Former Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) CEO Patricia Sparrow has been appointed as the new CEO of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, replacing Ian Yates.
Patricia, who left ACSA and took up a new role as CEO of Vision 2020 Australia in August last year, said she is “truly excited” to be taking the reins at COTA, and acknowledged Ian is leaving big shoes to fill.
“Age discrimination, employment, cost of living, retirement incomes and secure housing, especially for older women – as well as aged care – are amongst the nation’s biggest challenges for the next few decades and ones that I am passionate about addressing.
“My priorities will be to improve equality in the delivery of all services and harness the power of the new generation of older Australians for good,” she said.
According to COTA’s Chair, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM (pictured), Pat’s “wealth of experience” and “great passion for the rights and wellbeing of older Australians” will serve her well in the role.
“She has already been instrumental in achieving important changes for older Australians in her previous roles and will bring a level of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to COTA Australia that makes her an ideal successor to Ian Yates.
“While Australia has come a long way when it comes to understanding and respecting the rights and needs of older Australians, there is still a long way to go, and Patricia is the ideal person to help us navigate the challenges ahead,” she said.
Ian announced his departure from COTA in May, and Pat is set to take over in December.
