Punya Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mohan Bhattarai as the new Director of Community Engagement. With a long-standing history of leadership and service across government, health, and community sectors, Mr. Bhattarai brings a wealth of experience and deep cultural insight to the role.
Born in Samchi, Bhutan, Mr. Bhattarai began his career in public service as a government employee in Bhutan before being displaced to Nepal, where he played a vital role in refugee health services. During his time in the refugee camps, he worked as a Pharmacy Supervisor, Community Health Supervisor, and Community Health Liaison Officer, advocating for accessible healthcare and coordinating outreach programs for vulnerable populations.
After resettling in Australia, Mr. Bhattarai continued his commitment to community service through various roles. He served as a Front Desk Officer at the Australian Migrant Resource Centre and worked as an interpreter, supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees in their transition to life in Australia. His leadership extended to the Bhutanese Australian Association of South Australia (BAASA), where he held the role of Vice Chairperson, and to the School of Bhutanese Nepali Language and Culture, where he served as Public Officer to promote cultural education among young people.
In the aged care and disability sector, Mr. Bhattarai has worked as a Business Support and Rostering Officer at SA Disability Care, and later as a Service Coordinator at Care In. He also previously served as Program Director for Punya Foundation, overseeing initiatives that supported culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Now stepping into the role of Director of Community Engagement, Mr. Bhattarai will focus on strengthening partnerships, empowering multicultural communities, and promoting inclusive, culturally responsive programs across the Foundation’s initiatives. His appointment reinforces Punya Foundation’s commitment to elevating community voices and fostering meaningful connections that enrich the lives of older people and migrants in Australia.