In this issue

Australia’s immigration policy is important to most Merise readers. Accordingly, Merise took the opportunity to look through the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Report about Migrant Intake into Australia which was recently submitted to the government.
The findings and suggestions are a good indication of where immigration policy is heading and makes for quite interesting reading.

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences imaginable, but when your loss entails your favourite uncle who happens to be one of the world’s top rugby union players, your grief is understandably shared with thousands of supporters. One of our readers, Sumi Botha, was recently asked to sing at a touching memorial in Pretoria as her uncle was laid to rest. Merise talks to Sumi about her experiences and what plans she has for the future.

Art features strongly in Perth this month. Stations of the Cross, which features dynamic newly commissioned works of art, is presented by the Uniting Church in the City. This annual art exhibition is now in its eighth consecutive year. Should you be interested the article is on page 4. Sculpture by the Sea, the annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, returns to Cottesloe in March. Don’t miss this opportunity to stroll along the beach and enjoy the work of local and international artists at absolutely no cost! For more information see page 8.

Why don’t you try our Button Easter Craft with the kids? It is such fun!

Happy reading, until next time.

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.