In a notable achievement, Joan Sebastian, a dedicated member of the Melbourne St. Alphonsa Cathedral Parish, has received the prestigious Syro-Malabar Young Australian of the Year Award. 

This award, established with the support of the Cathedral, recognizes outstanding contributions by young individuals within the Syro-Malabar community.

The distinguished panel responsible for selecting the winner included Fr. Vincent Madathipparampil CMI, Mayor Joseph Haweil of Hume City Council, and Lizy Fernandes, the Chief Executive Officer of CNews Live. Among the finalists who competed for this esteemed recognition were Ann Maria Siby, Hanson Wilson, and Avin James.

The event, hosted as part of a grand celebration, was expertly conducted by Sojin Sebastian, the director of Syro-Malabar Youth Apostolate.

During this memorable occasion, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosia MP had the honor of presenting the award, which included a plaque and a generous cash prize of five thousand dollars, to the deserving recipient, Joan Sebastian.

The event featured captivating performances led by the talented singer Biju Narayanan and Elizabeth Raju, who mesmerized the audience with their rendition of Gana Sandhya. Additionally, the renowned actor and mime star Kalabhavan Prachod's skits added a touch of humor and entertainment. The graceful dance performance by the talented actress Devi Chandana, accompanied by the enchanting music crafted by sound engineer Jinto K John, provided the audience with a refreshing visual experience. The event garnered significant participation from a diverse crowd, making it a memorable occasion.