.
His passion for the community sector led him to complete a Community Welfare Certificate IV in 2010. Danny
joins COTA NSW with a great deal of experience and enthusiasm for making a difference for older people in NSW.
Chloe Mason
- Policy Officer
Chloe Mason joined COTA NSW in August 2010 to work on policy issues bringing considerable experience in aspects of the policy process, particularly its development and application.
Chloe holds degrees in human geography, industrial relations, environmental studies, and law. She has worked in public health and all aspects of mobility and access for people living in towns and cities, and has on ongoing interest in urban and transport planning. She has experience as an advocate and researcher and complements the COTA NSW team and the federal policy network of COTA Australia.
Sarah Davidson - Team Leader NSW Seniors Peer Education Centre
Sarah joined the COTA NSW in March 2010 after working with non government organisations in the community and health sectors for over twenty four years.
Sarah comes with experience and qualifications in the fields of education, assessment, management and project development. A major component of her career has been project and partner’s development within a Heath Promotional and Adult Education framework for the community and stakeholders.
Sarah has worked in a range of community sector settings including the aged, people with a disability and their Carers, long term unemployed, isolated, reagional and remore areas.
Sarah is passionate about adult education and sees this as a most effective tool to empower and increase the capacity of others to make informed choices. Sarah is committed to ensuring the Seniosrs Peer Education Program delivers quality education to seniors in NSW.
Suzanne Williams - Volunteeer Development Officer – NSW SPEC
Suzanne Williams has over 30 years experience in small business and partnership management, education, publishing and design.
Suzanne has been with COTA NSW since 2001 and has trained over 178 Peer Educators who have spoken with over 38,000 older people regarding their health and wellbeing.
Suzanne has a passion for health and peer education where she trains, mentors and supports volunteers. In 2002 she developed the Healthy Ageing Talk series for volunteers which was expanded to provide valuable information to all seniors, community and consumer organisations.
COTA NSW has recently co-joined with local and shire councils to present a range of topics that are relevant to older people throughout NSW.
In her current role as Volunteer Development Officer Suzanne is in a unique position to enable the health industry to better understand the needs of consumers as they age.
Karin Kruger - Project Assistant
Karin joined COTA NSW in May 2009, having worked for COTA Seniors Voice South Australia in 2007 as project assistant for the NSW Seniors Peer Education Centre.
Karin joins the SPEC team with wealth of experience in the non profit sector, having worked for the Home Care Service of NSW as Service Coordinator for a decade and as Centre Administrator for South East Neighbourhood Centre.
Karin works for SPEC two days per week and enjoys being part of a worthwhile programme providing support to the peer educators and SPEC team.