Abhishek Awasthi, a 43-year-old native of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, took the oath of office at The Capital Theatre for a one-year mayoral term covering 2026–27. He previously served as the city's Deputy Mayor alongside Andrea Metcalf following his election to the council in November 2024. Before his political career, Awasthi earned a master's degree in bioinformatics from La Trobe University and worked in various Victorian state government roles. His leadership follows years of grassroots advocacy, including founding the Indian Association of Bendigo to support regional families.
Key points
Abhishek Awasthi became the first person of Indian origin to be appointed as Mayor of Gre…: Abhishek Awasthi became the first person of Indian origin to be appointed as Mayor of Greater Bendigo.
His political trajectory includes serving as councillor for the Kennington Ward and servi…: His political trajectory includes serving as councillor for the Kennington Ward and serving as the city's Deputy Mayor.
Beyond public office, Awasthi established the Indian Association of Bendigo in 2021 to le…: Beyond public office, Awasthi established the Indian Association of Bendigo in 2021 to lead charitable and cultural initiatives.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
An Indian-origin man from Himachal Pradesh has made history in Australia. Abhishek Awasthi, who hails from Lower Samkhetar in Mandi, has taken over as the Mayor of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, becoming the first person of Indian origin to hold the position in the city.
As reported by The Tribune and various media, Awasthi, 43, took the oath of office on November 9, 2026, at a ceremony held at The Capital Theatre in Greater Bendigo. He has assumed the mayoral position for the 2026-27 term, which will last one year. His appointment is also a significant milestone for the Indian community in the region.
From an international student in 2008 to Mayor in 2026
Awasthi's journey to the mayor's office began when he moved to Australia in 2008 to pursue higher education. According to New India Abroad, he arrived in the country as an international student and eventually settled in Bendigo in 2010.
As reported by The Tribune, he enrolled at La Trobe University, where he studied biotechnology and later earned a master's degree in bioinformatics. He also took up…
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