The People Behind the Purpose
The Rarh Foundation began with a simple idea: to support communities in the Rarh region of India through practical, compassionate action. Today, we help fund schools, colleges, children’s homes, medical services, clean energy, and sustainable farming — all driven by a vision of long-term, community-led change.
Founded in Tasmania, our work is made possible by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who believe, like we do, that meaningful impact starts with collective care.
Liila Hass
Founder & President
Liila founded The Rarh Foundation, Inc. in 2018, driven by the stark poverty, malnutrition, and limited opportunities she witnessed during her travels to the region. Deeply moved by the cause, she has since been inspired by the incredible support from volunteers and the wider Hobart community. A naturopath and healer by profession, Liila is also passionate about yoga, meditation, bushwalking, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Rob Blakers
Treasurer
Rob has had a deep connection with the Rarh region in India for over 30 years, having visited and photographed the area extensively, including documenting several projects funded by The Rarh Foundation. He believes in the power of small acts of kindness, saying, “The help that we can provide is a small thing for us, but it changes lives.”
Sally Walker
Secretary
Sally has been a dedicated volunteer with The Rarh Foundation since 2018, playing a key role in organizing fundraising events. She particularly enjoys managing the stall, assisting with auctions, and encouraging the next generation to get involved. Professionally, Sally works in legal services and stakeholder engagement for the State Government. Outside of work, she loves bushwalking and spending time in nature, whether it’s exploring the outdoors or simply tending to her garden.
Rabin Bangaar
Finance Officer
Rabin is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in finance and administration, including senior roles in the public health and not-for-profit sectors. Based in Mildura, VIC, he currently serves as Chief Corporate Officer for a community-based organisation and sits on two not-for-profit boards. Rabin is also a passionate activist advocating against the abuse of animals, people, and the planet.
Ailsa Bennell
Public Officer
Born and raised in Tasmania, Ailsa has spent much of her adult life abroad, including a five-year volunteer experience in Tanzania. Since returning to Tasmania in 2016, she has taught English at the Migrant Resource Centre and volunteered with Sailability. A dedicated supporter of The Rarh Foundation, Ailsa plays a key role in organising events and, in 2019, traveled to West Bengal to see the Foundation’s projects in action.
Nada Khader
Acting Liason for USA
Sally has been a dedicated volunteer with The Rarh Foundation since 2018, playing a key role in organizing fundraising events. She particularly enjoys managing the stall, assisting with auctions, and encouraging the next generation to get involved. Professionally, Sally works in legal services and stakeholder engagement for the State Government. Outside of work, she loves bushwalking and spending time in nature, whether it’s exploring the outdoors or simply tending to her garden.
Ellie Leane
Fundraising Committee
Elizabeth (Ellie) Leane works at the University of Tasmania. She lives in South Hobart with her family. In her spare time, she volunteers as a foster-carer for the Ten Lives Cat Centre, and enjoys walking and reading (not simultaneously). She has been involved with the Rarh Foundation for five years.
Helen Kwiecien
Fundraising Committee
Helen is a dedicated community yoga teacher with specialised training in trauma-informed yoga, mental health, and body image. She is passionate about environmental and social justice, and is the co-founder of Sea Hags Tasmania, an ocean swimming group that fosters connection with nature and community. Since 2021, Helen has been an active supporter of Rarh Foundation events, contributing her time and energy to their mission.
Renee Thurston
Fundraising Comittee & Media Coordinator
Renee is a skilled social media contact and content creator focused on connecting businesses and organisations. She excels in identifying the right individuals to foster meaningful networks for exchanging resources and skills. With innovative content strategies, Renee empowers clients to enhance their reach and imp act, believing that strong connections lead to remarkable opportunities and growth for everyone involved.
Youth Ambassadors
Tessa Murphy
Tessa is a student at Taroona High with a strong commitment to youth empowerment and community involvement. She works at a local independent supermarket and also teaches fitness classes as a gym instructor. In her free time, Tessa enjoys playing netball and touch football. A former member of the Tasmanian Premier’s Youth Advisory Council, she is passionate about supporting initiatives that uplift and inspire young people—especially girls.
Ilsa O’Connor
Isla has been supporting The Rarh Foundation from a young age, helping her mother, Sally Walker, with stalls and auctions. In recent years, she’s inspired several friends to join the cause as well. A keen athlete, Isla plays soccer for the Tasmanian youth team and also has a passion for singing. Her dedication to community work and teamwork shines both on and off the field.
Ella Scarlett
Ella is a Grade 9 student from Hobart with a passion for dance and community service. For the past eight years, she has trained in Bollywood and Indian fusion dance with the Dancing Divas dance school in Berriedale, Tasmania. In early 2024, she began volunteering with The Rarh Foundation, supporting its mission to empower young girls through education. One of Ella’s dreams is to travel to India and experience the culture she celebrates through dance.
Anika Siauw
Anika is a passionate volunteer with The Rarh Foundation, working to empower young girls in India through improving educational opportunities. She balances her spare time between a part-time job at a local café and her love for soccer. At school, Anika enjoys sports as well as creative subjects like woodwork and 3D art. She proudly supports this charity to help create brighter futures for girls through learning and opportunity.
Sadie Sparks
Sadie is a dedicated Year 10 student passionate about sports and leadership. As an avid soccer player, she represents her state in Futsal and serves as house captain. She is a junior volunteer for The Rarh Foundation, contributing to visual merchandising and various initiatives. Sadie enjoys mentoring younger children and organising merchandise and ticket sales at soccer events.
Be the reason change happens
Every dollar you give helps fund real, community-led change in the Rarh region.
