Monika Wong: Strengthening a community through Tai Chi
Monika Wong’s story brings to life the rich tapestry of Australia, personifying the experiences and opportunities that giving back can create.
Born in Australia to Polish parents, Monika is a former registered nurse and Master of Tai Chi, having taken up classes following a chronic arthritis diagnosis in 1988. It is during these classes that she met her husband, John.
After moving to Perth in 2000, Monika and John established the WA branch of the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, teaching classes to help others. While they hosted many public community classes, it is arguably their contribution to Herald Avenue Seniors Club in Willetton that had the biggest impact.
“As time progressed, I was asked to join the Committee of the Club and eventually I became President. During my time at Herald, I tried to bring in all different activities that all Seniors could enjoy.”
These have included Tai Chi, games nights, and arts and crafts. However, Monika truly threw herself into her role following the passing of John to cancer in 2019, and also her daughter to heart trouble, committing to raising money for cancer research and Heart Foundation. This has seen Monika host a Biggest Morning Tea with over 200 members at the Seniors Club, and, most recently, shave her head to fundraise for the Leukaemia Foundation.
While Monika has helped to drive the Seniors Club forward during her time as President, it is evident that the club had helped her during times of loss and grief. She describes the positive impact being the “camaraderie of all the member joined together, having fun and sharing laughter.”
“I just wish to pay it forward,” Monika adds. “In this day and age, so many people are struggling and need outlets where they can go to do so. The community can only grow with like-minded people joining together to create an atmosphere of fun and safety.”
For the contribution she has made to the community, Monika received the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year Award from the City of Canning in the Community Citizen of the Year Awards. To nominate someone you know, head to citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate. Nominations for the 2026 Awards close 31 October 2025.