In dieser Angelegenheit

Mental health and domestic abuse are traditionally highlighted at the end of each year. World Mental Health day falls on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 and an International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is held on 25 November 2017 with White Ribbon Day. ‘#AMansIssueToo’ is included in this year’s campaign as men too are victims of abusive relationships. Merise writes about this sensitive issue, knowing that knowledge is power. Millions of people are affected annually by destructive relationships and with early stage intervention, perhaps much of the sorrow can be prevented.

Thank you so much to all the readers who have contributed via email and Facebook. Your level of participation has exceeded our expectations! We showcase the beauty of Australia through the eyes of those in our readership and delight in the uniqueness of this vast country. We are always glad to receive your photographs, compelling articles and delicious recipes. In this particular issue we enclose a delightful letter written to her grandchildren, as shared by granny@co.za.

We hope that you thoroughly enjoy this, our tenth edition, of Merise. Please let us know if we help bring happiness to those of you adjusting to a recent transition. Similarly we would like to know if the articles are as appealing to those readers who now feel quite at home in Australia and New Zealand.

Please remember to forward any new contact details to info@merisemedia.com.au so that we can keep you updated about what is happening in Merise’s world. Your next issue of Merise is due in the first quarter of 2018 as we plan to print two issues of the magazine per calendar year. We’ll be sure to keep you posted!

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.