New chief executive for COTA SA

Ms Mussared is well known as a passionate advocate for thinking differently about what ageing means – for individuals, families and the South Australian community.

“I want to see us push the boundaries and extend the possibilities for older people in this state. Our job is to promote vastly different expectations and opportunities about what being 55 or 75 or 95 will mean in the future,” Ms Mussared says.

“We forget sometimes that our rich and diverse community is made up of people aged anywhere from zero to 100 plus. They all want the same thing – to live healthy lives of contribution and influence. But older people tell us that we will therefore have to promote new expectations, and rethink the stereotypes and challenge the discrimination that hold them back,” she says.

COTA SA President Emeritus Professor Anne Edwards AO says Ms Mussared will provide the leadership the organisation needed at a time when ageing and the ageing population are becoming an important focus for the state and national governments and for our community.

“We are confident that Jane will enhance COTA SA’s already strong reputation as the peak body for older South Australians,” Professor Edwards says.

“She has proven credentials in innovation, strategic leadership, and organisational management and is a highly regarded advocate for the rights and aspirations of older people.

“In her past roles she has built strong relationships with government and the community sector. A key to COTA SA’s future success is how we partner with and influence others. Jane has a proven track record in these areas.”

Ms Mussared serves on various boards and committees, including Cirkidz and the FECCA Healthy Ageing Reference Committee. She is also a member of national policy committees, such as the National Aged Care Alliance advisory group on Home Care.

In 2008, Ms Mussared was the SA Winner of the Innovation Award in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Her most recent role was as general manager, people and innovation, at ACH Group, a not for profit aged care provider. She previously held other senior roles with ACH Group and also managed the state Office for the Ageing for several years.