Welcome to Albury Wodonga Indian Australian Association (AWIAA). We are a passionate, community-driven organisation dedicated to weaving the vibrant and colourful tapestry of Indian culture and traditions as celebrated in various regions of India into the beautiful Albury-Wodonga region we proudly call home. For decades, we have been bringing people together to celebrate our shared heritage, support one another, and give back to the local Albury Wodonga community.
Long before we had an official name or a formal committee, the spirit of our community was already thriving. Between 1988 and 2008, Dr. Abraham and Molly Mammotil, along with a small but dedicated group of local Indian families, would gather informally to celebrate traditional festivals.
Even in those early days, our focus was on generosity and community service. In 2004, the community rallied together to host a spectacular Kuchipudi dance performance. While expecting around 100 guests, the event saw an incredible 420 people attend, allowing us to raise $6,750 to support an orphanage and old age home in Madurai, India. The very next year, the community organised a Kathak and Hindustani music performance, raising over $7,000 for the local Mercy Hospital building fund. These early, resounding successes laid the foundation for the organisation we are today.
As the local Indian population steadily grew, it became clear that a formal structure was needed to better support new families arriving in the region. In May 2008, we held our first community meeting to establish a formal association. We launched a community newsletter called ‘Border Samachar’ to keep everyone connected, and we proudly opened our doors to newly settled Bhutanese refugees, inviting them to join our Diwali
celebrations free of charge.
By 2010, as our community saw a wonderful influx of diverse families—including growing Gujarati and Malayali populations—we officially adopted the name “Albury Wodonga Indian Australian Association” and designed the logo that still represents us today.
Over the years, AWIAA has stepped out into the wider community to share the joy of our traditions with all of Albury Wodonga. In 2013, we brought the vibrant colours of Holi to Hovell Tree Park, eventually aligning the celebration with Australia’s Harmony Day. We introduced Garba festivals, hosted the massive ‘Tarang’ Independence Day cultural showcases, and organised a spectacular ‘Festival of Lights’ for Diwali in QEII Square, working alongside the Albury City Council to share our heritage with the broader public.
The true heart of AWIAA is shown not just in how we celebrate, but in how we support each other during difficult times. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives and isolated our members, our committee members personally went door-to-door to deliver traditional Diwali sweets to every member’s home. During this challenging period, we also initiated a drive to collect non-perishable food items, donating them to local charity organisations to help those in need.
Today, our community is stronger and more united than ever. We have entirely modernised our constitution to ensure transparency, and our calendar is packed with exciting initiatives. Looking toward 2026 and 2027, we are thrilled to host major events like India Mart, Deepotsav, Karaoke nights, and ‘India through the States’ showcases.
Beyond our cultural festivals, AWIAA is expanding its commitment to local civic duty. We are actively driving community service projects across the border, including local tree planting initiatives, coordinated blood donation drives, and establishing a children’s veggie garden.
AWIAA is more than just an association; it is a warm, welcoming family. Whether you are a newly arrived family looking to find your feet, or a long-time local resident wanting to experience incredible food, music, and culture, there is always a place for you here. Join us as we continue to celebrate our roots and grow our future in Albury Wodonga.
To be the heart of a harmonious and integrated community in Albury Wodonga, where the rich heritage of Indian Australians is celebrated and shared universally.
To promote our cultural heritage, support newcomers adjusting to regional life, and actively participate in local civic and charitable contributions.
Become a member today to support our community initiatives, festivals, and cultural heritage across Albury-Wodonga.