Mamas Down Under: Building connections for Expat mothers
Supportive expat community for mothers on the Gold Coast. Connect, find resources, and access mental health support with Mamas Down Under.
What’s happening?
On the Gold Coast, where 40% of the population are international or interstate arrivals, the lack of a dedicated relocation service tailored for expat families has led to a gap in support.
This inspired three expat mothers, Danielle Baillie (Mental Health Clinician), Melissa O'Brien (Skin Therapist), and Lianne Appleby (Skin Therapist), to establish Mamas Down Under in June 2024.
This unique initiative offers a community for expat mothers, fostering authentic connections and support.
Why it Matters?
The Gold Coast, known for its rapid growth, has a substantial expat community with unique needs in mental health, community integration, and relocation resources.
Mamas Down Under steps in to support this growing population through events, mental health resources, and expert advice, enhancing both individual well-being and community cohesion.
“The Gold Coast economy still has plenty of capacity compared to larger cities where they are already at capacity. Gold Coast has more room to grow,” shared Mayor Tate.
By the Numbers
Community Growth: Over 1,000 mothers have attended Mamas Down Under’s events since June, underscoring the need for expat support networks.
Podcast Reach: The Mamas Down Under podcast has recorded 12,000 downloads in 30 days, sharing authentic stories and insights on the expat experience.
Private Support Group: 120 mothers participate in their private support group, accessing resources for emotional and well-being assistance.
Zoom In
Mamas Down Under offers multiple services:
Motherhood Support Networks: Building free events for expat families, addressing the isolation often felt by new arrivals.
Breaking Down Barriers: Their popular podcast shares expat stories and explores the highs and lows of life abroad, partnering with local businesses to support the Gold Coast economy.
Expert Insights: The community hub provides access to experts in parenting, immigration, and recruitment, helping expats navigate their new lives.
Local Heroes: A private community group of 120 mothers seeks to provide emotional and well-being support, with resources to make the expat experience smoother.
Zoom Out
Co-founder Danielle, with her background in mental health, emphasised the importance of addressing adjustment challenges for expat families, particularly children.
"After many years working with children, I quickly recognised the need for adjustment counselling for kids who have immigrated," she said.
This perspective, combined with the founders’ professional backgrounds, allows Mamas Down Under to create initiatives deeply rooted in well-being and support.
Local Impact
Mamas Down Under’s impact on the Gold Coast community is profound, bolstering mental health awareness and community engagement while supporting local businesses.
Despite their full-time careers, the founders have only collaborated with local businesses to keep the focus on their grassroots approach, declining sponsorships to maintain authenticity.
What to Look for Next
As Mamas Down Under continues to scale, it aims to expand services that not only address relocation logistics but also provide comprehensive mental health support.
With the Gold Coast’s population projected to near 1 million in the coming years, this community-driven initiative aligns with a critical need.