Gerard Mansour, Ray Cummings Join Cota Victoria Board Of Directors

Some of Mr Mansour's countless achievements whilst in the role include the launch of the "
Ageing Well in a Changing World"
report in 2020 alongside service as the Deputy Chair of the Elder Abuse and Safeguarding Advisory Group, as Chair for the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Seniors Victorians, and as Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention.

"
Gerard joins the COTA Victoria board at a time of significant positive change and the implementation of a very focussed strategic plan,"
said COTA Victoria and SRV CEO, Chris Potaris. "
He brings to the role highly valued strategic and practical thinking and echoes the voice of over 2.3 million Victorians over the age of 50.

"
We're thrilled to add Gerard's knowledge and experience to our very collaborative and inclusive board,"
Mr Potaris continued, "
And I'm personally very pleased to continue our strong working relationship."

"
I am delighted to be able to join the board of such an important organisation as COTA Victoria,"
said Mr Mansour. "
This gives me the wonderful opportunity to continue addressing the priorities of senior Victorians."

Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and with formal qualifications in law, accounting, and economics, Mr Cummings brings a wealth of legal and financial experience to the board.

In his career, Mr Cummings has held positions including Tax Partner at Pitcher Partners and Founding Principal of Greenoak Advisory. He has proficiency in a wide range of commercial and legal issues including regulatory and reporting requirements, corporate governance, and legislative interpretation and policy.

"
I am thrilled and excited to be joining the board,"
said Mr Cummings on hisappointment. "
I am very much looking forward to being able to add my contributions to those of a very talented and experienced board and executive team."

"
Ray's broad and varied legal and financial experience continues to build upon the diverse credentials and skills found within our board,"
said COTA Victoria &
SRV President, Robert Caulfield, who also echoed the sentiment of Mr Potaris.

"
We're thrilled to continue to attract the insight and expertise of high-calibre professionals to our Board of Directors,"
Mr Caulfield continued.

"
We'll use the knowledge of our new additions to continue our ever-important work with government to further a positive ageing agenda within this state and across Australia."

The new board members will commence their roles effective immediately.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.

Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.

SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.