On 4 December 2025, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) launched the Migrant Care Experience research project at the Willetton Community Hub. The study focuses on a key issue in aged care: many migrant seniors in Western Australia have trouble using services because of language barriers, cultural differences, and not knowing what help is available. Thousands of migrant seniors across the state face these challenges. Over two years, the project collected stories from more than 160 older migrants and their families, from diverse backgrounds. It explored their experiences with ageing, caring for family across generations, and navigating the Australian aged care system.
At the beginning of the event, CWCC Chairperson Mrs Esther Chang thanked supporters from all areas for their continued help. She said CWCC is committed to helping seniors age well at home and stressed that research plays a key role in reaching this goal.
The research results caught the attention of government officials. Federal MP Hon. Sam Lim described the findings as “remarkably powerful discoveries” and said he would share them with ministers and departments at the federal level. City of Canning’s Mayor, Mr Patrick Hall, agreed the work was important, saying the study helped him see why dignity and choice matter for older migrants. He also mentioned that CWCC’s new Bentley Community Hub had reached a big milestone and said he looked forward to providing more culturally responsive services for seniors in the area.
The academic community also praised the research. Professor Loretta Baldassar from Edith Cowan University (ECU) said the project brought academic work into the community and made sure community voices were included in policy discussions, creating real two-way communication. She noted that while the research focused on Asian migrants, its lessons can help many other culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
CWCC CEO Mrs Theresa Kwok JP said that working with community groups, local government, and universities is essential for real change. She discussed the concept of “home” in the research and how to help migrants feel that Western Australia is truly their second home. She explained that this involves offering services that respect different cultures and encouraging migrants to learn about and embrace their new environment.
Dr Yvonne Huang from ECU’s SAGE Futures Lab spoke for the research team and listed four main challenges older migrants often face: language barriers, not knowing about available services, cultural and family role differences, and trouble keeping dignity and choice in mainstream services. On the day, a short film called “Voices of the Community” was shown, bringing these experiences to life and leaving a strong impression on the audience. At noon, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially launched the report.
Mrs Theresa Kwok was recently named an Honorary Fellow of ECU for her outstanding work in culturally responsive care. Under her leadership, CWCC is a model for providing quality, inclusive services to multicultural seniors in Western Australia. In the future, CWCC will continue working with others to drive real change.
