A difference in the community
Debra Petrys is General Manager, National Programs for COTA (Council on the Ageing) Seniors Voice, with an aim to further expand the programs and collaboration with stakeholders at the organisation.
Business SA: Can you tell us about your career and how it led to COTA Seniors Voice?
Debra: I started my career as a nurse in 1973 in rural South Australia, eventually working as a clinical nurse consultant specialising in public health and infectious diseases.
With a passion for community development, public health and aged care, I have worked in a variety of management roles at State and national levels for the past 20 years.
I have also worked as a health educator in health, university and community settings.
I joined COTA Seniors Voice in 2004, as I was very interested in the innovative programs that the organisation was providing. I was also interested in the potential of the expansion of services in the community for people over 50 years of age, at both a State and national level.
Business SA: What would be the highlights of your career to date?
Debra: The opportunity to work in such diverse areas within the community. This has enabled me to develop and implement programs that have resulted in very positive outcomes.
For instance, helping to successfully alter the attitudes of Government, communities and organisations in expanding the role of programs that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the community.
Also, working for an organisation that supports older people – I have had the opportunity to help raise awareness of a range of issues affecting older people in our State.
Business SA: Can you outline the programs and events that COTA provides?
Debra: COTA works in collaboration with many organisations that help to make our diverse range of programs possible. These include:
- Strength for Life – designed to improve fitness and strength in over 50s. The program currently assists 5000 people who attend classes at 46 gyms around the State.
- Every Generation Festival – held during the month of October, events and activities are held for South Australians of all ages to celebrate the achievements of older people.
- Peer Education Program – trained volunteer peer educators conduct presentations at seniors clubs and groups on health and well being issues relevant to older people. Topics have included quality use of medicines, falls prevention, safety for seniors and non-drug management of insomnia.
- Beyond Maturity Blues – in conjunction with Beyond Blue, a peer education program to raise awareness and promote understanding of depression in older people.
Business SA: Can you briefly describe how these programs help to enhance the health and well-being of older people?
Debra: Through our programs, COTA helps to promote the health and wellbeing of older South Australians, enabling them to enhance their quality of life and to encourage increased participation of seniors in the community.
COTA’s range of programs also aims to improve awareness of the valuable and positive contribution seniors make to the community.
Business SA: What are the most rewarding aspects of your role?
Debra: Helping to make a difference in the community.
For example, providing information to people over 50 that helps to empower them to make their own decisions. Also, delivering programs that achieve better health and lifestyle outcomes for older people.
Business SA: Volunteers help to form a large part of COTA. Can you explain the role of the volunteer in assisting with programs and events?
Debra: Our programs and events would not be as successful without the help of our volunteers.
We have a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers that are involved in many of COTA’s programs.
Our volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds, and we work hard to adapt each role to suit the differing interests and passions of each individual.
Currently, we have volunteers helping out in our Peer Education Resource Centre, Every Generation Festival, Strength for Life, Networking Clubs, day trips as well as various other administrative duties.
COTA is continually seeking motivated volunteers to help out in our programs and events division.
Business SA: Can businesses get involved in COTA’s program and events?
Debra: Most definitely – we have several businesses and corporations regularly approaching us to sponsor our events, for instance, the Every Generation Festival.
Our programs and events team at COTA is well-equipped to help to manage external events for local businesses.
COTA has regular involvement in pre-planned events and programs for external organisations.
Business SA: COTA’s Every Generation Festival is one of South Australia’s largest festivals. Can you explain the purpose of this annual celebration?
Debra: The Every Generation Festival is held annually throughout the month of October, and encompasses an array of events and activities designed for South Australians of all ages, to celebrate the achievements of older people.
A highlight of the Festival is the Every Generation Positive Ageing Awards, which aims to acknowledge the contributions of older individuals and organisations to the community.
The Every Generation Festival is unique as it comprises an intergenerational focus – it encourages all generations to come together and interact with one another.
Business SA: What major changes and new trends are you experiencing in your industry?
Debra: Issues affecting older people are continually changing and bringing about new challenges. For instance, we are witnessing a “new ageing” occurring. Therefore, programs for older people need to be constantly reviewed and updated to suit changing expectations, attitudes and lifestyles.
As an example, physical activity did not play a huge role in the lives of older people many years ago. Today, physical activity is an integral part of the health and wellbeing of people over 50, with various health programs available.
COTA’s successful Strength for Life program is updated regularly to help improve the fitness and strength of our State’s ageing population.
Business SA: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Debra: I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling is an important part of my life, and I love to make time to read and enjoy classical music. At present, we are also building our brand new home, which is taking up a lot of my spare time.
