Harman Foundation has launched a new community awareness campaign in collaboration with 1800RESPECT, bringing messages of hope, prevention and support for domestic, family and sexual violence to multicultural communities across Western Sydney.
Launched on 26 October 2026 at Busways Glendenning Depot, the HF HOPE Line Community Awareness Campaign carries a simple message: “HOPE IS A CALL AWAY.” The initiative aims to raise awareness of available support services, encourage people to seek help early and promote safer, healthier relationships.
Through buses, shopping centre digital screens, multilingual resources, social media and community engagement, the campaign seeks to reach individuals and families who may face barriers to accessing support, including stigma, fear, language difficulties or uncertainty about where to turn.
Five Ways to Bring HOPE to Western Sydney
The campaign uses five complementary approaches to share information and connect people with support services.
Two community buses will carry the campaign message across Riverstone, Schofields, The Ponds and Stanhope Gardens for 43 weeks. Twelve digital displays in shopping centres will also help bring awareness messages into everyday public spaces.
Multilingual flyers will provide information for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, while social media content and videos will extend the campaign’s reach. Community engagement will bring together families, community leaders and local organisations to encourage prevention, awareness and early help-seeking.
By placing support information in familiar community settings, Harman Foundation hopes to make it easier for people to recognise the signs of unhealthy relationships and access assistance before situations become more serious.
Community Leaders Support Prevention and Early Intervention
The launch brought together government representatives, police, community organisations and support service representatives to highlight the importance of collaboration in building safer communities.
Maninder Singh, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Harman Foundation, officially opened the event and welcomed Warren Kirby MP, Member for Riverstone; Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown; Councillor Dorothy Del Villar of Blacktown City Council; Superintendent Joyce from Riverstone Police Area Command; Lauren Zevgitis; and representatives of 1800RESPECT and Telstra Health, alongside community leaders, volunteers and guests.
Singh acknowledged the role of 1800RESPECT in providing national counselling and support services, emphasising the importance of partnerships between national organisations and grassroots multicultural groups.
Superintendent Joyce highlighted the value of prevention and early intervention, including the role police can play in supporting families and communities before situations escalate.
Stephen Bali MP praised Harman Foundation and 1800RESPECT for addressing a serious community issue through a campaign designed to communicate hope and encourage people to seek assistance. Warren Kirby MP also welcomed the initiative’s positive message and its focus on strengthening relationships and creating safer, more harmonious neighbourhoods.
Simran (Summy) Gulati, Harman Foundation Brand Ambassador and HF HOPE Line champion, hosted the launch as Master of Ceremonies, helping reinforce the campaign’s message of compassion, awareness and seeking support without fear or judgement.
Harinder Kaur OAM Emphasises Safety, Dignity and Respect
Harinder Kaur OAM, CEO and Co-Founder of Harman Foundation, said the campaign aims to help people understand that support is available before problems become more serious.
“Every family deserves to live with safety, dignity and respect. We believe prevention begins with awareness, stronger relationships and communities that listen without judgement,” she said.
Kaur said people can hesitate to seek help because of fear, stigma, language barriers or uncertainty about available services. The campaign is designed to bring information into everyday settings, including public transport, shopping centres and community networks.
“Our hope is that people will reach out early, talk to someone and access the support they need,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of families, neighbours, police, community organisations and support services working together to strengthen relationships and build more harmonious communities.
The campaign’s central message, “HOPE IS A CALL AWAY,” encourages people to take the first step towards seeking support.
Partnership With 1800RESPECT Expands Access to Support
Harman Foundation acknowledged the contribution of 1800RESPECT and Telstra Health to the awareness initiative, with representatives from both organisations attending the launch.
1800RESPECT provides national counselling and support for people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, including access to interpreting assistance in more than 30 languages.
Harman Foundation also operates its 24/7 Multicultural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Helpline and Support Service, offering culturally responsive assistance to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
Through their collaboration, the organisations aim to improve awareness of local and national services and encourage people to seek assistance early, without judgement.
Harman Foundation also thanked Busways Glendenning Depot for hosting the launch and helping bring the campaign onto local roads. The organisation recognised the support of participating parliamentarians, council representatives, police, community partners, volunteers and guests.
How to Access Help
The campaign provides direct contact details for people who need support or information.
Harman Foundation HF HOPE Line
- Call: 1800 116 675
- Text: 0414 016 828
- Website: harmanfoundation.org.au
1800RESPECT – National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
- Call: 1800 737 732
- Text: 0458 737 732
- Online chat and video call: www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
As the campaign continues across Western Sydney, Harman Foundation hopes its message will encourage more people to recognise that support is available and that seeking help is an important step towards safety and wellbeing.
With one message reaching communities across many cultures, the initiative reinforces a shared responsibility to create safer families, stronger relationships and more supportive neighbourhoods.
