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MARSS - Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services

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Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services

22/10/2026

📢 You're Invited to the MARSS Australia Annual General Meeting 2026

Join us as we reflect on the past year, celebrate the achievements of our organisation, and look ahead to the future of MARSS and the communities we support.

📅 Monday, 23 November 2026
🕠 5:30pm – 6:30pm
📍 West Wing Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601

📧 Please confirm your attendance or apology by emailing [email protected] by 5:00pm on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.
If you wish to attend online, please indicate this in your RSVP email so that a meeting link can be provided in advance.

We look forward to welcoming our members, partners, supporters and community members.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

19/10/2026

🌏 MARSS at the FECCA National Conference 2026

MARSS Australia was proud to participate in the FECCA National Conference 2026, held under the theme "Navigating Change, Shaping Australia: Many Stories, One Future."

Throughout the conference, MARSS staff, including Kamal Ahmed, Deputy CEO Eman Basheer, Muataz Ajaj, Ramya Bathula and Rose Hamid, together with our dedicated volunteers, represented MARSS at the exhibition stall, where they shared information about our programs and services with delegates from across Australia.

The stall also showcased handmade products from the MARSS Sewing Class and Crafting My Story, highlighting the creativity, skills and achievements of participants involved in these initiatives.

MARSS team member Domenic Torcasio also presented on the Multicultural Disability Employment Program, contributing to important discussions about creating greater employment opportunities and inclusion for people from multicultural backgrounds living with disability.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to connect with community leaders, service providers and policymakers from across the country, exchange ideas and showcase the work MARSS is undertaking to support migrant and refugee communities.

A special thank you to our staff and volunteers whose time, commitment and enthusiasm helped make MARSS's participation at FECCA such a success.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

15/10/2026

🏆 MARSS at the African Awards – Raising Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Awareness

On Saturday, 26 September 2026, MARSS Australia's Chief Financial Officer, Madhuri Keswani, attended the African Awards – Raising Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Awareness Gala at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden.

Hosted by the Celebration of African Australians Inc. (ACT), the event brought together community leaders, organisations, elected representatives and community members to celebrate achievement, recognise community contributions and raise awareness of mental health and su***de prevention.

The evening highlighted the importance of reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviours and strengthening support networks within diverse communities, while also recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations across the Canberra region.

For MARSS, the event was an opportunity to connect with community leaders, learn more about the work being undertaken across the sector, and continue building relationships with organisations supporting culturally diverse communities across the ACT.

Thank you to the organisers and everyone involved in delivering such an important community event.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

***dePrevention

15/10/2026

🧠 Free Information Session: Understanding Dementia
MARSS Australia is pleased to partner with Dementia Australia to present a free information session on understanding dementia.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with dementia, care for a family member, or simply want to learn more, this session will provide practical information and support in a welcoming environment.

📅 Thursday 29 October 2026
🕑 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
📍 MARSS Civic Office, Level 2, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra

Topics include:
✅ Types of dementia, signs and symptoms
✅ The experience of living with dementia
✅ Available services and where to access support
✅ Planning ahead and supporting someone living with dementia
🎟️ Free to attend | Bookings essential

To register: https://tinyurl.com/9aphpm35
For enquiries: 📞 02 6248 8577

People • Belonging • Opportunity

14/10/2026

📍 MARSS at the Launch of Accelerating Settlement Outcomes

On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, MARSS Australia's Chief Financial Officer, Madhuri Keswani, and Settlement Officer, Rose Hamid, attended the launch of Accelerating Settlement Outcomes at Australian Parliament House.

The event, hosted by the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA), brought together government representatives, settlement organisations, employers and people with lived experience to discuss the future of settlement policy and investment in Australia.

As an organisation that supports migrants and refugees to build successful lives in Australia, MARSS values opportunities to engage in conversations that contribute to stronger settlement outcomes and more inclusive communities.

Thank you to SCOA for hosting this important event.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

12/10/2026

🎒 Supporting Students at Dickson College

MARSS Australia is pleased to have donated 15 backpacks to Dickson College to support students in their learning journey.

In the photo, our Deputy CEO, Eman Basheer, is pictured presenting the backpacks to members of the School Executive Team.

At MARSS, we understand the importance of ensuring young people have access to the resources they need to participate fully in their education. We are proud to support initiatives that help students feel prepared, included and ready to learn.

Thank you to Dickson College for the opportunity to work together in supporting our community's young people.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

12/10/2026

🏛️ MARSS at Government House Open Day

On Saturday, 10 October 2026, MARSS Australia was pleased to participate in the Government House Open Day in Yarralumla, joining more than 2,500 visitors and community organisations for a day of community engagement and connection.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to meet members of the community, share information about MARSS services and celebrate the diversity that makes Canberra such a vibrant place to live.

A special thank you to our dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time to support the MARSS stall throughout the day. Your commitment and enthusiasm helped us engage with visitors and share information about the support and services available to migrant and refugee communities.

Thank you to Government House Canberra for hosting such a welcoming event and for providing an opportunity to showcase the work of organisations that make a positive difference in our community.

Pictured in the photos is MARSS Deputy CEO, Eman Basheer, with Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

11/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day 2026

On 10 October, communities around the world recognised World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing and encouraging conversations that reduce stigma and promote support.

This year's theme, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change", reminds us of the importance of listening to and learning from people's experiences.

At MARSS, we know that good mental health is supported by connection, belonging and strong community networks. Many of the migrants and refugees we work alongside have experienced significant challenges both before arriving in Australia and while building new lives here. Access to support, meaningful relationships and a welcoming community can make a real difference to wellbeing.

As World Mental Health Day reminds us, taking the time to listen, check in on others and create environments where people feel heard and supported can have a positive impact.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

07/10/2026

💚 October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

This month, MARSS Australia is supporting Liver Cancer Awareness Month and helping to raise awareness about liver health across our multicultural communities.

Each year, more than 3,000 Australians are diagnosed with liver cancer. Early awareness and access to reliable health information can make an important difference.

We know that navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, particularly for people who are new to Australia or who face language barriers. That's why we're pleased to share resources from the Liver Foundation, including information available in multiple languages.

If you would like to learn more about liver cancer, liver health or access translated resources, visit:

🔗 https://liver.org.au/liver-cancer-awareness-month/

🌏 Information in multiple languages: 🔗 https://liver.org.au/languages/

Together, we can help build healthier, more informed communities.

People • Belonging • Opportunity

06/10/2026

📚 Join MARSS at the Canberra Writers Festival

Our CEO, Sonia Di Mezza, will be taking part in the Canberra Writers Festival panel discussion "This is My Story: Migration Narratives."

This conversation will explore the experiences of migrants and refugees, and the themes of identity, belonging and finding a place to call home. The session features authors Durkhanai Ayubi, Majeda Awawdeh and Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, whose stories reflect the diverse journeys that help shape modern Australia.

At MARSS, we see every day how powerful stories can be in building understanding, connection and community, and we're proud to be involved in this important discussion.

🎟️ Free tickets are available to anyone who is interested in attending.

To register your interest, please contact us at [email protected]

People • Belonging • Opportunity

Address

Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2/180 London Cct
Canberra, ACT
2601

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61262488577

Website

https://marss.org.au/

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