Rhea Dhir landed in Australia with little more than a suitcase, two working hands and $600 in savings. Eighteen years later, the founder of Darling Daughters has been recognised as a national finalist for Business Excellence at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards. Her story, marked by grit, empathy, and community-driven ambition, will now be spotlighted on a stage celebrating the work of entrepreneurial mothers across the country.
Darling Daughters, her aged care and disability support business based in Heidelberg Heights, was founded on more than just formal training. “It was a calling,” she said. “A deep desire to serve those most in need with dignity, integrity and compassion.” Named after her two daughters, the business is her way of showing them what’s possible when women lead with heart.
Rhea’s track record over the past year reads like the summary of a seasoned CEO. She’s been honoured with the Australian Achiever Award for Excellence in Customer Relations, won Outstanding Achievement in Business Development at the BSCAA Awards, and was shortlisted for both the Australian Small Business Champion Awards and the Northern Business Achievement Awards. In the same breath, she was also recognised as a Victorian nominee for Women in Leadership and finalist in Aged Care Service categories.
She credits the community she found after migrating in 2007 for helping lay the foundation. “Every individual I’ve met has taught me something valuable,” she said. “That support shaped the businesswoman and human I strive to be.”
But accolades aside, it’s her message to other mothers that’s likely to resonate just as loudly. “Success begins with self-belief—and the courage to start,” she said. “As women and mothers, we hold the power to achieve extraordinary outcomes.”
The AusMumpreneur Awards, established by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, aim to celebrate exactly that. Now in their 15th year, they highlight women balancing the twin demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Garner says the awards serve as a platform for sharing stories like Rhea’s that would otherwise go unnoticed in the corridors of traditional business media. “There are so many incredible women across Australia building businesses while raising families. These awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success.”
For the first time, the awards gala will be held in regional Victoria, thanks to support from Business Events Victoria. Geelong will host this year’s conference and ceremony from 11 to 12 August, positioning itself as a growing hub for innovation and women-led enterprise. “This event offers women an opportunity to find connection, support, and inspiration while also celebrating their success with others who understand the journey of business and parenting,” said co-founder Peace Mitchell.
The conference program includes keynote addresses, workshops, and discussions on leadership, visibility, and sustainable growth offering something for those just starting out as well as those looking to scale up.
Dhir, now a mother of two and a self-made entrepreneur, describes the balance between business and parenting as one of life’s most rewarding challenges. “We don’t just grow enterprises—we shape communities, shift cultures, and redefine success for the generations to come.”
More on Rhea’s work can be found at darlingdaughterscare.com.au
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
