Detailed Descriptions

Rapid digitisation in recent years has presented challenges to and even harmed the safety and wellbeing of older Australians and dampened their confidence in digital technologies (eSafety Commissioner, 2020). Older migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to digital exclusion and harm due to language, cultural and social barriers (Wang, 2023). Addressing these problems is urgent as the older population has become more culturally diverse (ABS, 2022) and digitally technology will continue to penetrate Australians’ lives (BeConnected, n.d.).   

  

This Project sets to improve older migrants' digital resilience, which refers to their skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely navigate the internet and, efficacy and resources to utilise digital technologies for personal and community wellbeing (eSafety Australia, 2020). We will pilot an intergenerational collaborative program by working with the Chinese and Sri Lankan communities in Victoria. Four international students (18-25 years) and 12-15 older migrants from each community will be recruited to train to become their respective community’s Digital Resilience Ambassadors. Although international students are ‘digital native’ many struggle in their Australian lives due to unfamiliar with the local support resources and lacking social connections (ABC, 2023).

The Project then draws on students' digital skills and knowledge and older migrants' experience and wisdom in life to facilitate intergenerational collaboration. Students and older migrants will be the mentors, facilitators and supporters of each other in becoming their communities’ Digital Resilience Ambassadors.   

Meet the Team

  • Dr. Wilfred Yang Wang

    Principal Project Lead

    Dr. Wilfred Yang Wang is a lecturer in media and communication studies at the University of Melbourne. His works focus on the intersection between ageing and digitisation in the context of multiculturalism and migration.

  • Dr. Shashini Gamage

    Project Lead

    Dr. Shashini Gamage is a Teaching Specialist in Media and Communications at the School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne. Her research, based in Australia and Sri Lanka, include ethnographic projects on ageing, digital media, gender and diasporic media cultures, including recent inquiries into older adults’ digital media practices in Australia. 

  • Dr. Tharupathi Munasinghe

    Project & Research Assistant

    Dr. Tharupathi Munasinghe is a pracademic in contemporary media practices, with a focus on multiculturalism and migration studies. His work explores how media intersects with cultural identities and migration experiences, contributing valuable insights into the dynamics of multicultural societies. With expertise in sound ethnography and interactive media, Tharupathi brings both theoretical depth and practical skills to his research, enhancing the understanding of media’s role in shaping diverse cultural landscapes. His interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge in media studies and supporting meaningful dialogue on migration and multiculturalism.

  • Tianyi Yang

    Research Assistant

    Tianyi is a creative designer with a background in graphic design and media. With experience designing websites, crafting impactful flyers, and producing videos, she brings innovative solutions to collaborative projects. Skilled in visual communication and digital design, she is passionate about creating engaging content that connects and inspires.

  • Xing Sheng (Ivy)

    Research Assistant

    Ivy (Xing Sheng) has worked in the disability sector for over 10 years and holds a Master of Social Work. She has been a research assistant in Melbourne since 2023. Ivy has huge passion working for the Elderly with Chinese background to improve their quality of life.

  • Kathy Cheung

    Project Assistant

    Hello, I am Kathy from Hong Kong. I am a second-year arts student majoring in Psychology at the University of Melbourne. I am interested in how young children grow; and elders cope with the digital world. I am also fascinated by how people interact and communicate across different ages and generations.

  • Ying Zheng

    Project Assistant

    A media & communications honours student at The University of Melbourne. She has broad research interests featuring Chinese migrants in Australia and their digital religious practices and is passionate about social inclusion and mental health-related issues.  

  • Dr Juerong Qiu

    Research Assistant

  • Thirangie Jayatilake

    Project Assistant