Abhishek Awasthi, a councillor originally from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, has been elected as the first Indian-origin Mayor of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia — a milestone that drew congratulations from Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, who called it 'another inspiring chapter in the Australia-India story.'

The Mayoral Election

The election took place on 9 November 2026 at The Capital theatre in Bendigo, with around 250 people gathered to witness the ceremony. Awasthi was chosen by his fellow councillors to lead Greater Bendigo for the 2026-27 mayoral term. He described his election as an 'extraordinary moment' for migrants who have made Australia and Bendigo their home.

Australia's High Commissioner Weighs In

Philip Green took to X to mark the occasion, writing: '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.' The statement underscores the growing diplomatic significance of Indian diaspora milestones in bilateral India-Australia relations.

From International Student to Mayor

Awasthi arrived in Australia in 2008 as an international student to pursue postgraduate studies in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at La Trobe University. He relocated to Bendigo in 2010 and gradually built his presence in civic life through community organisations, volunteering, and multicultural initiatives. In 2021, he founded the Indian Association of Bendigo, a platform bringing together Indian families in central Victoria through cultural celebrations, charitable work, and community support programmes.

A Steady Rise Through Local Politics

Awasthi's entry into elected office came in 2024, when he won the Kennington Ward election with 58.86% of first-preference votes, defeating Gavin Hicks. He subsequently served as Greater Bendigo's first Indian-born Deputy Mayor for the 2024-25 term. His elevation to Mayor just two years later marks a rapid and significant progression in his public life.

What It Means for the Indian Australian Community

Awasthi's journey reflects a broader trend of Indian-origin migrants stepping into active roles in Australian local governance and civic life. His story — from a student landing in Australia with a biotechnology degree to leading a regional city — resonates well beyond Bendigo's boundaries, particularly at a time when the India-Australia bilateral relationship has deepened through trade, education, and diaspora ties. For the Indian Australian community, it signals a maturing of their engagement with the democratic structures of their adopted country.