Programs, Trader Engagement & Advocacy
LITA’s programs and activities for Indian-origin businesses across Melbourne, led by precinct advocacy and direct trader engagement. Each entry sets out its purpose, audience and current status.
Active(1)
Little India Precinct Advocacy and Representation
ActiveLITA's ongoing campaign for delivery of the City of Melbourne's Little India Precinct commitment, and for a genuine trader voice in how the precinct is designed and delivered.
Who it’s for
Primarily for LITA members and Indian-origin businesses across Melbourne, alongside relevant Docklands traders and precinct stakeholders.
When
Ongoing. Tracked publicly against the City of Melbourne's budget cycle, with updates published as funding and governance decisions are made.
On the record
Public funding tracker and published priorities, current as of the 2026–27 Budget. See the Little India page for the full position and status.
Program details
Purpose
Represent trader and community interests as the City of Melbourne delivers its 2024 Little India Precinct funding commitment, and advocate for a transparent and ongoing mechanism through which traders and community stakeholders can participate meaningfully in precinct planning and delivery.
Partners
Relevant government body: City of Melbourne, as the funding body. No formal partnership, committee membership or project authority is claimed. LITA is not a City of Melbourne committee and does not exercise authority over the Council's project.
Recurring(2)
Policy and Government Engagement
RecurringLITA's primary local-government focus is the City of Melbourne. Federal and state submissions are additional work relevant to members, made as relevant inquiries and consultations arise.
Who it’s for
Represents the interests of LITA members and, more broadly, Melbourne's Indian business and cultural community.
When
Submissions are made as relevant parliamentary inquiries, consultations and budget cycles arise, rather than on a fixed schedule.
On the record
Public submissions to the Senate Select Committee on Productivity (April 2026) and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (2026). See News and the Advocacy and Submissions page for details.
Program details
Purpose
Ensure the economic and cultural contribution of Melbourne's Indian community is recognised in government policy, from productivity and economic policy to community safety, with City of Melbourne engagement as the primary focus.
Partners
No formal partners. Submissions are made by LITA in its own name.
Melbourne Diwali (Community Collaboration)
RecurringA community collaboration, not a LITA advocacy program: LITA supports Melbourne Diwali, a long-running community festival, through community and advocacy backing, separate from LITA's own advocacy work.
Who it’s for
Open to LITA members and the broader community who support Melbourne Diwali.
When
Annual, timed to the Melbourne Diwali festival each year.
On the record
Melbourne Diwali 2025 (Marvel Stadium Square, 11 October 2025) was publicly promoted as expecting more than 25,000 attendees; Melbourne Diwali 2026 is scheduled for 31 October 2026 (melbournediwali.com). LITA's role is one of community and advocacy support; Melbourne Diwali is a separately governed festival with its own organisers.
Program details
Purpose
Support the ongoing delivery of Melbourne Diwali and advocate for funding and recognition commensurate with its scale, without treating the festival as part of LITA's core advocacy identity.
Partners
Melbourne Diwali organisers and volunteers (community collaboration, not a LITA partnership).
Planned(1)
Business Roundtables and Trader Engagement
PlannedPlanned, commencing in 2026: opportunities for members to connect across sectors, from retail and hospitality to professional services, healthcare and the creative industries.
Who it’s for
All LITA members, across all membership tiers.
When
Planned to commence in 2026 and recur through the membership year thereafter. Specific dates will be notified to members directly as they are scheduled; none have been confirmed at this time.
On the record
Format and participation are not yet published with specific attendance figures. Outcomes will be added here once the first roundtable has taken place.
Program details
Purpose
Build a genuine business network within Melbourne's Indian business community, so members can trade, refer and collaborate with one another and raise shared issues directly with LITA.
Partners
Convened by LITA for its own membership.
How we’ll measure progress
As these programs mature, LITA intends to report publicly against the following indicators. Figures are not yet available.
Take part
Programs are open to members — and your membership fee comes back as event credit.