Around 400 supporters gathered at Bowman Hall, Blacktown on Saturday, 28 February 2026, as the Harman Foundation family came together for its 13th Annual Fundraising Gala, “Light & Hope: Creating Hope and Empowering Lives.” The evening was not only a celebration of impact but also the launch of a powerful new initiative, the 5 for HER campaign.
The Foundation was honored to welcome Michelle Rowland, Attorney General of Australia, as Guest of Honor. A longstanding supporter who has attended the Foundation’s gala dinners since 2014, she spoke passionately about the organization’s journey and the dedication of its founders, Harinder Kaur OAM and Maninder Singh. In her address, she underscored the urgency of the cause, noting that one woman is killed every 14 days in Australia by a current or former intimate partner. Her message reinforced the importance of sustained awareness, advocacy and accessible support services, particularly within multicultural communities.
A Year of Measurable Impact
Co founder and Chair Maninder Singh opened the evening with the unveiling of the Foundation’s FY25 Annual Impact Report. The figures reflected both the scale of need and the strength of community response.
Over the past year, more than 24,400 volunteer hours were dedicated across the 24 by 7 helpline, case management, food distribution and other essential services. HER House provided safety and care to 10 women and their children, while more than 500 women received domestic, family and sexual violence case management support. The helpline managed over 2,000 calls, more than 20,000 meals were served through food drives, and over 30,000 people were touched by acts of care. The Foundation also contributed 1.14 million dollars to the Australian economy through social value creation.
Community Leaders Stand in Support
The gala drew immense support from local leaders, sponsors and loyal community members. Among those in attendance were Talia Amituanai, Dr Moninder Singh, Stephen Bali, Warren Kirby, Susai Benjamin, Sameer Pandey, Rosemarie Boneham, Indu Balachandran, and Peter Gangemi. Their presence reflected broad civic backing for the Foundation’s mission.
Major service partners including Perera Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Castle Group, Workers, Dooleys, CommBank Staff Foundation, The Calais Foundation and the Sachdev Foundation were acknowledged for their continued commitment. The Harman team expressed deep gratitude, recognizing that the impact achieved would not be possible without dedicated sponsors and volunteers.
Family at the Heart
The unifying theme of the evening was family. The Harman Foundation was started by the Singh family, and over time, that circle has expanded to include every volunteer, supporter and survivor who has walked through its doors.
Keeping this spirit central, the Foundation launched the 5 for HER campaign. The initiative calls on families to pledge five dollars per week, with the goal of helping to save five women by ensuring the 24 by 7 helpline remains open and every call for help is answered. The campaign is seeking “The Founding Fifty” families to commit to this pledge and become part of a movement that offers light and hope in moments of crisis.
Stories of Survival and Strength
The evening’s program included a moving reenactment of a survivor’s journey of rebuilding her life through HER House. Cultural performances, including traditional Punjabi folk dances, added colour and celebration, while sponsors and volunteers were formally recognised for their service.
The Harman Foundation was established in 2013 as a tribute to the founders’ late son, initially offering grief and loss support to the multicultural community in New South Wales. Over time, as deeper community needs emerged, the organization evolved into a trusted national support system for women and children seeking refuge from domestic, sexual and family violence, particularly within South Asian communities.
Today, the Foundation has uplifted more than 30,000 families, including 110 women and 22 children supported through HER House. Guided by its purpose to create hope and empower lives, the Harman Foundation continues to build a safer and more connected social system for women and their children across Australia.
The 13th Annual Gala was more than a fundraising event. It was a testament to what happens when a community stands together and chooses to be the light in someone else’s darkest moment.
