Our Chapters
Sosseh, Araz, Arax, Nayiri
Sosseh Chapter
Սօսէ Մասնաճիւղ
Located in Sydney’s northern region, the ARS Australia Sosseh Chapter is the first ARS chapter established in Australia, founded in 1965. For nearly six decades, the Sosseh Chapter has been a cornerstone of charitable work, upholding and nurturing the core values of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) within the local community.
Sosseh Chapter is actively engaged in a wide range of initiatives designed to support and enrich the community. These include monthly social gatherings for the elderly, traditional cooking classes, painting classes, festivals, cultural events and outings such as day trips and high tea. It provides several sponsorships for sporting clubs, language schools, the bilingual Armenian day school, Galstaun College and other cultural organisations.
Sosseh Chapter has a long and proud history of service in its local City of Willoughby, assisting organisations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Chatswood Sleeps Rough, women’s shelters and the Royal North Shore Hospital. Through its active participation in local and international charitable projects as well as various cultural events, the Sosseh Chapter continues to foster connection, culture, and service to others.
Araz Chapter
Արազ Մասնաճիւղ
Situated in Sydney, the ARS Australia Araz Chapter was established in 2008. Since its inception, the chapter has been dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community while actively supporting both local and regional ARS initiatives.
The Araz Chapter regularly hosts a variety of events, including bus trips, Ladies Nights, family dinner nights and community social gatherings, providing opportunities for connection and empowerment. In addition, the chapter contributes to the wider Australian community through participation in local festivals and market stalls such as at the annual Granny Smith Festival held in the City of Ryde, showcasing Armenian culture and traditions that form part of the local multicultural community.
Through these diverse initiatives, ARS Australia Araz continues to promote and strengthen the core principles of the Armenian Relief Society, enriching the lives of its members and the broader community.
Arax Chapter
Արաքս Մասնաճիւղ
Established in 1975, the Arax Chapter of ARS Australia is based in Sydney’s Western region and has been a vital part of the local Armenian community for generations. Through its diverse initiatives in education, health, social welfare, and humanitarian efforts, the chapter actively promotes ARS values and strengthens community ties.
The Arax Chapter regularly organises and participates in events that bring the community together, including weekly social gatherings for the elderly, outings and day trips for members of the community, playgroups for toddlers, carnivals and cultural celebrations. Additionally, the chapter hosts community gatherings to foster a sense of belonging and actively works with language schools to promote bi-lingual education.
Through participation in local council events ARS Arax Chapter promotes cultural diversity and harmony within the broader community while also contributing to local charitable causes to better those in need.
Nayiri Chapter
Նայիրի Մասնաճիւղ
The Nayiri Chapter of ARS Australia, established in 1965, is the only chapter based in Melbourne and plays a pivotal role in promoting and upholding ARS values of charitable work within the local Armenian community. The chapter is deeply engaged in a wide range of initiatives and works closely with Melbourne’s Armenian Saturday School to ensure these core values are instilled in the next generation of bi-lingual children.
In addition to its active involvement in regional projects, the Nayiri Chapter hosts a variety of its own events, including popular gatherings like Ladies Night, Daffodil Day for Cancer research and monthly community lunches for the elderly. These events foster connection and engagement among members while contributing to the broader social fabric of the community.
The Nayiri Chapter also collaborates with local cultural and sporting organisations to advance key initiatives in areas such as education, health, social welfare, and humanitarian efforts. By working together, the chapter continues to strengthen the bonds within the Armenian community and beyond.
