'Its important': Bendigo’s Indian community steps up to support firefighters and locals in bushfire zones

A team of Indian community members from Bendigo pictured with relief packages for Country Fire Authority crews battling bushfires across Victoria. Credit: Credits: Abhishek Awasthi

The importance of connected communities becomes especially evident during disasters such as floods and bushfires. Last week, several regions across Victoria were hit hard by devastating bushfires. In this podcast, we speak with Abhishek Awasthi, President of the Bendigo Indian Association, who explains how a team of volunteers mobilised to support relief efforts, assisting firefighters and providing help to affected local residents. The support has been welcomed by local authorities, including the Country Fire Authority in Bendigo.

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Published 16 January 2026 12:44pm

Updated 27 January 2026 4:03pm

By Natasha Kaul

Source: SBS

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The importance of connected communities becomes especially evident during disasters such as floods and bushfires. Last week, several regions across Victoria were hit hard by devastating bushfires. In this podcast, we speak with Abhishek Awasthi, President of the Bendigo Indian Association, who explains how a team of volunteers mobilised to support relief efforts, assisting firefighters and providing help to affected local residents. The support has been welcomed by local authorities, including the Country Fire Authority in Bendigo.

Find our podcasts here at SBS Hindi Podcast Collection. You can also tune in to SBS Hindi at 5pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our website.

This podcast has been transcripted using AI.