For Khara Acharya and her Reliable Community Care (RCC) co-founders, establishing a disability service is more than business – it’s about community empowerment. Their shared experiences include 18 years in refugee camps, which brings a unique perspective and helps drive a deep dedication to helping others.

RCC was recently recognised at the 2024 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, a testament to their resilience, cultural strength, and commitment to community.

Starting a small business has its challenges. For the team steering RCC, that journey has been both rewarding and demanding. Establishing a disability service in Australia meant navigating complex regulations, gaining industry knowledge and securing supportive investors. They met these challenges head-on with grit, strategic networking, and continuous learning.

Over the past 13 years, the RCC team has turned these lessons into a drive to succeed – not through charity, but through opportunity and determination.

The leadership team of Khara Acharya, Devi Ghimire, Thakur Acharya, Dhan Siwakoti, and Jhagendra Dhimal draws on combined strengths spanning business, administration, finance, and care to deliver culturally sensitive support and create opportunities for community.

‘Our Bhutanese refugee background drives our passion for creating education and employment pathways for refugees.’ says Business Development Manager Khara Acharya.

Through mentoring and work placements, RCC helps refugees build sustainable careers while providing culturally sensitive support that encourages financial independence and belonging.

As Khara puts it, ‘Australia is a land of opportunity for those willing to work hard and remain committed to their vision.’ It’s a belief that continues to guide RCC’s mission and inspire others in the community.

Their advice for aspiring multicultural entrepreneurs: embrace the journey, stay resilient, keep upskilling, and leverage your unique cultural insights.

About Reliable Community Care

Reliable Community Care provides disability services tailored to diverse cultural needs, empowering individuals through education, employment, and community support.

More about RCCC: https://reliablecommunitycare.net.au/

About the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence

The awards celebrate the achievements of multicultural businesses and community groups in Victoria. Applications for the 2025 awards are now open until Wednesday 27 August 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence website.