Preserving Iranian cultural heritage, advancing human dignity, and enriching Australia's multicultural community.
Rooted in Iranian culture. Engaged in Australian life. Committed to the Iranian people's freedom and right to choose their future.
The Australian Lion and Sun Association (ALSA) is an independent, not-for-profit cultural and community organisation based in Victoria. We bring together Iranians, Australians of Iranian heritage, and everyone with an interest in Iran's culture and future to keep our heritage alive, build community connections, and stand up for freedom and human dignity.
For us, Iranian identity means both celebrating Iran's languages, arts, history and traditions, and caring about its people and their future. Our name and emblem, the Lion and Sun, reflect our connection to Iran's historical identity and our commitment to passing that heritage on to future generations. We share this culture within multicultural Australia, creating opportunities for people of different generations and backgrounds to connect.
We support a transition from the Islamic Republic to a free, democratic and secular Iran: a country with separation of religion and government, equal rights regardless of gender, ethnicity, language, religion or belief, and its territorial integrity preserved.
ALSA supports Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, in a leadership role during that transition. Our support is grounded in the principles of Iran's national interests, freedom, democracy, secular government, human rights and territorial integrity. We also value Iran's monarchical heritage and the Pahlavi era's contributions to modernisation, education, infrastructure and the advancement of women's rights.
The choice of Iran's future system of government belongs exclusively to the Iranian people. Our support for Reza Pahlavi does not predetermine that outcome. Whether Iran becomes a monarchy or a republic must be decided by the Iranian people through a free and democratic vote.
Our guiding principle is clear: Iran before ideology. Freedom before the form of government. The Iranian people's vote as the final authority over their country's future.
Our mission is to connect Iranian cultural heritage with community participation and advocacy for freedom. Through cultural and educational programmes, community gatherings and public awareness initiatives, we pass Iran's heritage on to future generations, strengthen connections between Iranians and the wider Australian community, and support human rights and the Iranian people's right to freely choose their political future.
We envision an Iranian community in Australia whose generations remain connected to their heritage, participate actively in Australian life, and speak up for freedom; alongside a free, democratic, secular and territorially united Iran where every citizen has equal rights and the country's future is determined by the people's free vote.
Gatherings that bring our community together — everyone is welcome.
In commemoration of Mahsa Day
On 19 and 20 September 2026, Iranians in cities across the world come together to mark the fourth anniversary of Mahsa. From Tokyo to Vancouver, from one side of the globe to the other, coordinated gatherings will carry a shared message: the memory of all those lost on the road to freedom endures, and the will of Iranians for freedom remains undiminished.
These two days are an opportunity for Iranians everywhere — beyond borders and distance — to stand together and make the voice of the Iranian people heard. We invite all who love Iran to join the Melbourne gathering at Federation Square, and to share the posters and details with others.
From Tokyo to Vancouver — one voice for Iran
A Summer Festive Market
Mehr means light, warmth, and kindness — the sun at the heart of our emblem. This December, we're bringing that light to Fitzroy: local makers, food, music, and a festive summer day for everyone.
Culture • Community • Celebration
A record of the gatherings, sessions, and commemorations ALSA has delivered.
On 17 and 18 February 2026, the Australian Lion and Sun Association held a memorial honouring those who lost their lives in the Iranian people's struggle for freedom — a movement we recognise as the Lion and Sun Revolution, named after Iran's historic Lion and Sun emblem.
The gathering observed Chehelom, the Iranian tradition of remembrance forty days after a death. It brought our community together to honour those killed and stand in solidarity with their bereaved families.
Photographs, flowers and candlelight created a space for tribute and shared mourning. We remembered each person as someone with a life, aspirations and loved ones, who had taken to the streets in hope of a free Iran.
Together, we honoured their memory and affirmed their families' right to seek justice. Though far from Iran, we stood with its people in a shared message: those who lost their lives will not be forgotten, and their families are not alone.
On 21 March 2026, the Australian Lion and Sun Association marked Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, welcoming the year 2585 in the Iranian imperial calendar. The gathering brought together an enduring cultural tradition and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom in Iran.
This year, Nowruz was shaped by grief and the absence of those who should still be with us. Our Haft-Sin table — a traditional Nowruz arrangement symbolising renewal and hope — stood alongside photographs of those we remember, keeping their memory and solidarity with bereaved families at the heart of the occasion.
We came together to mourn, support one another and keep alive a cultural heritage passed down through generations. At a time of sorrow, Nowruz offered a shared connection to life, renewal and the possibility of a brighter future.
As we welcomed the new year, we carried with us the memory of lives lost and our hope for a free Iran.
On 30 April 2026, the Australian Lion and Sun Association held its Securing Social Media Against Cyber Threats tabletop exercise at Box Hill Library. The session focused on practical digital security for individuals and community groups, covering WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, end-to-end encryption, secure backups, device protection, group infiltration, information leaks and safer communication practices. Participants also explored real-world threat scenarios and practical measures to reduce exposure and strengthen their personal and organisational security.
A glimpse of the gatherings, commemorations, and celebrations we have held together.
Membership is free for everyone who joins on or before 30 June 2027. Become part of a growing community celebrating Iranian heritage in Melbourne.
Leave your details below and they'll be emailed straight to our Secretary, who will send you the official membership form and our rules to complete. Prefer email? Write to secretariat@australianlionandsunassociation.com.au.
Submitting this form does not finalise your membership.
Want to do more than join? Volunteer with ALSA
Want to do more than join? Every talent has a place — tell us about yours and we'll match you with the right role.
Every talent has a place. Tell us about yours and we'll match you with the right role as an ALSA Supporter. Prefer email? Write to secretariat@australianlionandsunassociation.com.au.
The Australian Lion and Sun Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work, and gather. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, and community.
As an organisation dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and advancing human dignity, we honour the world's oldest continuing cultures and extend our respect to all First Nations peoples.
انجمن شیر و خورشید استرالیا، صاحبان و نگهبانان سنتی سرزمینها و آبراههایی را که در آن زندگی، فعالیت و گردهمایی میکنیم، به رسمیت میشناسد. ما احترام خود را به بزرگان گذشته و حال آنان ابراز میکنیم و پیوند مستمر مردمان بومی و جزیرهنشینان تنگه تورس با سرزمین، فرهنگ و جامعه را ارج مینهیم.