In this issue

We are eagerly awaiting the launch of Qantas’s Dreamliner flights. World leading designers, including Marc Newson, combined efforts with university sleep experts to create a state of the art aircraft. The first Qantas 787 will be arriving in Australia about October next year and boasts the most modern technological features for a comfortable long flight. Read all about this modern aircraft and how you can join as a Qantas frequent flyer for free on www.merisemag.com.

Thank you, Merise reader Lauren Clark, for giving us an insight into the world of being a FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) mum. After reading her letter and researching the issues facing FIFO workers I am not convinced that we as a community are doing enough to support these families.

There are some lovely family events planned for the next few weeks such as the Sound of Music produced by London Palladium. The South African Church is hosting one of their legendary bazaars on 29 October and the Out of Africa Festival is taking place on the same day in Rockingham.

You are most welcome to join the Merise event in Bunbury on Friday 14th October. See www.merisemag.com for more details. Find more information on page 7 about the ’Feminar’ which will be held in Bunbury on the 5th November 2016.

Have fun and enjoy!

Merise Magazine Description:

Merise is a digital family magazine initiated in 2011 to encourage and assist others, as well as to offer advice in facing the challenges of settling and integrating into our new community together. We talk openly about the different aspects of our lives that are under strain through the migration process – from helping our kids adjust to their new school environments, to leaving our parents behind and to changes in the dynamics of our personal relationships.

We provide valuable information about financial and visa requirements, encouraging specialists in various fields to submit articles on topics which we feel may be beneficial to our readers. Merise captures the beauty of our new countries by featuring different geographical areas in Australia and New Zealand, thereby giving would-be migrants or readers who are planning holidays or an interstate move, a better understanding of what to expect in their new domain.

Merise will become a friend to you and your family.

The ascending aircraft in the Logo is symbolic of our desire to reach for the stars. Even the name itself has meaning. By dividing the word ‘Merise e’ in two, it becomes ‘Me rise ’, accentuating our aspiration for life improvement. Merise embodies support and friendship and is such an essence in our lives that we feel inclined to personify the magazine. Merise is who we are.

It is important for Merise to support ‘her’ friends, not merely those who have recently arrived, but all expats in Australia and New Zealand who have left their home countries to find new direction ‘Down Under’.

Merise lends a hand in almost every way. Like anyone who has been through the immigration process and experienced it first hand, Merise is thoroughly aware of difficulties that may arise for both newcomers as well as experienced expats and knows how to help overcome, or should we say “survive”, these difficulties.

Merise explores different avenues and is vivacious and enthusiastic, living life to the full and is always on the lookout for new challenges and encounters. Merise's experiences and pleasures are shared with her friends, always encouraging and inspiring them.

Merise is fully bilingual and has English- as well as Afrikaans-speaking readers with whom time and information is equally shared.

It’s not that easy to find a friend as special as Merise . . .

Both versions of the English and Afrikaans editions of Merise are available on www.merisemag.com.