Australia is home to the largest population of Bhutanese living abroad. This has led to the formation of several community groups that are focused on promoting their welfare and wellbeing. The community groups highlighted in this section act as an important link between the Embassy and the broader Bhutanese community in various States and Territories across the country. Therefore, Bhutanese are encouraged to connect with the respective Associations in their State.
The Bhutanese Students’ Association- BSA, Armidale, NSW, Australia was instituted on 18 March 2011 to maintain solidarity and promote welfare amongst Bhutanese community of Armidale, NSW. Currently, there are 70 members including four executives who are elected annually. BSA in Armidale is guided by two patrons who are retired professors of the University of New England. The term for patrons is not fixed.
Mr Gom Dorji is the current President of BSA, Armidale.
Brisbane Bhutanese Association Incorporated (BBAI) is a community of Bhutanese students and family members residing in Brisbane and other parts of Queensland.
BBAI was incorporated as an Association on 17 January 2019 by the Queensland Government. The executive members of the association are elected annually, and are dedicated to encouraging community engagement, support, and societal and cultural strengthening.
BBAI’s vision is to promote a harmonious, vibrant, and caring Bhutanese community bonded by trust, faith and values, and guided by standards of honesty and integrity. Ms Leki Zangmo is the current President of BBAI.
The Sydney Bhutanese Association Incorporated (SBAI) was formally incorporated in New South Wales in June 2026. Prior to its incorporation, the community operated through informal Facebook-based group, initially as True Bhutanese Sydney (2012–2020) and later as the Sydney Bhutanese Community (2020–2026).
Mr Yeshi Dendup is the Acting President.
The Association of Bhutanese in Perth Inc. was founded in 2014 with the vision to promote the welfare and happiness of Bhutanese in Perth, strengthen communal ties and represent the Bhutanese community in the diverse multicultural setting of Australia. Striving towards the core vision of building a happy Bhutanese community, ABPI organises events and functions as well as assists newly arrived Bhutanese settle in Western Australia.
The ABPI team comprises a Board of Directors and Executives who are elected biennially and annually respectively. Mr Kinley Tenzin is the current President of ABPI.
Druk Melbourne Association Inc. (DMA) is a not-for-profit community organization formed by Bhutanese international students and permanent residents in Victoria. After its establishment in early 2017 and functioning as an informal organization for two years, DMA was incorporated in 2019. Currently There are two hundred and fifty Bhutanese people formally registered as members with the association.
DMA has been interacting and developing networks with other local organizations and communities to strengthen the relationship and connection between Bhutanese and Australians in Victoria. DMA is highly vibrant and aspires to promote and preserve Bhutanese culture in the multicultural setting of Victoria.
The association is administered by an Executive Committee who are elected annually by the community members through proper voting procedures. The Acting president is Dr Jigme Nidup.
Australia Bhutan Association of Canberra Incorporated (ABAC) was established in 2011 as a non-profit organisation for the Bhutanese community in Canberra. It is managed by volunteers who are elected annually as Executive Committee members. ABAC oversees all community engagement activities including organising important national and cultural events in the Australian Capital Territory. It aims to serve as a platform for Bhutanese in Canberra to connect with eachother and build linkages with other communities in Canberra.
Mr Jigme Jamtsho is the current President and he is supported by an Executive Committee.
The Association of Bhutanese in Adelaide Inc. (ABAI) was founded and incorporated in 2022. ABAI was founded on a vision to form a vibrant, strong and happy community bonded by trust, faith and values within and with other communities.
ABAI’s Executive Committee are elected annually. Dr Sangay Tenzin is the President.
The Bhutanese Association in Northern Territory Incorporated (BANTI) was formally established in February 2026 with the aim of fostering greater community cohesion among Bhutanese residing in the Northern Territory, preserving and promoting Bhutanese cultural heritage and values, and advancing the wellbeing and collective interests of the approximately 142 Bhutanese currently living in the region.
Dr. Kunzang Wangdi is the current President of BANTI and is supported by an Executive Team. BANTI is currently working on establishing formal communication channels, including a website and social media platforms.
