A stronger collective voice for Indian-origin enterprise in Melbourne.
LITA is Melbourne’s member-led association for Indian-origin businesses: connecting, supporting and representing its members.
Why LITA exists
LITA exists to give Indian-origin business owners, operators and entrepreneurs in Melbourne a unified, credible voice. We connect businesses, support enterprise, back the activation of a more vibrant Melbourne, and represent members to government and industry, so the contribution of Indian-origin enterprise is recognised and supported.
Our history
The Victorian Government and local communities explored Indian cultural precinct proposals. Dandenong was selected as Victoria's first formally funded Indian cultural precinct. A separate Wyndham proposal proceeded through feasibility work but did not advance as a dedicated precinct.
Source: Wyndham City Council, Indian Cultural Precinct Feasibility Study (2017)
In October 2024, Acting Lord Mayor Nick Reece publicly announces a $10 million plan to establish a Little India precinct in Docklands, following years of combined community advocacy. The initiative is subsequently taken forward by the City of Melbourne.
LITA is founded and formally incorporated, giving Melbourne's Indian business community a dedicated, unified advocacy organisation building on this longer history.
The Victorian Government announces further support for Victoria's Indian communities, including delivery of a new Little India precinct with homes, community space and a food market hall, and grants of up to $2.4 million for new Indian community centres in Melbourne's west and south-east. Two levels of government are now investing in Indian precinct and community infrastructure.
In April 2026, LITA Chair Gautam Gupta lodges submission 218 with the Senate Select Committee on Productivity, and LITA separately contributes to the PJCIS review. LITA publishes its public priorities for the Little India Precinct in a May 2026 media release. On 26 May 2026, Council adopts the 2026-27 Budget, allocating $1.2 million for initial delivery of the precinct.
Our purpose
Connect businesses
Building networks across Indian-origin businesses in the City.
Support enterprise
Roundtables, resources and guidance that help businesses start, operate and grow.
Activate Melbourne
Advocating for a trader-informed Little India and a more vibrant Melbourne.
Strengthen representation
A unified voice with government and industry on issues that affect members.
Who we represent
LITA’s core constituency is Indian-origin business owners, operators and entrepreneurs in Melbourne. Associate participation may also be available to relevant professionals, landowners and community organisations in accordance with LITA’s rules.
Current priorities
LITA’s current priorities are growing verified business membership in Melbourne, direct trader engagement and consultation, Little India precinct advocacy, business networking and referrals, precinct activation and visitation, and transparent governance and member reporting.
Incorporated name
Little India Traders Association Inc
ABN
30 304 300 565
Incorporated
Victoria, 2025
Status
Not-for-profit, member-led
Be part of the story.
LITA is member-led and community-backed. Join us, partner with us, or get in touch.