Sid Vashist, the first and only Indian-origin councillor in the Northern Territory believes there is nothing like living in the Aboriginal world.
In an interview with SBS Punjabi, two years ago, Mr Vashist had said: “It has a sky of diamonds and a heart of gold."
The 31-year-old councillor was elected from the Barkly Regional Council’s Patta Ward in Tennant Creek in Northern Territory in 2017.
The Barkly Regional Council is the second largest local government area in Australia, an area which is almost twice the size of Victoria.
Mr Vashist who calls Tennant Creek his real 'home' had said he wants to be the 'voice' of the young people living in the region.
“Even before the election, I was part of various youth programs in the area as I feel very passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
"I am humbled to mention that I am also the youngest-ever councillor elected in the Barkly region.”
Tennant Creek, which is approximately 1000km south of Darwin and 500km north of Alice Springs, is a fast-changing, transient and culturally diverse place to live.
Sid Vashist has been elected councillor for Patta Ward of Tennant Creek in the Barkly Regional Council Source: Supplied
“While Aboriginal people - our First Australians - have lived in this area for thousands of years, since the town was established in the 1930s it has been home to migrants from all over the world,” Mr Vashist had said.
Aboriginal Australians make up the largest cultural group - representing 27 per cent of the town's population, but as Mr Vashist explains, "recently, more and more migrants have come to call the Territory home."
“One in five Territorians was born overseas, an increase from 16.6 per cent in 2011.
"It is amazing to be part of this community and I consider myself lucky to be accepted in this area.”
“It is a beautiful piece of an ancient land. The region, which is steeped in Aboriginal history, is characterised by iconically Australian bush, stunning sunsets and massive cattle stations.
“Tennant Creek is the site of Australia’s last gold rush and was once one of the largest gold producing areas in the country so its value is both material and metaphysical.”
Already involved in a range of community initiatives, Mr Vashist had expressed a desire of making a significant contribution to the town and region.
“I am already involved in various community initiatives that will help see this area grow. I have published policies and ideas that will foster our families, environment and businesses."
“I want to connect bush and the town together.”
“The massive footprint of the Barkly Regional Council and the differing priorities of the various stakeholders create challenges that need to be addressed.
“Managing ideas in a cross-cultural atmosphere and to have a shared vision is one of my top priorities as a councillor."
The 29-year-old hails from Haryana, India. He came to Australia over a decade ago to undertake a graduate degree in finance and management.
'One of best decisions, I ever made was having to choose to move to the Northern Territory.' Sid Vashist Source: Supplied
“My journey in Australia started as an international student."
“I came to Geelong in Victoria to pursue higher education."
“I ended up in Tennant Creek by chance but I found that once you live and experience this region, it becomes a part of you.
“Locals say ‘the bush works its way into your soul’ and now I can see what they mean.
“I had plans to go back to India after my studies. But it didn’t happen as I fell in love with Australia and its people and now I have found a place in this country where I feel I really belong.”
