At our Annual General Meeting today, we warmly acknowledged the outstanding leadership and dedication of Anne Burgess AM, who is retiring from the Board after twelve years of service.

Anne joined the COTA SA Board in November 2013, when she was also appointed Deputy President and Chair of the Policy Council. Over the years, she has provided thoughtful leadership across many areas of COTA SA’s work, including as a long-serving member of the Governance Committee and an inaugural
member of the Policy Council Environment Sub-Committee (now known as the Climate Change Group).

Anne has also worked closely with our staff over many years, generously sharing her time, experience and guidance as a mentor. We are proud that her leadership has also been recognised more widely as a finalist for the 2025 South Australian Senior Australian of the Year, Chair of the Aged Care Council of Elders, and Chair of the Aged Care Transition Taskforce. These important national roles have taken her to Canberra, ensuring the voices of older Australians remain central as we navigate major aged care reforms.

Anne’s leadership has shaped COTA SA’s advocacy and ensured the voices of older South Australians are heard, leaving a lasting legacy. We sincerely thank Anne for her years of service, generosity and commitment,and wish her every success and happiness for the future.