Since 2003, Pradeep Kanthan has served as Secretary of the Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (CCOEI) and coordinates the monthly Migrant Settlement Committee, bringing government and community voices together.
His long-standing commitment to inclusion spans digital literacy, hearing support, and veteran advocacy.
In Pradeep’s opinion, multicultural seniors face a mix of familiar and emerging challenges. “Digital health is a growing issue. More aged care and medical services are moving online, and seniors without digital literacy or English fluency risk being left behind.”
He highlights ongoing concerns about cultural safety in aged care, where many services still lack familiar food, language support or culturally aware staff.
Recently arrived communities face even greater barriers due to limited bilingual workers, while older women, LGBTQ+ migrants and refugee seniors often experience layered forms of discrimination.
Pradeep Kanthan (second on the right) during the awards ceremony.
Pradeep’s digital inclusion work began in the mid-1990s.
“My first students were retirees learning to send an email. That one skill opened doors to connection, confidence and independence.”
He has since helped hundreds of older people learn to navigate computers, tablets and smartphones. He has seen CALD seniors reconnect with family overseas, join online communities and use translation tools to bridge language gaps.
“Seniors are eager to learn when services respect their culture. Inclusion works when policy meets community, and when older people are recognised as contributors with wisdom and resilience.”
This article was published in the
Summer 2025-26 edition of Golden Years.