India-Born Abhishek Awasthi, Who Moved to Australia as Student, Becomes Mayor of Greater Bendigo
Awasthi thanked mentors and family after councillors chose him, while outgoing mayor Thomas Prince cited 449 new citizens and a difficult year.
- Bendigo councillors elected Abhishek Awasthi as mayor and Andrea Metcalf as deputy at a Capital Theatre ceremony, replacing outgoing mayor Thomas Prince and deputy mayor Karen Corr, who each served 12 months.
- Awasthi, a member for Kennington Ward elected in 2024, credited the late councillor Rod Fyffe for encouraging his political run during a 2020 meeting at The Old Green Bean café.
- Outgoing mayor Prince highlighted a challenging tenure that included a devastating fire and the death of councillor Donna Nicholas; he noted the council welcomed 449 new citizens and managed 1000-odd staff members.
- "Tonight I want to talk about people- no-one arrives at a moment like this on their own," Awasthi said upon taking office. Metcalf pledged to work with community partners.
- Metcalf brings significant experience to the deputy role, having previously served as mayor for multiple terms throughout the 2020s. Her mentorship of Awasthi positions continuity in city leadership.
12 Articles
12 Articles
He moved from Himachal Pradesh to Australia in 2008 to pursue higher education, worked part-time while studying: Meet Abhishek Awasthi who became the first Indian-origin Mayor of this Australian city
Abhishek Awasthi has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming Greater Bendigo's inaugural Indian-origin Mayor on November 9, 2026. His inspiring journey started as an international student in 2008, where he progressed through various public service roles, ultimately serving as Deputy Mayor. In his acceptance speech, Awasthi expressed heartfelt thanks to his supportive community and family, showcasing the thriving Indian diaspora in Australia.
Himachals Abhishek Awasthi scripts history, takes over as Mayor of Australias Greater Bendigo - The Tribune
Mandi-born Abhishek Awasthi has brought pride to Himachal Pradesh and India by taking over as Mayor of Greater Bendigo, a city in Australia’s Victoria state. With his appointment for the 2026-27 term, Awasthi has become the first person of Indian origin to hold the mayoral position in the city. Awasthi took the oath of office […]
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