By Sally Dusting-Laird
Eight years ago, Michael lost his wife and son. He barely left his house and struggled to find meaning in life. Since joining the free Mahjong club at Westfield Knox he has found a renewed sense of purpose and a reason to continue moving forward.
Christine Pow is the powerhouse behind the Eastern (Hong Kong) style Mahjong group which just recently celebrated their first birthday.
It is a partnership between Westfield, Volunteer for Knox Resource Centre, the Knox Library and Coonara Community House.
“Mahjong is an excellent game for mental health, offering cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and strategic thinking,” Christine said.
“Many of our regular players say they continue playing because their parents or grandparents lived to 100 with sharp minds, thanks to Mahjong.”
The weekly attendance averages at least 20–30 people some coming from as far as Greensborough and Parkville to join in the fun outside the new Knox Library every Wednesday from 10am – 1.00pm.
After retiring from the corporate world post-COVID Christine found myself seeking a new purpose in life.
“I migrated to Australia at the age of 28 from a Chinese-Malaysian background, five months pregnant, with just two bags and a heart full of hope” she said.
“My dream was to build a suburban life in Rowville, and today, I am deeply grateful to this country for making that dream a reality. I am a mother to two wonderful children and a proud grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters.”
“Giving back to the community has become one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.
“I grew up watching my mother spend countless hours playing Mahjong, though as a child, I never truly understood the game.
“In many Eastern cultures, Mahjong is a cherished pastime for seniors, offering both entertainment and social connection.
“Surprisingly, I only began learning to play last year. Despite being new to the game, I have come to appreciate not just its strategy and complexity, but more importantly, its power to bring people together, foster friendships, and create a strong sense of belonging.”
Christine can see how Mahjong has truly transformed lives, bringing people together and giving them a sense of belonging, joy, and purpose.
“As a volunteer, nothing makes me happier than hearing how a simple game has helped people step out of their homes and reconnect with life, she said.
“Hi Christine, this is me, Lucy. Thank you so much for teaching us,” aunty Lucy said.
“You are the only one (Mahjong) that could get me out of the house! We are all having a wonderful time”
Anna – After retiring as a nurse 10 years ago, Anna felt isolated and struggled to make new friends. Now, through Mahjong, she has found a new family—people who bring joy into her life every week.
David – A retired teacher and widow, David found little fulfillment in life and rarely went out. Since joining Westfield Knox Mahjong, he has rediscovered laughter, formed new connections, and enjoys being part of a warm and inclusive community.
These stories are a testament to the power of community and the joy that comes from sharing something as simple as a game.
Participants range in age from ten – 90, with the majority being seniors aged 60 and above.
“We also have a few younger players, including university students who occasionally drop in, as well as some in their 30s and 40s,” she said.
“During school holidays, we often welcome a few Year 11 boys who join in for the fun.”
Mahjong is a highly interactive game played by four players, requiring focus, memory, and strategy.
The game involves forming winning combinations of tiles (melds and pairs) and being the first to declare “Mahjong!” Its complexity keeps the brain active, helping to improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and memory retention.
Beyond its mental benefits, Mahjong also provides a strong social connection, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community—something that is especially valuable for seniors.
“I am passionate about volunteering in this space because I believe there is more to life than just routine—we have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community,” she said.
“Every day, I go home knowing that I have contributed, even in a small way, to improving someone’s life.
I may not be able to change the world, but I can start small—right here, where I live—by creating a better, more connected life for others.
As a member of the Knox Council Advisory Board for Active Ageing, Christine’s primary focus is fostering community connections and inclusivity, especially in addressing mental health challenges caused by isolation and depression.
“I truly believe that building meaningful connections is one of the most powerful influences on positive mental well-being, and through Mahjong,” she said.
“I have seen firsthand how a simple game can bring joy, purpose, and companionship to so many.
“Discovering my passion for giving back to the community has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.
“Volunteering not only allows me to be a voice for change and inclusivity but also helps me grow in leadership, mentoring, community support, and event management. The connections I have made along the way are invaluable.
“It is a mutual exchange—while I contribute to my community, the community gives back to me in so many ways, bringing joy, acknowledgment, and support.
“My hope is to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
“I truly believe that small actions can have a big impact when it comes to building connections.
“It starts with being open-minded, non-judgmental, and not making assumptions about others. When we embrace inclusivity, genuine connections naturally follow, enriching both individual lives and the wider community.”
