About us
Two practitioners, one shared belief.
The Intergenerational Project began as a conversation between two friends, one from aged care and one from early childhood education, who kept noticing the same gap in their communities. Young children eager for connection beyond their own generation. Older adults longing for purpose.
Our backstory
Kerry's 20 years as a physiotherapist in aged care and Janelle's 25+ years leading early childhood services kept circling the same question: what if these two worlds regularly came together? Not for a one-off photo op, but as a sustained, weekly part of preschool life.
In 2025 we ran our first Grand Friends pilot at Ocean Shores Preschool. Within a few weeks educators were describing it like "having family members visit." Children were greeting Grand Friends by name. Older adults were arriving early because they didn't want to miss anything.
Short-term goals
- • Embed Grand Friends programs in 20 ECEC services across the Northern Rivers.
- • Publish and distribute the Resource Toolkit nationally.
- • Build a network of trained intergenerational practitioners.
Long-term goals
- • Make intergenerational practice a standard part of Australian early learning.
- • Partner with aged-care providers to create reciprocal community pathways.
- • Contribute Australian evidence to the global intergenerational research base.
Meet the team
Our Co-Founders
Co-Founder
Kerry Hardey
With 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist in aged care, Kerry has seen firsthand the profound effects of social isolation, loneliness, and ageism in our communities. Her passion for enhancing the lives of older adults has led her to pursue a Master's in Ageing and Health at Charles Sturt University, further deepening her expertise in this field.
Kerry is a Board Member of the Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice and is also working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This unique combination of skills and experience positions her perfectly to co-found The Intergenerational Project alongside Janelle, Director of Ocean Shores Preschool.
At the heart of her approach is a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between generations. Through warmth, encouragement, and a focus on social inclusion, she strives to create environments where individuals, young and old, feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Beyond her professional life you will find Kerry spending time with her young family, on the beach, mountain biking, hiking up a mountain or enjoying a camping adventure.
Co-Founder
Janelle Rapley
Janelle is a highly experienced early childhood educator with over 25 years in the sector. She is deeply connected to nature and brings a strong commitment to environmental stewardship into her teaching, weaving sustainability and environmental awareness through everyday learning experiences. Her practice is grounded in the belief that creative arts, imagination and play hold transformative power in a child's development.
At the heart of Janelle's approach is the importance of trusting relationships. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration, confidence, and genuine partnership with children, families, and the wider community, creating inclusive and supportive environments where every individual feels valued and respected.
Kerry's expertise in aged care physiotherapy aligns perfectly with Janelle's pedagogy, and they are excited to co-found The Intergenerational Project. They share a vision and commitment to create meaningful opportunities that allow the knowledge and experiences of our older community to support and enrich younger generations. Their goal is to honor the wisdom and connections that develop when generations learn and grow alongside each other.
Want to bring Grand Friends to your service?
The Resource Toolkit is the step-by-step framework we wish we'd had when we started.