Albany now has two bodies representing the Malayalee community after the Organisation of Resident Malayalees Albany combined its official inauguration with new year celebrations.

Albany MLA Scott Leary officially unveiled the certificate of incorporation on September 12 at the Lower Kalgan Hall while ORMA president Suresh Balakrishnan said the formation of the body was an important milestone.

“ORMA is not simply about celebrating where we have come from,” Mr Balakrishnan said.

“It is about building a strong, connected and inclusive community here in Albany, while sharing the best of our culture with the wider community.”

Mr Leary said organisations like ORMA had an important role to play in bringing communities together.

The celebrations continued with Onamaholsavam 2026, a spectacular celebration of Kerala’s most cherished festival, Onam.

The Onamaholsavam, meaning Onam grand festival, was introduced by City of Albany deputy mayor Paul Terry who lit the traditional lamp, symbolising light, unity, prosperity and hope.

Cr Terry also acknowledged the significant contribution of the growing Indian professional community to Albany and the Great Southern.

The celebrations mark the Malayalee new year and involve a 10-day harvest and cultural festival in Kerala, with the Albany version bringing together the colour, traditions, music, food and spirit of the south Indian state.

The star of the show was Maveli, or Mahabali, a legendary and benevolent demon king in Hindu mythology who is deeply revered in Kerala.

While Mr Balakrishnan heads ORMA, the separate Albany Malayalee Association is led by Jobison Jacob.