The Malayalee Association of Townsville (MAT) has introduced its executive committee for the year 2024–2025, showcasing a diverse and committed leadership ready to serve the vibrant Malayalee community in the region. The new committee is set to lead the association through cultural events, social initiatives, and community building activities.
Townsville, located in North Queensland, has a growing Malayalee population. The 2021 Census reveals that the Indian community across Australia is steadily increasing, with Queensland alone hosting over 49,000 people of Indian origin. While precise figures for Townsville’s Malayalee population are difficult to pinpoint, it is part of the broader South Asian community contributing to the city’s cultural diversity. The rise of such communities can be seen in the success and sustained efforts of associations like MAT, which preserve Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Townsville, with a population of approximately 173,000, is home to various ethnic groups, including a sizeable South Asian community. In the 2021 Census, Queensland saw a considerable increase in people identifying as Malayalee, aligning with the broader influx of Indian-origin residents across the country. Townsville’s location as a regional hub means that associations like MAT provide vital social and cultural infrastructure to support families and students settling in the area. The student representation in the committee, for instance, highlights the community’s focus on supporting younger generations.
The MAT executive committee includes:
- President: Bibin Mohan
- Secretary: Kiran B Nair
- Vice President: Beena Jomon
- Joint Secretary: Megha Nair
- Treasurer: Kigsly Jobai
- Programme Coordinator: Soumya Jobichan
- Members: Sijo Joy, Shinoj Baby, Anoop Ashok, and Anitta John
- Student Representatives: Diya Franklin and Manu Thomachan
With this leadership, the association promises to continue its efforts to bring the community together, especially through celebrations like Onam, Vishu, and Christmas, while also fostering a support network for newer residents.
MAT’s newly formed committee looks forward to further engaging with the wider community and ensuring that the Malayalee presence in Townsville remains a strong and integrated part of the city’s multicultural landscape.
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