My Migration Story
Seniors share their life stories, with younger participants alongside them to translate, listen, and keep the conversation going. Bilingual throughout, no performance.
New Project · 2026–27
Bridging Generations
Connecting grandparents and grandchildren in migrant families along Melbourne's south-east rail line.
About the project
Bridging Generations is a Joy Together community wellbeing project for Chinese-Australian migrant families in Melbourne's eastern suburbs — especially in the SRL East precincts of Box Hill and Glen Waverley. Grandparents and grandchildren often live under the same roof but across a wide cultural and language gap. Through bilingual workshops, storytelling, practical Bus & Train Buddy sessions, and shared celebrations, we bring seniors, adult children, and young volunteers together to strengthen family harmony, reduce loneliness, and support wellbeing across generations.
Why this matters
Few programs in Melbourne's east meet the cultural and language needs of Chinese-Australian families. Bridging Generations exists to close three specific gaps:
- Limited Mandarin-language support and low use of mental health services contribute to intergenerational communication gaps.
- Many younger family members prefer English, while parents often rely on Mandarin or Cantonese, creating misunderstandings and emotional distance.
- Transport confidence is a key barrier for many older Chinese-speaking residents, who may rely on family due to uncertainty about travelling independently by train.
What we do together
Playing Each Other's Games
Families connect through traditional Chinese games and modern digital activities — a chance for grandparents and grandchildren to teach each other what they love.
Celebrating Our Festivals Together
Joint multicultural celebrations across the year, such as Chinese New Year and Christmas-themed family activities — one gathering, three generations.
Bus & Train Buddy
Young volunteers help seniors build confidence in train travel and join outings to local destinations near the SRL East precincts.
Who this is for
- Chinese-Australian seniors and grandparents in Melbourne's east
- Adult children who want to reconnect with a parent across languages
- Young volunteers who want to bridge a generation — in their own family or someone else's
- Families living near the SRL East precincts of Box Hill and Glen Waverley
What we hope to build
- Stronger family harmony and connections across generations
- Reduced loneliness and better emotional health for participants
- More inclusion and active participation in communities along Melbourne's south-east rail line
Two ways to take part
Join a session
For grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren — come as a family or on your own.
Volunteer with us
For young people who want to sit beside a senior and bridge a generation.