mamasdownunder
Created by friends, for friends. Danielle, Melissa and Lianne
Introducing Mamas Down Under, a revolutionary support network transforming the lives of expat mothers across Australia, starting in the Gold Coast. Our innovative platform connects mothers, fosters community engagement supporting local Gold Coast businesses, and provides invaluable resources underpinned in supporting expats who have already made the move, or that plan too.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
KATIE
@themcdade_family
So for me, it's been about the kids and my job. As well as the every day unknown tasks we need to do here. Danny has been amazing in regards to reassuring me about getting a job, she sent me a big voice note about where to look and the pros/cons about private and public. She also does adjustment therapy so I've picked her brains for my eldest child which we will arrange in the near future.It's been a joy to chat to all the women on WhatsApp, and nothing is ever a bother. You can absolutely anything and people will answer every time. It's amazing! I cannot wait to meet up. It's put me at ease and even though the emotions and stress can take over, I know I can reach out to the others on the chat and they all understand exactly how I'm feeling. Thankyou Mamas Down Under, you have helped in so many ways and I truly hope you know how much you are appreciated.
MIRANDA
I stumbled across the Mamas Down Under page whilst I was still in the UK. Moving to the other side of the world-to an area where I knew nobody was rather daunting. However the Mothers Down Under group appeared welcoming and to have members who were going through a similar situation at a similar time which was really reassuring!
I only joined the WhatsApp chat when I arrived -should have done it before as everyone is just so helpful and full of great advice and everyone just wants to help each other.
My first meet up with the group was great fun and has allowed me to meet with other like minded people as well as start helping my children to socialise and start making friends before they start school.
I can not recommend following and joining Mamas Down Under enough. Dan, Lianne and all the Mamas Down Under members are just so friendly and definitely made me feel welcome from the moment we met!
Miranda x
OLLIE
@FOLLOWUSTOSYDNEYANDGOLDCOAST
i LOVE the mammas downunder group and wished for something like this when i arrived 5 years ago! It doesnt matter where in your expat journey you are its always good to connect with others who just 'get it' and finally a group for Mums! Ive attended a ladies brunch and look forward to more events and my daughters making friends through the group to x
HAYLEY
@HAYLEYWILLIAMSXX
Mamas Down Under has been an amazing way to connect with other mamas going through similar experiences. I am so grateful for the group. I have met some lovely people through it which i couldnt imagine getting through day to day life without now. The support is really appreciated.
@movingdownunderfamily
Thank you to the @mamasdownunder community for all the amazing support getting us through this part of the journey and going forward iam sure i will be asking 100's more questions.
Events
Upcoming Events
Sun, 26 JanBurleigh Beach, Queensland, Australia26 Jan 2025, 10:00 am AESTBurleigh Beach, Queensland, Australia
Sun, 02 FebLocation is TBD02 Feb 2025, 7:00 pm – 01 Feb 2026, 7:00 pmLocation is TBD
Sun, 17 NovBurleigh Heads17 Nov 2024, 9:00 am – 11:00 amBurleigh Heads, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Blog
About Our Movement
Mamas Down Under Launches Innovative Support Network for Expat Mothers Across Australia.
​
Three best friends came together to create community and connection for expat mothers living abroad. After noticing limited connection spaces for expat mothers in the Gold Coast and how niche the expansive experience is, that it would be empowering and supportive to connect with other mothers navigating the same experience, supporting mental health and wellbeing. The mission is to provide services, support and relatable stories to expat women living abroad currently or that plan to immigrate in the near future.
Mamas Down Under community, is the family that you choose, no longer does being an expat need to feel lonely, find your people, expand your network and build lasting, authentic connections.
Our Causes
Danielle, one of the founders, has a strong mental health focus, and the impacts the move can have on mothers, their children and spouses. After many years working with children, she understood quickly the need for adjustment counselling for children who have immigrated. Through discussions with founders Melissa O'Brien and Lianne Appleby they decided to begin a relatable podcast discussing the highs and lows of life abroad as an expat which led to community events and a wider range of offerings when it was established that some services providing to this cohort of the Gold Coast population could be better. As a small business to date we have only supported local businesses within the Gold Coast not accepting sponsorship due to the founders already having full time professional careers. As the company is beginning to scale and we have established a strong need for our community we plan to create an organisation that provides support to expats, not only just with resources and services but with emotional and wellbeing support encompassed in all offerings.
Empowerment
Empowering expat mothers by creating connection and purpose. Through events, our podcast and a series of resources to support mothers who have left there homeland to create a life abroad.
Wellness
Promoting physical and emotional well-being for mothers and families.
​
We know through our own experiences the challenges of settling in a new country, and have resources as well as recommended support options for both you, your family and childrens needs.
Inclusivity
Creating an inclusive and diverse community that celebrates every mother's journey in transitioning to a new life abroad.
​
Advocacy
Advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit mothers and families moving abroad, as well as providing resources to support mothers and families rights in Australia.
​
Streamlining the process of moving abroad, through offering services such as relocation agent, a profile of trusted services and schools.
Community
Monthly events in and around the Gold Coast.
​
Breaking Down Barriers: Through our podcast which has over 12,000 downloads in a 30 day period have provided relatable stories, resources and provide informed discussions on the expat journey. We have also joined forces with mainly local businesses within the Gold Coast supporting the communities economy, we have many inspiring conversations regarding overcoming isolation and finding connection.
Resources
Providing educational resources and workshops to empower mothers in their expat journey.
​
We have developed a community hub in which we will be supporting the needs of expats who plan to make the move to Australia. Providing a relocation service to our community, giving them the opportunity to tap into our network of parenting and self-care experts, immigration consultants, and recruitment advisors for exclusive quotes and advice.