{"id":14013,"date":"2026-11-13T11:06:03","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T11:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=14013"},"modified":"2026-11-13T11:06:03","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T11:06:03","slug":"mandis-abhishek-awasthi-becomes-first-indian-origin-mayor-of-australias-greater-bendigo-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=14013","title":{"rendered":"Mandi\u2019s Abhishek Awasthi Becomes First Indian-Origin Mayor of Australia\u2019s Greater Bendigo City."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Mandi\u2019s Abhishek Awasthi Becomes First Indian-Origin Mayor of Australia\u2019s Greater Bendigo City.<\/h1>\n

Former Deputy Mayor takes charge as Mayor for 2026-27 after taking oath at a ceremony held at The Capital Theatre on November 9.<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shimla:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bringing pride to Himachal Pradesh and India, Abhishek Awasthi, a native of Mandi district, has become the first person of Indian origin to be elected Mayor of Greater Bendigo city in Australia’s Victoria state. After serving as the city’s Deputy Mayor, Awasthi has now assumed the top civic leadership position, marking a significant milestone in his professional and public life.<\/p>\n

Awasthi took the oath of office at a formal swearing-in ceremony held at The Capital Theatre in Greater Bendigo on November 9. Following the ceremony, he officially assumed charge as Mayor for the 2026-27 term, which will last for one year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Under Australia’s local government system, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor serve one-year terms, while councillors are elected for four years. Andrea Metcalf has been elected as the Deputy Mayor of Greater Bendigo.<\/p>\n

Following his election, Awasthi expressed gratitude to his fellow councillors for their support and confidence in him. He also thanked his parents, family members and relatives for their encouragement and contribution to his journey. He said he would work with commitment to fulfil the expectations of the residents of Greater Bendigo and serve the city to the best of his abilities.<\/p>\n

The achievement is being widely regarded as a moment of pride for Mandi, popularly known as Chhoti Kashi, as a person from the town has reached a prominent leadership position in Australia.<\/p>\n

Journey from Mandi to Australia began in 2008<\/h4>\n

Abhishek Awasthi, 43, originally belongs to Lower Samkhetar in Mandi town. His journey to Australia began in 2008 when he moved abroad to pursue higher education.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He secured admission to La Trobe University in Australia, where he completed his studies in Biotechnology and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics. During his university years, he also worked part-time to support himself while pursuing his academic goals.<\/p>\n

Over the years, Awasthi steadily progressed in his professional career and went on to hold several important positions in the Victorian state government in Australia.<\/p>\n

He became an Australian citizen in 2015 and currently lives in Australia with his wife, Anima, and daughter, Agni. His father, Surendra Pal, retired from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), while his mother, Champa Sharma, is a homemaker.<\/p>\n

Awasthi’s parents and other family members were also present at the swearing-in ceremony to witness the proud moment.<\/p>\n

Elected councillor in 2024, became first Indian-origin Deputy Mayor<\/h4>\n

Awasthi’s entry into local politics in Australia came in November 2024, when he contested and won the councillor election from the Kennington Ward, one of the nine wards of Greater Bendigo city.<\/p>\n

Following his election as a councillor, he was appointed the city’s first Indian-origin Deputy Mayor for the 2024-25 term. During his tenure, he worked closely with the then Mayor, Andrea Metcalf, gaining valuable experience in local administration and civic leadership.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Now, within two years of entering the city council, Awasthi has reached the highest elected civic leadership position as Mayor. His unanimous election to the post for the 2026-27 term marks another important milestone in his journey.<\/p>\n

His achievement has brought immense pride to his hometown of Mandi and the people of Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the growing contribution of people of Indian origin to public life and leadership in other countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mandi\u2019s Abhishek Awasthi Becomes First Indian-Origin Mayor of Australia\u2019s Greater Bendigo City. Former Deputy Mayor takes charge as Mayor for 2026-27 after taking oath at […]<\/p>\n

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