The Shoalhaven is home to around 50 families from Kerala in Southern India who celebrated the annual Onam Festival at the Nowra School of Arts.

Federal Member for Gilmore joined Shoalhaven Malayalee Community Inc (SMCI) for the vibrant harvest festival on August 31, which also welcomes the Hindi New Year.

“I was honoured to be invited to celebrate the Onam Festival with around 100 members of the Shoalhaven Malayalee community again this year,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The Nowra School of Arts came to life with the most wonderful, colourful display of traditional dance, song, games and, of course, tasty Keralan cuisine.

“I enjoyed a most magnificent performance by the women’s dancing group and took part in a friendly tug-o-war – an all-ages tradition during the Onam Festival.

“I was thrilled to be part of the festivities and to immerse myself in this such a significant and joyous cultural event that is celebrated by Southern Indian communities all around the world.”

Mrs Phillips thanked SMCI president Arun Raj and secretary Adal Yoonus Kakkatt for sharing their rich culture with the people of the Shoalhaven, not only during Onam, but every day.

“These residents work in our hospitals and operate local businesses. Children attend local schools and families support our community in many ways,” she said.

“It’s really lovely to see this community maintaining important cultural links and teaching us all a bit more about Malayalee culture.

“I’ve been dancing and playing music in the Nowra School of Arts since I was young and, 50 years on, this makes me so happy to see the Shoalhaven Malayalee Community Inc celebrating their Onam Festival here.”

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips all smiles with members of the Shoalhaven Malayalee dance group during the Onam Festival held in Nowra.

Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967