Intergenerational Connection
How do your generations learn from each other to build something stronger?
Tell us what you have, or want to start, in your community that intentionally mixes younger and older generations for shared value.
Every town has places where the generations already meet. Show us yours. If your town needs one, start it.
Why this action?
Why this is a challenge
Regional towns hold deep knowledge and networks in their longer-term residents. They also have younger people who see things differently and are deciding whether to stay.
More young adults are moving to the regions. Between 2016 and 2021, regional Australia gained more than 57,000 people aged 25 to 39, after losing just over 37,000 in the five years before.
How this action helps
A table is any regular group, meeting or event where people of different generations take part together. When towns share the tables they already have, other towns can copy them. Where locals see a gap, they can start a new one.
How this action came about
The Intergenerational Connection focus area was identified during the Ready Communities Flagship Program in Stanthorpe QLD, where young and older residents each did good work in the community, but rarely together.
In the SIITR26 Impact Lab we learned: Bringing generations together increases wisdom, leadership, and energy, but it may not happen on its own. What do you have in place that intentionally brings the generations together?
Sources: Regional Australia Institute, Big Movers (2023), using Census data.
Key dates
- National action commences
- November 2026
- National action concludes
- April 2027
- Monthly webinars
- November, January, February, March, April
- Impact Report
- May 2027
Webinars
All webinars- November 2026Date coming soonIntergenerational ConnectionLaunch webinar (1 of 5)Ready Communities and Futures Isle, with young people co-hosting
- January 2027Date coming soonIntergenerational ConnectionMonthly webinar (2 of 5)Ready Communities and Futures Isle, with young people co-hosting
- February 2027Date coming soonIntergenerational ConnectionStarting a table (3 of 5)Ready Communities and Futures Isle, with young people co-hosting
- March 2027Date coming soonIntergenerational ConnectionEveryone is a mentor (4 of 5)Ready Communities and Futures Isle, with young people co-hosting
Partners
- Challenge partner
- Futures Isle
From Stanthorpe QLD to the nation
How this focus area developed
Host community
Ready Communities Flagship 2026, Stanthorpe QLDYoung and older residents each did good work in the community, but rarely together.
Challenge statement
May to July 2026How do your generations learn from each other to build something stronger?
Local stories gathered.
Read the July convening insightsSIITR26 Impact Lab
September 2026Delegates wanted it to be normal for young people to sit at the table where community decisions are made.
National activation
November 2026 to April 2027Tell us what you have, or want to start, in your community that intentionally mixes younger and older generations for shared value.
Share your table
Transcripts and meeting insights
July convening insightsShow us your table. Start one if your town needs it.
Share your tableFAQs
What counts as a table?
Any regular group, meeting or event where people of different generations take part together. A committee, a club, a shed, a garden, a choir, a council meeting or a radio show.
Can we share photos of young people under 18?
Only with a parent or carer's consent. You confirm this in the form. Photos without consent are not published.
Who is responsible for young people at a table?
The host. Hosts follow their own child safety rules.
Is there a cost?
No. Taking part is free.
What happens after we share a table?
We check it, then publish it on this page. You get an email with a link to it and social media tiles to share. To share another table, send the form again.
Do I need to represent an organisation?
No. Anyone can share a table. Add your organisation if you have one.