New Delhi, November 15 (Yes Punjab News)
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, on Sunday congratulated Abhishek Awasthi on becoming Greater Bendigo’s first Indian-origin Mayor, calling his election “another inspiring chapter in the Australia-India story”.
Indian-born councillor Awasthi was elected to the post by fellow councillors to lead the city in Victoria state for the 2026-27 mayoral term.
Taking to X, Green wrote, “Another inspiring chapter in the Australia-India story! Congratulations to Abhishek Awasthi, who journeyed from Himachal Pradesh to Australia as a student and is now Greater Bendigo’s first Indian-origin Mayor. An example of the contribution Indian Australians makes across Australia.”
Around 250 people gathered at The Capital theatre in Bendigo on November 9 to witness the mayoral election, The Australia Today reported.
Awasthi described his election as an “extraordinary moment” for migrants who have made Australia and Bendigo their home. His elevation is also significant for the Indian-Australian community, reflecting the growing participation of migrants in local government and civic life.
Originally from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Awasthi arrived in Australia in 2008 as an international student to pursue postgraduate studies in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at La Trobe University.
After moving to Bendigo in 2010, he became involved in community organisations, volunteering and multicultural initiatives. In 2021, he founded the Indian Association of Bendigo to bring Indian families in central Victoria together through cultural celebrations, charitable activities and community support programmes.
Awasthi entered elected office in 2024 after winning the Kennington Ward election with 58.86 per cent of first-preference votes, defeating Gavin Hicks. He subsequently became Greater Bendigo’s first Indian-born Deputy Mayor for the 2024-25 term.
His election as Mayor marks another milestone in his public life and the Indian-Australian community’s representation in local governance.
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