Jane Mussared, Chief Executive of Council on the Ageing (COTA) SA, is stepping down to take up a new age-related role in Canberra.

Jane, who has led COTA SA since 2015, says she is satisfied with her time leading COTA SA and her efforts during her tenure to modernise the organisation.

“In 2022 COTA SA reflects the diversity of older South Australia, it has challenged our community to be contemporary in its understanding of modern ageing, and it has the internal systems and capabilities that make it strong and viable.

“COTA SA must always keep an eye on those things that cause real disadvantage and distress as we age. I have no doubt that COTA SA will continue to speak out about housing, cost of living, ageism, regional disadvantage, climate change, and the double jeopardy of age and gender.

“There remains much to be done. I am looking forward to watching a new CE lead the next stage in the life of this vibrant and enduring organisation,” she said.

COTA SA’s President, Emeritus Professor Anne Edwards AO (pictured), hailed Jane’s contributions and her “transformational” leadership.

“She has brought enormous energy, passionate commitment, highly-developed leadership skills, and personal integrity to her work with COTA SA, which we all greatly appreciate and have earned COTA SA widespread recognition and respect.

“One of her lasting legacies has been to build an outstanding staff and volunteer team in SA. Everyone at COTA SA is enormously proud that Jane will now have the chance to positively influence ageing policy at a national level,” she said.

Jane will begin her new role on 2 September, with COTA SA General Manager Miranda Starke serving as Acting CE while the organisation searches for Jane’s replacement.