Himachal Native Abhishek Awasthi Elected Mayor of Australian City

Himachal Pradesh native Abhishek Awasthi has been elected as the inaugural Indian-origin mayor of Greater Bendigo on November 9, 2026. Awasthi arrived in Australia as an international student in 2008 and steadily advanced through various public service roles before serving as deputy mayor. His historic election highlights the growing influence and success of the Indian diaspora in Australia.