Community Impact Award 2026
Presented by the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns MP

For Rejimon Punchayil, the journey towards creating meaningful social impact began with a simple act of kindness—and an encounter that would shape the course of his life.

Shortly after arriving in Australia, Rejimon spent several hours helping an elderly woman who had become lost in a shopping centre car park. What may have seemed like an ordinary gesture of assistance left a lasting impression on him. He began to recognise that for many older people, people living with disability and veterans, losing independence is not necessarily about a lack of determination. Often, it is about the systems and environments around them not being designed to meet their needs.

That realisation sparked a commitment to helping people live with greater independence, dignity and confidence.

Today, Rejimon is the Founder and Owner of Karis Life, an Australian assistive technology company that has grown into a trusted partner for occupational therapists, aged care providers, rehabilitation services, veterans, NDIS participants and families across New South Wales.

What began as a small assistive technology business has evolved under Rejimon’s leadership into an organisation focused not only on providing practical solutions, but also on education, clinical collaboration, personalised service and innovation.

For Rejimon, assistive technology is about much more than equipment. It is about enabling people to continue doing the things that matter to them—safely, confidently and on their own terms.

His advocacy extends beyond the day-to-day work of Karis Life. A passionate supporter of healthy ageing and independent living, Rejimon regularly writes and speaks about assistive technology, accessibility, falls prevention and ageing well. Through initiatives such as Live Life Better community seminars and continuing professional development programs for occupational therapists, he has worked to increase awareness and understanding of assistive technology within the wider community.

His commitment to creating positive change also reaches beyond Australia.

Rejimon has supported kidney dialysis initiatives in Kerala and contributed to efforts to recycle assistive technology equipment for communities in Fiji. More recently, he has been mentoring First Nations youth while exploring community-led approaches to improving access to assistive technology in regional and remote parts of Australia.

These initiatives reflect a broader philosophy that has remained central to his work: business can be a vehicle for social good.

Rejimon believes that compassion, knowledge and innovation can work together to create opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to living independently. His approach places people at the centre, focusing on practical solutions that can make a tangible difference in everyday life.

The Community Impact Award 2026, presented by NSW Premier Chris Minns MP, recognises that commitment to service and the wider community impact of Rejimon’s work.

From a chance encounter with a lost elderly woman to building an organisation dedicated to empowering thousands of individuals and families, Rejimon’s journey demonstrates how a moment of compassion can evolve into a lifelong mission.

Through Karis Life and his continued community involvement, he remains committed to a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and confidence.