What began as a simple desire to support women in need has grown into a powerful community movement led by South Asian women in Sydney. In just its first year, the Aunties Fund has raised $20,236 to support organisations working on the frontlines of domestic and family violence, while also building a strong network of more than 200 supporters committed to creating meaningful change.
Founded as a volunteer run collective of South Asian women, the Aunties Fund was established to provide practical support to women and families experiencing domestic and family violence. The initiative operates as a sub fund of the Sydney Women’s Fund and has quickly become an inspiring example of community led action within Australia’s South Asian community.
The funds raised during the inaugural year have been equally distributed among Harman Foundation, ICSA, Speakout, and House of Sakinah. These organisations provide critical services including crisis accommodation, case management, community outreach, prevention programs, and culturally sensitive support for women facing violence.
The impact of these contributions is already being felt across communities.
Harman Foundation shared that the Aunties Fund helped keep the doors of “Her House” open, a refuge supporting women and their children with safe short to medium term accommodation and culturally responsive care during times of crisis. Continued support will now assist the organisation in expanding its services through the Hope Multicultural Hub in Lalor Park, where women’s empowerment programs and enhanced case management support are being delivered.
House of Sakinah said the funding enabled the organisation to provide essential case management support to women in crisis, helping them access guidance, referrals, and culturally sensitive assistance during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Maria Kissouri highlighted the reality many women face when escaping violence.
“Many of the women who come to us arrive with just the clothes on their back and nothing else. The Aunties Fund’s support will help us cover rent for shelters, providing up to 12 women with a safe haven as they rebuild their lives,” she said.
Kittu Randhawa also acknowledged the importance of collective support from within the community.
“Thank you Aunties Fund for standing with us and for believing in the work we do. Your donation to our DFV program makes a real difference,” she said.
The initiative is entirely volunteer run and was founded by six women who have now grown the collective to ten members. Each member balances full time professional careers while dedicating their personal time and expertise to supporting women in crisis.
Beyond fundraising, the Aunties Fund is also helping create important conversations around domestic and family violence within South Asian communities, where stigma, silence, visa dependency, and fear of social isolation can often prevent women from seeking support.
Community initiatives such as “Chai and Change” have become an important part of the movement, bringing together supporters, advocates, and community members to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue around domestic and family violence. Entirely volunteer led and sponsor supported, these gatherings reflect the collective’s belief that even small acts of giving can create meaningful impact.
Loredana Fyffe praised the women behind the initiative and the growing community supporting it.
“We’re honoured to support the Aunties Fund and the incredible community of women behind it, who are stepping up to fundraise, care for and uplift women and families affected by violence. This is a powerful example of community led action, with everyday people coming together to create safety, dignity and practical support for those who need it most,” she said.
Later this year, the Aunties Fund plans to host a larger fundraising event in collaboration with Plate It Forward, bringing together community voices, distinguished speakers, and supporters to continue raising awareness and funds for frontline services.
Reflecting on the journey so far, the Aunties Fund collective said the movement was built on a shared commitment to show up for the community in meaningful ways.
“We started the Aunties Fund with a simple intention to show up for our community in whatever way we could. We all come from different South Asian backgrounds and lead busy professional lives, but this work is deeply personal to us.
Raising $20,236 in our first year and mobilising over 200 supporters is a testament to the power of community, people coming together to support women facing domestic and family violence.
We are deeply grateful to every donor and volunteer who made this possible. Your generosity has directly enabled this impact.”
As the initiative enters its second year, the Aunties Fund hopes to continue expanding its reach and strengthening support for survivors, proving that when communities come together with compassion and purpose, real change becomes possible.
