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Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) are pleased to welcome both Bianca Brijnath (above, left) and Sue Roff (above, right) to its Board of Directors.
Bianca Brijnath is a Professor of Health Communication at La Trobe University, with a background in medical anthropology and public health, and a research focus on cultural diversity, dementia, and elder abuse.
Her work studying dementia prevention, awareness, diagnosis, and care – particularly within culturally diverse communities – earned Bianca an induction into the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Honour Roll in 2022.
“I’ve been a long admirer of the work of COTA Victoria – especially its advocacy and legal services on elder abuse, delivered through the Seniors Rights Victoria program,” said Prof Brijnath. “I’m honoured to join the Board and contribute to this important work.”
Sue Roff is an accomplished arts leader with more than two decades of experience across arts management, cultural development, philanthropy, and community engagement. As part of her successful career, she served as Executive Director of Arts Project Australia between 2009-2023.
Her advocacy for artists with intellectual disabilities contributed to sector-wide recognition, including multiple awards for organisational excellence and innovation.
“I am excited to contribute to this dynamic organisation,” said Ms Roff. “And I encourage all my colleagues and friends to become a member to make their own contribution – it’s free!”
“We’re so very pleased that the extremely important work performed by COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria continues to attract the insight and expertise of high-calibre professionals to our Board of Directors,” said President of COTA Victoria and SRV, Robert Caulfield.
“Contributions from Bianca and Sue, coupled with our other experienced board members, will ensure that we can continue our ever-important work to further a positive ageing agenda for our members and supporters.”
“Bianca and Sue join our board alongside the launch of our new Strategic Plan 2025-2030,” added COTA Victoria and SRV CEO, Ben Rogers. “Their insights will be invaluable as we work to improve the lives of Victorians as they age, championing their strengths, desires, and decisions.
“We’re delighted to add their knowledge and experience to our inclusive and collaborative board,” Mr Rogers continued, “which will be vital as we work across sectors, with government, and with communities to co-design solutions, extend our reach, and build collective impact for all Victorians as they age.”
The new board members have commenced in their roles, including taking part in COTA Victoria’s 2025 AGM, held today.
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Further information
Steve Wright
Communications and Membership Manager
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: swright@cotavic.org.au
About us
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit member organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community. It is the only Community Legal Centre dedicated to preventing and responding to elder abuse within Victoria.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.