Cheng Lei LIVE: From Chinese Prison to Press Freedom Fighter
Sydney Rotary presents an exclusive lunch event with Cheng Lei, the Australian journalist detained in Beijing for over three years on charges of leaking “state secrets.”
Now a Sky News presenter and Press Freedom Award winner, Cheng shares her powerful story — arrest, survival, release — and the price of truth.
United in Service: President Phoebe’s First Message
In unity, there is strength, and in service, there is purpose.
Dear Members and Friends,
As we begin the 2025–2026 Rotary year, thank you for your continued support and passion for our Club’s mission.
Following the unexpected resignation of our President-Elect, I’ve accepted the Board’s request to step into the role of President earlier than planned. I’m honoured by this trust and inspired by the unity shown during this transition.
I’d like to warmly thank Immediate Past President Glenn Stafford, Club Secretary Paul McKenzie, Executive Secretary Geoff Welbow, and Membership Director Mark Dyer for their dedication and tireless work over the past year — your support remains invaluable.
A new Board and Committee Chairs have now been appointed (listed below). I thank each of them for stepping up — your leadership is the heart of our Club.
Let’s make this a year of impact, collaboration, and service.
With gratitude,
Phoebe Alexander
President, Sydney Rotary Club
warm welcome to our new members
Pleased to welcome our new members Nicole Forrest Green and Ali Ozer. A special visit from Past President Geoff McIntyre made this induction extra special.
Sydney Rotary is open to new members who subscribe to Rotary's values of Business with Purpose & Service Above Self.
Above L to R: PP Mark Dyer, Inductee Rotarian Ali Ozer, President Phoebe Alexander, Inductee Rotarian Nicole Forrest Green, PP Geoff McIntyre AM.
Below L to R: Inductee Rotarian Olga Kurushyna, Past President Glenn Stafford, Inductee Rotarian Alfred Mupenzi PhD, Inductee Rotarian José Montemayor, Inductee Rotarian Roselle Gowan, Inductee Rotarian Samuel Frimpong PhD, Inductee Rotarian Michael Silman
Business with Purpose
Sydney Rotary membership is growing as successful business leaders seek to connect with like-minded individuals, united by a shared drive for impactful purpose.
FIRESTORM AT ROTARY:
CHINA WARNING IGNITES DEBATE
Sydney Rotary kicked off the year with fireworks as Professor Jocelyn Chey AM — veteran diplomat and expert on Australia–China relations — delivered a provocative keynote titled “Red Sky in the Morning – A China Warning.”
Far from a polite briefing, Chey’s talk was a witty, unflinching take on decades of diplomacy, critiquing both Beijing’s assertiveness and Australia’s missteps.
Her bold remarks drew praise from many for their honesty, but also stirred unease among those who felt the tone may have been too blunt for Rotary’s diplomatic tradition.
Controversial or courageous — the message was clear: Rotary’s 2025 speaker series isn’t pulling any punches.
Celebrating the Joan Salter Award:
Real Impact, Real Change
On 15 July, Sydney Rotary proudly marked the continued legacy of the Joan Salter Award, a flagship $45,000 three-year grant supporting innovative programs that empower young people.
Top Blokes Foundation, our past recipient, shared the impressive outcomes of their collaboration with the UTS Kidman Centre, focusing on early intervention in young men’s mental health through mentoring.
Melissa, a passionate program leader and former RYLA Camp participant, reflected on how the idea first sparked during her Rotary journey. Thanks to the grant, the outcomes have been “amazing” — with real, measurable impact.
Our current award recipient, the Be Centre, is partnering with Deakin University to assess the effectiveness of play therapy for children recovering from trauma. Early results already show remarkable improvements in emotional wellbeing and resilience.
This celebration was a powerful reminder of how Rotary transforms generosity into lasting impact — through compassion, evidence, and a commitment to young lives.
*Picture from left: PP Glenn Stafford, Melissa Abu-Gazaleh -Top Blokes, PP Geoff McIntyre AM & Tania Taylor - Be Center
Next Meeting
Tuesday 5th August 2025
Time: 12:15 PM for 12:30 PM start Club Meeting Bookings Essential - Click Here
Rotary Police Officer of the Year Preview
We’re pleased to welcome Trina Phillips, President of the Rotary Club of Macquarie Park, for an inside look at the Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards — a major statewide initiative in partnership with NSW Police, Sydney Rotary Clubs and Rotary Club of Macquarie Park.
We also honour local officers who embody Rotary’s “Service Above Self”, and support their nomination for this prestigious award.
Save the Date: 7 November 2025
The gala dinner will be held on Friday, 7 November at the Hyatt Regency Sydney — a night to celebrate courage, service, and community spirit.
Join our Rotary "Tumble Turns" Team for the MS Mega Swim this August 30-31 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre!
Imagine hundreds uniting for 24 hours to fund vital MS research – it's an electric atmosphere.
Whether you swim a few laps (dog-paddling counts!), cook at our poolside BBQ, or donate, every role makes a huge difference. We need you all to make waves against MS!
nity, there is strength, and in service, there is purpose.
ey Rotary kicked off the year with fireworks as Professor Jocelyn Chey AM — veteran diplomat and expert on Australia–China relations — delivered a provocative keynote titled “Red Sky in the Morning – A China Warning.”
