We Are One Club founder, Rowville's Hong Hong Guo says many people from diverse backgrounds face isolation, disconnection and feelings of loneliness.
"I've noticed a lot of older people migrate here and might find it difficult to speak English so they stay home and psychologically become lonely and isolated," she says.
"But they come to us every Saturday and they are so happy with us, dancing and talking."
"We try to connect seniors from different cultural backgrounds. Australia is multicultural and we need to understand other people. When you understand other people, you feel more belonging. You are part of this community."
The club is using the grant for a monthly 'karaoke party' for members to learn and sing songs in different languages.
Hong Hong, who is of Chinese background, likes to sing Japanese songs.
"When I stayed in Japan, karaoke was everywhere, so I can sing very good Japanese songs," she says.
"My husband is Greek and he sings English songs. We also have people singing Sri Lankan, Greek and Chinese songs."
The club is collaborating with different groups and organisations in Knox, extending beyond karaoke.
"We perform in aged care," Hong Hong says. "We have connected with retirement villages in Wantirna and Rowville. We perform Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Greek folk dancing and songs.
"We also did a collaboration with the Knox Italian Club - the theme was tai chi meets bocce."
We Are One Club membership is free and open to everyone looking to reconnect with their community, make new friends and enrich their lives through cultural exchange.
