Sue joined COTA NT as the organisation’s CEO in February 2017, a strategically important time in the development of the organisation and its advocacy role for Territory seniors.
9 years later, Sue’s role has grown exponentially as COTA NT’s advocacy and opinion is increasingly sought by seniors and stakeholders in the NT. COTA NT has hugely extended its programs, increased its staff and continues to innovate as it develops its reach, its impact and its relevance across the Territory.
In 2019, Sue was awarded Darwin’s Citizen of the Year – for “speaking out for those who need a voice.”
- One of the strongest advocates for seniors in the Northern Territory
- Nominated as the 24th most powerful women in the NT by the NT News to mark International Women’s Day 2021
- Nominated as the 50th most influential person in the NT by the NT News in 2020
- Darwin Citizen of the Year 2019.
As the spokesperson for COTA NT, Sue is frequently contacted by Territory and national media to comment on both federal and local issues affecting Territory seniors; she also presents at forums and regularly attends numerous NT business networks including the PRBA and Chamber of Commerce.
Sue also attends numerous committees, working and advisory groups including the Ministerial Advisory Council – Senior Territorians and Seniors Concession Scheme Expert Reference Group to ensure seniors’ voices are heard in regard to topics as wide ranging as: access and inclusion, employment, housing, power and water, crime, justice and safety, veterans’ issues and more. She meets regularly with Ministers, Territory and local government representatives.