Harinder Kaur has spent the past 13 years on a mission but it is not one that can be spoken of in the past tense. It continues every day, driven by her determination and the network she has built to support others in need.
It is a mission born from tragedy, something far from her mind when she and her husband, Maninder Singh, arrived in Australia from Northern India 33 years ago.
“I had been a lecturer and held a commerce degree and a Master of Philosophy,” Harinder said. “Maninder was an electrical engineer. We arrived as skilled migrants and I didn’t want to come at first. But one year became another, and then another.”
Harinder continued her work in education, while Maninder, now retired, established himself as an electrical contractor. Their journey saw them live in Randwick and Campsie before eventually settling in Blacktown and later Glenwood.
Harinder has long lived by a simple but powerful belief:
A woman of strength doesn’t wait for change she becomes the strength that drives it.
That strength was tested in the most devastating way when their eldest son, Harman, was killed in a car crash.
“We felt so lost after Harman’s death,” Harinder said. “We were searching for a purpose.”
That search would lead to something extraordinary.
In response to their loss, Harinder and Maninder established the Harman Foundation an organisation that has since grown into a lifeline for the South Asian community and beyond.
Her philosophy, shared with IndiaLink, reflects the driving force behind her work:
“It is everyone’s responsibility to build a more compassionate world. Helping others should be everyone’s business. It is a duty I surrender to, and it is what keeps me going.”
What began as a personal tribute has evolved into a multifaceted organisation providing critical services, including domestic violence refuge support, emergency food supplies, a 24-hour multicultural helpline, and community outreach programs.
Every Thursday evening, volunteers provide food and emergency hampers at Alpha Park in Blacktown, operating from the foundation’s Lalor Park headquarters.
“We also run ‘Have-a-Cuppa’ days,” Harinder explained. “Our van travels through communities, offering support, connection and a listening ear.”
Emblazoned on the side of the van is a powerful message:“Say no to domestic violence. Say yes to respectful relationships.”
Harinder adds simply, “Prevention is always better than cure.”
One of the foundation’s most important initiatives came in 2016, when Harinder identified a gap in support services for domestic violence victims within the community.
The result was HER House a refuge providing safety, guidance and practical support to women and children escaping violence.
Since opening, HER House has supported 110 women and 22 children, helping them rebuild their lives in safety.
From this cornerstone initiative, the Harman Foundation’s services have continued to expand.
Today, its core programs include:
“We’ve had the support of more than 200 volunteers, contributing whatever time they can,” Harinder said. “We only have one full-time employee. Community support is the backbone of everything we do. It’s challenging, but it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
Despite the scale and impact of the foundation’s work, Harinder says government funding has been difficult to secure.
“We’ve applied for assistance, but it hasn’t been granted,” she said.
While funding remains a challenge, Harinder’s dedication has not gone unnoticed.
In 2024, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her exceptional service to the community.
Her many honours also include:
Yet her focus remains firmly on the people she serves.
“When we uplift women, we uplift families, societies and future generations. Empowerment begins with safety and respect,” she said.
Harinder says many people seeking help face complex cultural and social barriers.
“In our culture, stigma and shame can prevent women from speaking out,” she explained. “There are language barriers, visa concerns, religious differences and fear of what the community might say. Some survivors are also threatened by their partners.”
Education is a critical part of the foundation’s mission.
“Many people don’t understand their legal rights,” she said. “Some don’t know the processes around custody or property. That’s why HER House runs education programs not just for women, but for entire families.”
Harinder believes prevention, education and community support must work together.
“We don’t believe women should face this alone. Community is like a village. If we want stronger generations, we must protect women and that includes educating men as well.”
She also acknowledges the complexity of domestic violence issues within migrant communities.
“There are cultural expectations, stigma, and sometimes a lack of knowledge about rights and responsibilities,” she said. “Making information accessible can prevent many problems before they escalate.”
The foundation works not only with survivors, but also encourages perpetrators to seek help, with the goal of breaking cycles of violence.
“We always try to keep families safe and prevent further harm,” she said. “It’s painful to see children suffer. We must break that cycle.”
More than a decade after its founding, the Harman Foundation continues to grow — powered by volunteers, compassion and Harinder’s unwavering commitment.
She encourages anyone who would like to help whether through donations, volunteering or support to become part of the mission
Contact: contactus@harmanfoundation.org.au
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