Updates

Before Mates From Himalayas (MFH) was officially established, our founding executive team began building the relationships that would shape our journey. It started with a community. During a Dashain (festival in Nepal) celebration hosted by Nepali Students at Western Sydney (NSWS), the NSW Premier Hon. Chris Minns and Multiculture Minister Hon. Stephen Kamper sent an exclusive ten minute video message to extend their warm wishes to our Nepali community. That heartfelt gesture opened a door. Our executive team later met both the Premier and the Minister in person, sharing MFH’s vision to create a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Mental Health, Gambling Harm Prevention, and Water Safety. Driven by our commitment to engage, educate, and empower, both the Premier and Minister welcomed our plans with genuine enthusiasm and pledged their support. This milestone marks a significant step forward in turning our vision into action. With the support of the NSW State Government, MFH is committed to build a meaningful and lasting partnership that ensures no community is left behind. Together, we can reach further, serve deeper, and create real, lasting change for those who need it the most. Today, MFH is committed to turning that vision into real, lasting impact; working alongside the NSW State Government to ensure no community is left behind. Our mission is simple but powerful: to engage, educate, and empower. Because when communities are supported, they don’t just survive; they flourish. And this is only the beginning. Engage, Educate, Empower

Engage, Educate, Empower We are thrilled to welcome you to new Mates From Himalayas (MFH) website ; a warm and accessible space built for our mates across Australia. On 4 April 2026, we launched mfh.org.au → a place where every person in the Nepali speaking and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community can find support, information, and be part of a community. This is more than a website. It is a reflection of who we are as an organisation ; a community of mates who show up for one another with care, without judgement, and with open hearts. The site brings together our three focus areas: Mental Health Support, Gambling Harm Prevention, and Water Safety. We will continue to add resources, events, and opportunities for our mates to get involved. We welcome your feedback → this site belongs to all of us. We are here to help. Please reach out to us at info@mfh.org.au.

Mates From Himalayas | Sydney, Australia | 29 June 2025 On 29 June 2025, the Nepalese Blood Donors Association(NBDA), Australia proudly organised a community blood and plasma donation drive in Sydney, with valued support from Mates From Himalayas (MFH). Around 20 community members rolled up their sleeves, gave generously, and reminded us all what it means to look after one another. A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose NBDA, Australia organised the blood donation event, and when they reached out to MFH for support, there was no hesitation. The answer was an immediate yes. That is what happens when two organisations are truly built on the same values. MFH is a registered not for profit organisation supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, with a primary focus on Nepali speaking communities by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing cultural consultations in Mental Health, Gambling Harm Prevention, and Water Safety. At every event, the goal of MFH remains the same: to show up for the community the way you would show up for your family. MFH Secretary standing alongside NBDA’s representative, united by a shared commitment towards community wellbeing. The Program and Its Purpose The event was organised by NBDA and supported by MFH with one clear goal: to increase voluntary blood and plasma donation within the CALD communities, especially the Nepali speaking community in Australia. Australia’s blood supply depends entirely on voluntary donors, and communities like ours have a powerful role to play in keeping that supply strong. On that day, that meant not just encouraging others to donate, but stepping forward yourself and going first. MFH Board members donated blood alongside the community they serve. No speeches were required. The action said everything. MFH President donating blood, inspiring the community to step forward and go first. Beyond the donation itself, MFH used the gathering as an opportunity to have open and warm conversations about Mental Health and the importance of looking after our overall wellbeing. These conversations were woven naturally into the day, reflecting MFH’s belief that community health is not just physical. It is both emotional, and social. MFH Secretary donating blood, showing his full commitment towards the cause. Connection we share A notable connection between the two organisations was that: MFH’s Secretary was also the then Secretary of NBDA Australia at the time of the event, reflecting the close and trusted relationship between both MFH and NBDA. People who made this possible Events like this do not happen by accident. They happen because certain people care enough to make them real, and on that day, the room was full of exactly those peoples. Looking Ahead This blood donation drive is one of many ways MFH continues to show up for the CALD and Nepali speaking community in Australia. Whether it is through mental health awareness, gambling harm prevention, or community health initiatives like this one. MFH remains committed to building a healthier, and connected community across New South Wales and beyond. If you would like to get involved with MFH or learn more about us, please do visit mfh.org.au or reach out to us at info@mfh.org.au.

One in four international students in Australia experience significant psychological distress, often linked to financial pressure, work stress, and isolation. But a few weeks ago, Mates From Himalayas hosted a webinar that reminded us all that community support can be a powerful antidote. On Wednesday, 25th February 2026, Mates From Himalayas hosted the Stronger Minds, Stronger Futures webinar, uniting 26 participants from 13 cultural backgrounds in a heartfelt 90-minute conversation about mental health, wellbeing, and career pathways. Speakers Bharat Nepal, OAM, Ryan Shrestha, Shravankumar Guntuku,  and special guest Ishraque Ahmad brought warmth and wisdom, sharing practical tools on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), self-care amid cultural adjustment, and what Australian employers seek in international talent. Interactive breakout rooms fostered deeper connections around human services careers, migration Q&A, and personal growth — turning the event into a true community gathering where people felt seen and supported. The energy was warm and genuine, with attendees describing it as a “safe space to feel seen and supported.” MFH President and Cofounder Bhabish Shrestha shared their heartfelt thanks and gratitude: “A massive thank you to everyone who showed up with such openness, curiosity, and courage and to our incredible speakers for sharing those practical tools and real, heartfelt insights that truly touched us all. It was truly something special.” Share your thoughts if you attended: Give FeedbackJoin the movement: Become a Mate When cultures connect, stronger minds build stronger futures. Reference: Maharaj, R., Ndwiga, D., & Chutiyami, M. (2025). Mental health and wellbeing of international students in Australia: a systematic review. Journal of Mental Health, 34(4), 431–449. https://lnkd.in/g4f_x3rc