In a significant achievement for the Indian community, Abhishek Awasthi has been elected mayor of Greater Bendigo in Australia’s Victoria state, becoming the first person of Indian origin to hold the position.
The 43-year-old was unanimously chosen by the city council on November 9 for the 2026-27 term. A former deputy mayor, Awasthi took the oath of office at a ceremony attended by nearly 250 people. Andrea Metcalfe has been appointed as the new deputy mayor.
Originally from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Awasthi moved to Australia in 2008 as an international student. He pursued postgraduate studies in biotechnology and bioinformatics at La Trobe University before settling in Bendigo in 2010.
He became actively involved in community initiatives and founded the Indian Association of Bendigo, which brings together Indian families through cultural programmes and charitable activities.
Awasthi entered local politics in November 2024 after winning the Kennington Ward councillor election. He later became the city’s first deputy mayor of Indian origin.
Following his election, Awasthi thanked fellow councillors and residents for their confidence. He also dedicated his achievement to migrants who have made Bendigo their home and pledged to work towards meeting the community’s expectations. He will serve a one-year term.
