Exciting times for iGEN

The start of 2025 marks an exciting time for the iGEN program, as it grows to include Damascus College Ballarat and Mercy Place Ballarat. Having seen the impact and value of the program within the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and Mercy Health Bendigo communities, the students, staff and residents in Ballarat are eager to share in the joy of meaningful intergenerational connections.

Adding to the excitement of this growth, the iGEN Learning Program has been named as a finalist for the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP) Outstanding Intergenerational Innovation & Contribution Award 2025.

The award will be presented at the AIIP Annual Conference in Sydney in February, where Colin Hogan (iGEN Learning Leader, CMCB) and Ellen Francis (iGEN Program Coordinator, Mercy Health) will also be presenting a session during the conference.

The Intergenerational Program (iGEN Learning) is a partnership between Mercy Health, Australian Catholic University and Catherine McAuley College in Bendigo, which pairs College students with local residents at both Mercy Health Bethlehem and Mercy Health’s senior living community, Golden Rise Bendigo.

iGEN demonstrates how positive relationships can impact health and wellbeing for all participants. Meaningful interactions, supported by innovative curriculum ensure that our residents and students find value in their shared experiences, that extend beyond the learning space and out into their daily lives, all while living out our shared Mercy values.

The work of the iGEN program will also be showcased at both the Australian Association of Gerontology Victorian Mini-Conference in March and at the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association Conference in May.

The program continues to grow from strength to strength and we are very proud of the recognition that this collaboration of Mercy Ministries is receiving. Congratulations to all involved.