Abhishek Awasthi, a native of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has brought immense pride to the country by achieving a remarkable milestone abroad. He has officially assumed charge as the mayor of Greater Bendigo, a city located in the Australian state of Victoria, making history as the first individual of Indian origin to occupy this prestigious seat.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on November 9 at The Capital Theatre in Greater Bendigo, where he took his oath of office and immediately commenced his official duties. Under local regulations in Australia, the mayor and deputy mayor serve a one-year term, whereas councilors are elected for a four-year period. Following his election as mayor for the 2026-27 term, Awasthi expressed gratitude to his fellow councilors for their support. He also extended his appreciation to his parents and relatives for guiding him to this significant milestone.
Marking the beginning of his tenure, he stated his commitment to meeting the expectations of the residents of Greater Bendigo. Meanwhile, Andrea Metcalfe has been selected to serve as the deputy mayor.
Journey to Australia Began in 2008 for Higher Studies
Awasthi, a 43-year-old resident originally from Lower Samkhetar in Mandi city, embarked on his international journey back in 2008 when he moved abroad for higher education. He enrolled at La Trobe University, where he successfully completed a Master's degree in bioinformatics following his studies in biotechnology. During this period, he also undertook part-time employment to sustain himself. From that point onward, he continued to progress steadily, eventually serving in multiple important capacities within the government of the state of Victoria.
Residing in Australia with Wife and Daughter
Awasthi obtained his Australian citizenship in the year 2015. He currently resides there alongside his wife, Anima, and their daughter, Agni. His father, Surender Pal, is a retiree from BBMB, while his mother, Champa Sharma, is a homemaker. His parents and several other relatives were present in person to witness and celebrate the swearing-in ceremony.
Elected Councilor in 2024 Before Becoming Deputy Mayor
Awasthi secured victory in the November 2024 council elections representing the Kennington ward, which is one of the nine wards in Greater Bendigo. Following this success, he was appointed as the first Indian-origin deputy mayor of Greater Bendigo for the 2024-25 term. Throughout that period, he worked alongside the then-mayor Andrea Metcalfe. Being elected unanimously as mayor just two years after stepping into the city council is being celebrated as a monumental achievement for both his personal journey and the people of Mandi.
