Established in 1956, COTA (NSW) is a peak body providing leadership in social policy and community information and education for all older persons in New South Wales and Australia. Its core functions include:Policy development, representation and advocacy;Brokering, referring, collaborating, coordinating, and networking among seniors organisations and services to seniors; and informing and educating the general public and older persons.
 

Although COTA initially auspiced the operation of OM:NI, since June 2008, OM:NI has been independent of COTA having become incorporated in New South Wales  under the title "Older Men:New Ideas (OM:NI) Incorporated.