Abhishek Awasthi Becomes First Indian-Origin Mayor of Greater Bendigo, Australia
Abhishek Awasthi has made history as the first Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo, Australia, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Greater Bendigo, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : In a historic moment for the Indian community in Australia, Abhishek Awasthi has been elected as the first Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo. His election was celebrated by Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, who described it as “another inspiring chapter in the Australia-India story.”
Green’s remarks came shortly after Awasthi, who arrived in Australia as a student from Himachal Pradesh, was elected to lead the city in Victoria for the 2026-27 term. He took to social media to congratulate Awasthi, highlighting the contributions of Indian Australians across the country.
According to a report by The Australia Today, around 250 people gathered at The Capital Theatre in Bendigo on November 9 to witness the mayoral election. Awasthi was chosen by his fellow councillors, marking a significant achievement for the local Indian community.
Awasthi described his election as an “extraordinary moment” for immigrants who have made Australia and Bendigo their home. His selection is particularly meaningful for the Indian-Australian community, showcasing the increasing involvement of migrants in local governance and civic life.
Originally from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Awasthi moved to Australia in 2008 as an international student. He earned a master’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics from La Trobe University. After relocating to Bendigo in 2010, he became actively involved in community organizations, volunteer work, and multicultural initiatives.
In 2021, he founded the Indian Association of Bendigo, aimed at uniting Indian families in Central Victoria through cultural events, charitable efforts, and community support programs. Awasthi won the Kennington Ward election in 2024, defeating his opponent Gavin Hicks with 58.86% of the first-preference votes. He then became Greater Bendigo’s first Indian-origin deputy mayor for the 2024-2025 term. Now, with his recent election as mayor, Awasthi has achieved another significant milestone in his journey.
