Kerala Backwaters — lush green waterways
Shepparton • Victoria • Australia

Shepparton Malayalee Association

ഷെപ്പാർട്ടൺ മലയാളി അസോസിയേഷൻ

Since 2016, over 350 Malayalee families have made Shepparton home — bringing Kerala's warmth, traditions, and community spirit to the Goulburn Valley.

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Established 2016

350+ families across Greater Shepparton

12 cultural events each year

$50/yr membership

Kerala — A 30-Second Journey

Backwaters, performing arts, festivals and iconic landscapes of God's Own Country.

30-Second Intro — Kerala's Rich Cultural Heritage
SHEMA Cultural Event with Mayor Cr Shane Sali
SHEMA Shepparton Malayalee Association

Bridging Kerala & Shepparton

കേരളവും ഷെപ്പാർട്ടണും തമ്മിൽ

Shepparton Malayalee Association (SHEMA) is a community organisation representing Malayalee families living in and around Shepparton. We preserve cultural identity, support community connection and celebrate Kerala's rich traditions through cultural events, festivals and social gatherings.

Kerala is known for its scenic backwaters, rich artistic heritage and diverse traditions — a culture deeply rooted in hospitality, community values and a strong emphasis on education and service.

Many of our families contribute significantly to the region, particularly in healthcare — nursing, aged care and allied health services — forming an important part of the local workforce.

Cultural Events

Onam, Vishu & Kerala festivals celebrated annually

Community Support

Fostering connections among Malayalee families

Healthcare Leaders

Contributing to nursing, aged care & allied health

Multicultural Harmony

Strengthening Greater Shepparton's diversity

Meet Our Committee

ഞങ്ങളുടെ കമ്മിറ്റി

The dedicated team working behind the scenes to bring the SHEMA community together.

Antony Jones - President

Antony Jones

President

Anu Joby - Secretary

Anu Joby

Secretary

Arun Thampi - Treasurer

Arun Thampi

Treasurer

The Heritage of Kerala

കേരളത്തിന്റെ പൈതൃകം

A land of enchanting backwaters, ancient performing arts, and timeless traditions that have captivated the world for centuries.

SHEMA Event Highlights

ഷെമയുടെ ഇവന്റ് ഹൈലൈറ്റുകൾ

Moments from our community celebrations, cultural events and gatherings that bring the Shepparton Malayalee community together.

SHEMA Event with Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton

SHEMA Cultural Evening

With Cr Shane Sali, Mayor — Greater Shepparton City Council

Traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony at SHEMA Event

Traditional Lamp Lighting

Nilavilakku ceremony — an auspicious beginning to every Kerala celebration

Events & Announcements

ഇവന്റുകളും അറിയിപ്പുകളും

Stay up to date with upcoming SHEMA community events, cultural celebrations and important announcements.

Previous Events

APR 28

Voice of Vineeth Sreenivasan Live

A spectacular live musical evening with the beloved Malayalam singer, songwriter and filmmaker Vineeth Sreenivasan.

Shepparton Past Event
JUN 13

Cirillo Builders Multicultural Talent Show 2026

A vibrant multicultural talent showcase celebrating the diverse artistic abilities of our community members — singing, dancing, drama and more.

Shepparton Past Event

Upcoming Events

JUN/JUL

Shema Kalikkalam 2026

SHEMA's sports and games festival — a fun-filled day of traditional and modern games, fostering teamwork and community spirit.

Shepparton
AUG 08

Athletics Day 2026

A day of athletic events and competitions for all ages. Come out and join the fun — running, relays, and field events for the whole family.

Shepparton Tentative
AUG 29

Onam Celebration 2026

Join us for the grand Onam celebration featuring traditional Sadhya feast, cultural performances, Pookalam competition and family fun activities.

McIntosh Centre, Thompson St, Shepparton
DEC 12

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Reflect on the year's achievements, plan ahead and grow together. All SHEMA members are encouraged to attend and participate.

Shepparton

Traditions We Celebrate

ഞങ്ങൾ ആഘോഷിക്കുന്ന പാരമ്പര്യങ്ങൾ

From grand temple festivals to intimate family gatherings, Kerala's cultural tapestry is woven with vibrant art forms, rituals and celebrations.

Onam Festival

Kerala's harvest festival featuring Pookalam (floral carpets), boat races, and the grand Onam Sadhya feast

Pulikali

The spectacular tiger dance of Thrissur — performers paint their bodies as tigers and dance through the streets

Thiruvathirakali

Graceful group dance performed by women in white and gold sarees during the Thiruvathira festival

Thrissur Pooram

Kerala's most iconic temple festival with decorated elephants, Chenda Melam percussion, and fireworks

Chenda Melam

The thunderous percussion ensemble using the Chenda drum — a cornerstone of Kerala's temple festivals

Pookalam

Intricate floral carpet designs made with fresh flower petals during the ten-day Onam celebrations

Kerala Cuisine

Puttu, Appam, traditional Sadhya — a rich culinary heritage built on coconut, spices and rice

Classical Music

Carnatic music and Sopana Sangeetham — Kerala's devotional musical traditions at temples

SHEMA Community Event with Mayor Shane Sali

Strengthening Multicultural Harmony

SHEMA contributes to the broader community of the Greater Shepparton City Council area, helping strengthen multicultural harmony, community wellbeing and local development. We are proud to have the support of Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton.

Community Organisation

SHEMA is an incorporated association dedicated to preserving the cultural identity of Malayalee families in Shepparton and supporting community connection through events and gatherings.

Healthcare Contribution

Malayalee families contribute significantly to the Shepparton region's healthcare sector, including nursing, aged care and allied health services — forming a vital part of the local workforce.

Cultural Exchange

Through cultural events, educational programs and social gatherings, SHEMA bridges the gap between Kerala's ancient traditions and Australia's multicultural society.

Iconic Kerala Landmarks

കേരളത്തിലെ പ്രധാന കാഴ്ചകൾ

From ancient temples to misty hill stations, Kerala's landmarks tell the story of a land steeped in history, spirituality and natural beauty.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

One of the richest and most sacred Hindu temples in the world, located in Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Varkala Cliff

Dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea — one of Kerala's most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Munnar Tea Gardens

Rolling hills carpeted with emerald tea plantations in the Western Ghats — Kerala's most photographed hill station.

Fort Kochi

A historic port town blending Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture with Chinese fishing nets and spice markets.

Handicrafts & GI Products

Kerala's artisans have perfected unique crafts over centuries — many now protected with Geographical Indication status.

Aranmula Kannadi

Legendary metal mirror handcrafted using a secret alloy — a GI-tagged marvel

Kasaragod Sarees

Handwoven silk sarees with distinctive designs from the Kasaragod region

Malabar Pepper

The "King of Spices" — premium black pepper from Kerala's spice gardens

Alleppey Coir

Eco-friendly coconut fibre products crafted in the backwater region of Alleppey

Join the SHEMA Community

ഷെമ കമ്മ്യൂണിറ്റിയിൽ ചേരൂ

Whether you're a Malayalee family in Shepparton or someone who loves Kerala's culture, we welcome you to be part of our vibrant community.

Membership: $50 / year per family
Access to all events, community support, and a shared cultural home.