Utsav Malayalee Samaj is a not for profit socio-cultural organization representing Keralite community in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. Utsav started functioning in 2008 and represents a community base of over 400 members residing in the Brimbank  and Melton councils. Utsav aims to promote the cultural and social values of Kerala and relay them to the next generation Australian born children of Keralite descent. It provides avenues for community members to socialize, train and perform ethnic art forms at its community gatherings to celebrate important festivals such as Thiruvonam (harvest festival), Christmas/New Year and Vishu (traditional new year in Kerala in the lunar calendar). Utsav supports its members to be responsible Australians and thereby good ambassadors for Keralite culture as well as to successfully adapt to the Australian multicultural way of life while at the same time preserving all that is rich and empowering in their own ethnic roots. It encourages its members to be aware of current socio-cultural issues affecting society and offers opportunities for members to respond creatively to them. Utsav has also initiated action on the environmental front under the banner of its “Trees for Life” project. Members have been planting native plants along the Kororoit Creek and contributing to the re-vegetation efforts along the Creek.