Ballarat Malayalee Association

The cultural, artistic and social uniqueness of people of Kerala living in Ballarat, Victoria.

Our Vision

The Ballarat Malayalee Association's primary goal is to create a non-political platform that unites people from Kerala-one of the states in India. We aim to reinforce the community members' shared connections of culture, tradition, and way of life.

Our Mission

Our mission revolves around three key aspects:

Cultural Preservation: We are committed to preserving and promoting the unique cultural elements, artistic expressions, and traditional values of the Malayalee community living in Ballarat.

Social Engagement: We actively engage in various social initiatives and events to encourage interaction and camaraderie among our members. Through cultural programs, festivals, and gatherings, we create opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

Cultural Exchange: Our association promotes cultural exchange and understanding between the Keralite community and other cultures in Ballarat. We aim to equip our members with the knowledge and open-mindedness necessary to embrace diversity and foster a sense of mutual respect among all communities.

By upholding these principles, the Ballarat Malayalee Association strives to be a vibrant and inclusive organisation that enhances the well-being and integration of the Keralite community in Ballarat.

Our Objectives

  • Promoting Kerala's Cultural Wealth: Our primary aim is to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of Kerala within Australian society. As an organisation, we act as a bridge for dialogue and communication between the Malayalee community and broader Australian communities. We are committed to upholding human rights and individual and collective freedoms without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or political belief. Our forum remains neutral on matters of political and religious doctrine.
  • Preserving Kerala's Cultural Heritage: We strive to maintain and pass on the cultural heritage of Kerala to both present and future generations of Australian Keralites. We aim to keep our traditions alive and thriving by organising various cultural events and activities.
  • Facilitating Communication and Support: We aim to facilitate communication and support among fellow Keralites in Ballarat. We help members adapt and thrive in their new environment by providing a platform for networking and exchanging information. The Ballarat Malayalee Association serves as a welcoming meeting place for friends and admirers of Kerala.

  • Advocating Scholarships and Multicultural Development: We actively coordinate and collaborate to secure scholarships and funding that contribute to the development of Australia's multicultural society. We aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse community through these initiatives.
  • Organising Sports and Recreational Activities: Besides cultural events, we organise sports and recreational activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle within the Keralite community in Ballarat.
  • Hosting Literary and Cultural Events: We take pride in organising literary and cultural events that display the talents and creativity of our members. These events provide a platform for expressing and appreciating Kerala's arts and literature.
  • Celebrating Cultural Traditions: Our association arranges events dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultural traditions of the Kerala community. Through these festivities, we strengthen our cultural identity and share the beauty of Kerala's customs with the broader community.
  • By actively pursuing these objectives, the Ballarat Malayalee Association strives to be a unifying force that enriches the lives of Australian Keralites while contributing positively to Australia's diverse, multicultural landscape.

Our History

The Ballarat Malayalee Association was formed informally in 2009 by a group of Malayalee families in Ballarat to enable the Keralite migrants settled in Ballarat to come together, nurture the Keralite culture, and transmit this culture authentically to the new generation. The journey began with casual discussions and celebrations of famous festivals such as Onam (harvest festival), Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Vishu (traditional new year in Kerala in the lunar calendar), which all families warmly embraced as they felt togetherness and belongingness.

In 2017, the association officially became a registered organisation named the "BALLARAT MALAYALEE ASSOCIATION INC." under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. This not-for-profit non-political organisation now has over 100 families as its members. The association celebrates the art, religion, sports, and cultural diversity of the people of Kerala, who are united through our language, Malayalam.

Over the years, the BMA has continued to host various cultural events coinciding with the traditional festivals that occur in Kerala and actively participates in events organised by the city council of Ballarat, such as the Harmony Festival, Refugee Week etc. We have been able to conduct blood donation campaigns and other social welfare activities. We encourage sports along with cultural events; we have our very own cricket team, and a few of our members represent cricket clubs in Ballarat. BMA has a women's wing and is committed to coordinating and conducting events that boost members' health and well-being.

Throughout its existence, the BMA's achievements have been made possible through the dedication and efforts of its senior members and their families, who have been instrumental in planning, organising, and conducting various activities. The association has always maintained a fully democratic forum, valuing the expression of ideas and interests from every member, ensuring an inclusive and united community.

Our Sponsors.

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