LOCAL LIFE
BLACKTOWN’ S FINEST...
Photo: Kathryn Johnston
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
6 ISSUE 60 // MARCH 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT