Patricia Sparrow will become the next Chief Executive of COTA Australia, leading the peak body for older Australians in addressing issues like age discrimination, secure housing and the cost of living.
Sparrow has an extensive human services career in local and state governments and the non-government sectors, and has previously served as CEO of both Vision 2020 Australia and Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA), the peak body for non-profit aged care providers.
Sparrow is also an aged care advisor to Federal Ministers.
“I am truly excited to be taking up the reins at COTA Australia,” Sparrow said on the appointment. “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.”
Working to promote the rights, interests and futures of older Australians, Sparrow said her 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.”
COTA Australia Chair, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said Sparrow’s appointment will ensure strong continuity in the organisation.
“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.
The outgoing Chief Executive, Ian Yates spent 20 years at the helm of COTA Australia.
To ensure a smooth transition in leadership, Yates will work with Sparrow as she enters the role of Chief Executive in December.
“It will be a big challenge to fill Ian’s shoes,” said Sparrow, “But I’m confident that with the talented COTA Australia team and my background across consumer advocacy, government and business we have the right tools to take COTA Australia forward and improve outcomes for older people.”
“Patricia Sparrow has a wealth of experience and brings with her a great passion for the rights and wellbeing of older Australians,” said Halton.
“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.”