The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) launched its first-ever "Festival of Australia" in Mumbai, a unique platform bringing together Australian excellence in education and premium food and beverage (F&B) products. The festival will travel to Hyderabad (16th November), Bengaluru (18th November), and Kochi (20th November).

The Mumbai event allowed Indian students and parents to connect directly with representatives from leading Australian universities to explore programs aligned with their career aspirations. A highlight was a masterclass titled "Not-so-natural disasters and how to prevent them", delivered by Professor David Sanderson of the University of New South Wales.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Indian schools, Australian universities, and industry experts provided insights into what Indian students seek when choosing a foreign university, offering valuable perspectives on studying abroad.

The festival also celebrated Australia’s culinary offerings with an Australian Food Pavilion showcasing a variety of premium products, including honey, sauces, cheese, seafood, lamb meat, and more. Guests enjoyed live cooking demonstrations featuring these ingredients, along with tasting sessions highlighting their versatility.

Austrade partnered with Jio Mart and Food Square to enhance accessibility to Australian products, creating an 'Australia Pavilion' on Jio Mart’s platform and featuring exclusive offerings at the festival venue.

Speaking about the event, Mr. John Southwell, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, said,
"We are thrilled to host the Festival of Australia to spotlight our top-notch education and exquisite culinary offerings. This festival reflects the growing Australia-India connection, blending academic opportunities with the rich flavors of Australian produce. We’re proud to see Australian ingredients increasingly integrated into Indian cuisine, from dals to lamb biriyani."

The Festival of Australia underscores the growing educational, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. It celebrates a shared vision of cross-cultural understanding and strengthens Australia's presence in India as a hub for world-class education and gastronomy.

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Austrade is the Australian Government's trade promotion and investment attraction agency, fostering global partnerships and showcasing Australia’s capabilities. Learn more at www.austrade.gov.au.