Sydney Desi — 12 September 2026
Sydney's South Asian community featured prominently in the week's news, with an airport push to attract Indian carriers, a Bangladeshi-Australian announcing a tilt at state parliament, and a new Indian heritage rugby league body making its first moves in New South Wales.
NSW premier pursues Indian airlines for Western Sydney Airport
The NSW Premier has signalled serious intent to bring Indian airlines to the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek, with ABC News reporting that talks have begun but no carrier has yet committed. The airport, scheduled to open in the coming years, represents a major infrastructure investment for western Sydney — a region home to large concentrations of South Asian migrants and their families. Direct flights from India would be transformative for the Indian-Australian community, reducing travel times and costs for family visits, religious travel, and business connections that currently require stopovers in Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian hubs. The premier has reportedly met with representatives of Indian carriers including Air India, which has been expanding its international network following its privatisation and fleet renewal. Industry observers note that route economics depend heavily on passenger load factors and bilateral air services agreements, making the timeline uncertain. For the South Asian diaspora in western Sydney, the prospect of a nearby international airport with direct India links is among the most anticipated infrastructure developments in years. [1]
Bangladeshi-Australian Masud Khalil to contest NSW state seat
Masud Khalil, an Australian of Bangladeshi origin, has announced his candidacy for a NSW state parliament seat, according to Muslim community publication AMUST. The announcement marks a continued broadening of South Asian political representation in New South Wales, where communities from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been growing steadily for decades but have had limited direct representation in elected chambers. Khalil's candidacy is being watched with interest by the Bangladeshi-Australian community, which is concentrated in parts of western and south-western Sydney. Community leaders have long argued that greater political representation is essential for ensuring that the needs of newer migrant groups — from settlement services and language support to housing and school access — are heard in Macquarie Street. The AMUST report noted Khalil's background and motivations but did not specify which electorate he is contesting. His entry follows a broader trend of South Asian Australians seeking elected office at local, state and federal levels in recent electoral cycles. [2]
Indian Heritage Rugby League NSW takes its first steps
A new organisation called Indian Heritage Rugby League NSW has held its inaugural meeting and begun the process of establishing a competition and pathway structure for players of Indian heritage across the state, according to NSWRL. The initiative reflects the sport's effort to diversify its participant base and engage communities that have not historically played rugby league in large numbers. NSW is home to one of Australia's largest Indian-origin communities, and the establishment of a heritage body follows the model of similar organisations that have successfully brought Pacific Islander and other communities into organised competition. Founding members who attended the inaugural gathering expressed enthusiasm for building a competition from grassroots up. Organisers indicated that next steps include forming a formal committee, establishing club affiliations and exploring ties with Rugby League India. For South Asian Australians interested in sport, the development opens a new avenue for participation, community connection and, potentially, a pathway into higher-grade competitions over time. [3]
Sources: [1] ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation · [2] amust.com.au · [3] NSWRL