How a Fijian migrant's journey of resilience, service and inclusion led to Melton's highest civic recognition
Twenty-five years ago, when Rohit Roy Kumar arrived in Australia from Fiji, he carried no guarantees of success. Like countless migrants before him, he arrived with little more than determination, hope and a dream of creating a better future for his family.
What followed was not an easy path.
Despite holding qualifications and professional experience from Fiji, Rohit quickly discovered that building a life in a new country often means starting again. While raising young twins and caring for a daughter with a disability, he returned to study, determined to gain Australian qualifications and establish himself professionally. Juggling university, employment, family responsibilities and financial pressures demanded extraordinary perseverance.
There were setbacks, disappointments and moments of uncertainty. Yet through it all, Rohit refused to let adversity define his future.
Instead, he transformed challenges into opportunities.
Over time, his dedication enabled him to rebuild his career and work with some of Australia's most recognised organisations, including Shell, BP, Castrol, Telstra, Hume City Council and the Australian Federal Government. But while professional success brought stability, it was community service that became his life's true calling.
As the father of a daughter living with a disability, Rohit experienced firsthand the struggles many families face in accessing support, inclusion and opportunities. Rather than focusing on the obstacles, he chose to become part of the solution.
Driven by a desire to help others, he founded the Australian Integrated Fijian Association of Victoria (AIFAV), which has grown into one of Victoria's most active multicultural community organisations. Through cultural celebrations, educational programs, charity initiatives and community support activities, the organisation has touched thousands of lives across the state.
His commitment to inclusion extended even further with the establishment of Australian Integrated Care Services (AICS), a disability and community support organisation dedicated to assisting people with disabilities, seniors, veterans and vulnerable Australians. Under his leadership, the organisation has earned significant recognition for its impact, including Melton City Council's 2025 Business Excellence Award for Disability Inclusion Initiative.
Yet perhaps Rohit's most inspiring achievement is the journey he has shared with his daughter, Shilpa.
Together they created Australian Integrated Marketing and Merchandise Services (AIMMS), a social enterprise providing meaningful opportunities for unpaid carers, seniors and people living with disabilities. Through the initiative, father and daughter have championed inclusion and challenged perceptions around disability.
Living with cerebral palsy, Shilpa has become a powerful advocate in her own right. Her passion for modelling has seen her confidently walk on fashion and community platforms, proving that disability should never define a person's potential. In 2023, her efforts were recognised when she was named Young Citizen of the Year, a moment that reflected not only her personal courage but also a family's unwavering belief in possibility.
Along the way, Rohit faced significant health challenges of his own. The physical, emotional and financial toll could easily have slowed his commitment to service. Instead, it strengthened his resolve.
His guiding principle became simple but profound: when life presents challenges, use them to create opportunities for others.
That philosophy reached its most visible recognition in 2026 when Melton City Council awarded Rohit its highest civic honour, Citizen of the Year.
For many, such an accolade would represent the culmination of a remarkable journey. For Rohit, it symbolises something much greater than personal achievement.
"This honour belongs to every volunteer, support worker, carer, community leader, family member and individual who has supported our shared vision of creating a more inclusive and compassionate community," he says.
His story is a powerful reminder that success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments, but by the lives we touch along the way.
From a migrant newcomer arriving with hope and uncertainty, to a respected community leader recognised with his municipality's highest honour, Rohit Roy Kumar embodies the very best of the Australian spirit — resilience, generosity and a commitment to lifting others.
And perhaps his greatest message is the simplest of all: no matter where you come from, no matter what challenges you face, one person can make a difference.
Tonee Sethi
