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Sid Vashist becomes first Indian-origin mayor of an Australian council
Mayor Vashist, who has lived in remote Australia for 13 years and spent the last seven in Tennant Creek, brings extensive experience in community projects, youth programs, and local business management.
Mayor Vashist has lived in remote Australia for 13 years and spent the last seven in Tennant Creek. / Facebook
In a historic milestone, Sidhant "Sid" Vashist has been elected as the first Indian-origin mayor of an Australian council, securing 54 percent of the popular vote. Vashist, a mining exploration professional based in Tennant Creek, takes on the leadership of the Barkly Regional Council (BRC) with a pledge to rebuild trust, address financial challenges, and advocate for the needs of the community.
In a Facebook statement following his victory, Mayor Vashist congratulated the 12 newly elected councillors representing the council’s four wards—Patta, Alyawarra, Kuwarrangu, and Alpurrurulam—and outlined his vision for a transparent and effective council. “Together, we will focus on delivering core services, ensuring accountability, and being a strong voice for every resident in the Barkly region,” he wrote.
Among his immediate priorities is investigating the council's $5 million wage bill increase, which saw staff numbers rise from 245 to 377 over the past year. The council’s wage expenditure jumped from $13.7 million in 2022–23 to $18.5 million, contributing to a deficit that has ballooned to $11 million. Describing the situation as “hard to believe,” Mayor Vashist has pledged to work with the Northern Territory government to uncover the reasons behind the surge. “There will be some answers out there, and I’m keen to work with the government to actually get the answers,” he told ABC News.
Mayor Vashist, who has lived in remote Australia for 13 years and spent the last seven in Tennant Creek, brings extensive experience in community projects, youth programs, and local business management. Committed to promoting Indigenous rights, he is a supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and aims to amplify the voices of First Peoples in the region.
As the youngest councillor to be elected to BRC, Vashist's election is seen as a vote for fresh leadership. His promises to improve infrastructure, foster economic growth, and ensure accountability come at a critical time for the Barkly region, which faces significant financial and operational challenges.
“I feel humbled and privileged to serve this community,” Vashist said, emphasizing his belief in inclusive leadership. “If you’re willing to listen to the people, no matter where you come from, people will back you.”
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