Vidushi Gaur / New Delhi

Abhishek Awasthi, a 43-year-old originally from Mandi, has become the first person of Indian origin to be elected Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo in the Australian state of Victoria. A journey that began in the hills of Himachal Pradesh as an international student has reached a historic milestone in Australia.

Awasthi was unanimously elected to the position for the 2026-2027 term at a special meeting of the Greater Bendigo City Council on November 9. He took the oath of office at The Capital Theatre in Bendigo, in a ceremony attended by around 250 people. Councillor Andrea Metcalf was elected Deputy Mayor.

For Awasthi, the achievement represents more than an important professional milestone. It is the culmination of a path that took him from a neighbourhood in a small Himachali town to a position of civic leadership in a country he first entered nearly two decades ago as a student.

Abhishek Awasthi with his family

Awasthi belongs to Lower Samkhetar in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a town popularly known as Chhoti Kashi because of its numerous temples and rich cultural heritage. He grew up in a family where education and hard work played an important role.

His father, Surender Pal, retired from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), while his mother, Champa Sharma, is a homemaker.

In 2008, Awasthi moved to Australia to pursue higher education. Like many international students, he had to balance his academic commitments with part-time work. He enrolled at La Trobe University, where he pursued studies in biotechnology and subsequently earned a master's degree in bioinformatics.

Abhishek Awasthi after he takes the oath as the first Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, for the 2026-27 term

The move opened new professional opportunities, but it also introduced him to the challenges and possibilities of building a life in a different country. He became an Australian citizen in 2015.

After initially arriving in Australia for education, Awasthi gradually established his professional career. He also took up several important positions in the Victorian state government, gaining experience in public administration and understanding the functioning of government institutions.

Awasthi's association with Greater Bendigo became particularly significant after he settled in the region in 2010. Rather than limiting his engagement to professional life, he began participating in community activities, volunteering initiatives and programmes promoting multiculturalism.

His involvement in community-building eventually led him to establish the Indian Association of Bendigo, which was formally constituted in 2021.

Abhishek Awasthi after he takes the oath as the first Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, for the 2026-27 term

The organisation works to bring Indian families living across central Victoria together. Through cultural celebrations, charitable activities and community support programmes, it provides a platform for people to maintain connections with their cultural roots while participating in the wider Australian community.

The association also reflects an important aspect of Awasthi's public life: his interest in bringing communities together. For migrants, organisations of this nature can provide a sense of belonging, particularly when they are establishing themselves far from their countries of origin.

His growing involvement in local affairs eventually brought him closer to electoral politics and municipal administration.

Abhishek Awasthi

Awasthi entered formal local politics in November 2024, when he won the councillor's election from Kennington Ward, one of the nine wards in Greater Bendigo.

His election to the council marked the beginning of a new chapter in his public life. He subsequently became the first person of Indian origin to serve as Deputy Mayor of Greater Bendigo for the 2024-2025 term, working alongside then-Mayor Andrea Metcalf.

His elevation from councillor to Deputy Mayor and, subsequently, Mayor within a relatively short period reflects the confidence placed in him by his fellow councillors.

Abhishek Awasthi takes the oath as the first Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, for the 2026-27 term

The mayoral position carries responsibilities that extend beyond ceremonial duties. As the city's civic leader, Awasthi will be expected to represent residents, work with fellow councillors and help guide the local government's priorities and decisions.

Greater Bendigo is an important regional centre in Victoria, with a diverse population and a strong cultural and economic identity. Leading its municipal council offers Awasthi an opportunity to contribute to the development of the region while representing its diverse communities.

Following his unanimous election, Awasthi expressed gratitude to his fellow councillors for their trust and confidence. He also acknowledged the support of his parents, relatives and others who had stood by him throughout his journey.

In a message shared after his election, Awasthi described himself as honoured and humbled by the opportunity to serve. He expressed his intention to work with the community, advocate for the region and contribute to building a brighter future for Greater Bendigo.

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For the Indian diaspora, his election is another example of migrants moving beyond professional success to become active participants in public institutions in their adopted countries. It also highlights the importance of community engagement, local participation and sustained involvement in civic affairs.