As we move through February, the energy of our club is palpable. We’ve just celebrated the vibrant Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, and we are already looking ahead to a monumental milestone in our club’s history.
Reflecting on Our Rich History
Last week, we were transported back in time at our Tuesday meeting. Historian Peter Hack delivered a fascinating presentation on the Chinese Australian Connection – The Art Deco of Shanghai Department Store. It was a brilliant deep dive into the rich history that links Sydney's Haymarket traders to our broader community fabric. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Peter Hack for bringing that heritage to life.
A Celebration for the Anniversary of 105 Years of Service Above Self
Looking forward, your club committees are working tirelessly behind the scenes. We are planning something truly special to commemorate 105 Years of Rotary in Australia, and I am thrilled to invite you to save the date. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 5th, 2026. We will be hosting our "105th Anniversary Gala Dinner" in the elegant setting of the Stranger’s Dining Room at NSW Parliament House. It promises to be a night of reflection, celebration, and fellowship. We’ll look back on how Rotary has shaped our society, honour our legacy, and then dance the night away. Dress in your finest and prepare for a memorable evening. Full program details and ticketing information will be released soon.
Rotary in Action
It was wonderful to see a strong Rotary presence at the North Sydney Oval on Friday, 13th February. A group of our members, supported by RAWCS CEO Mahir Momand, attended the Governor-General’s XI women’s cricket match as Australia took on the World Champion India team. Not only was it a fantastic day of sport and fellowship, but it also provided a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate Rotary’s strong support for Her Excellency’s team.
Supporting Health & Wellbeing: The Joan Salter Awards
I also want to draw your attention to a significant opportunity for impact. Applications for the prestigious Joan Salter Awards are now open. This $50,000 research grant supports three years study programs dedicated to advancing health and wellbeing initiatives. Past recipients, including The Be Centre, Top Blokes Foundation, and The Kidman Centre, they have all done incredible work. If you know a project which could benefit from the grant, please share the details. The application deadline is 20th April 2026, and full details are on our website.
Vale Dame Marie Bashir
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the recent passing of our former Honorary Member, Professor Dame Marie Bashir. She was a woman of incredible spirit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the community. We will forever remember her inspiring personality and the grace she brought to every room. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends. Rest in Peace, Dame Marie.
Let us Unite For Good, charge into the Lunar New Year of Fire Horse, and continue achieving our motto of "Service Above Self."
Thank you all for your continued dedication and contribution.
Yours in Rotary Service,
With gratitude,
Phoebe Alexander
President, Sydney Rotary Club
2025-2026
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 3rd March: Understanding Interplast
Join Dianne North OAM for a special lunchtime update on Interplast's life-changing surgical work. Monday 3rd March. Book Here
Tuesday, 17th March:Building Peace, One Scholar at the Time
Meet Rotary's future peace builders! Hear from Grace Stanhope (Lowy Inst. → Sweden) & Tamkin Hakim (Afghan women's education → Turkey). Inspiring stories 2026.Book Here
Saturday, March 14th: Rotary District 9675 Conference – Aspire to Inspire Our District Conference is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Rotary club's spirit and unity. Please register to support! (Full day conference + Gala Dinner cost is $180.00). Registration Link
ANZAC Day BBQ Saturday, April 25th: This is our club’s once-a-year major BBQ project. On the day you not only enjoy the fellowships, watch the Parade from an advantage point, serving the public, and showcasing Rotary’s Motto - Service Above Self. Please look out for a volunteer email from Rotarian Hanna Mykytenko, your assistance will be invaluable.
Tuesday, April 28th: Vision Beyond Aus Charity Golf Day & Dinner
Venue: Castle Hill Country Club.
A fun day supporting Vision Beyond Aus (VBA), funding sight-restoring surgery in third-world countries. Golf and/or Dinner options available (Dinner commences at 6 pm).Registration Link
Tuesday, May 5th: 2026 Celebrating Rotary 105 Anniversary Gala Dinner
Details Coming Soon
June 13-17, 2026: Rotary Taipei Convention
Please Register before the pre-registration discount ends on March 31st, 2026:
If you are attending, please contact me so we can arrange a club meet-up! I have also organised an optional 3-day Pre-Convention Taiwan Cultural Tour—drop me a line for the itinerary. Also, China Airlines has15% discount to flights for Rotarians attending the Taipei Convention. For more details please contact Phoebe Alexander
Rebuilding Lives with Interplast
You are invited to a special lunchtime event with Dianne North OAM on Monday, 3rd March at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel. Dianne will share exciting updates from Interplast, the Rotary-founded organisation sending surgical teams across the Asia- Pacific to rebuild lives and train local doctors. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect and be inspired. Book Now
Date: Tuesday, 3rd March
Venue: Castlereagh Boutique Hotel
Meet Our 2026 Rotary Peace Fellows
Join us for an inspiring luncheon to meet the Rotary Club of Sydney’s 2026 Peace Fellows. Hear from Grace Stanhope (Lowy Institute) as she prepares for Uppsala University to study international security, and Tamkin Hakim, a advocate for Afghan women’s education heading to Bahçeşehir University.
Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn ACan Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Sydney, hosted the Governor-General’s XI at North Sydney Oval for a Women’s Cricket match against India. It was a fantastic evening of sport, and we were proud to see a strong Rotary contingent in the crowd cheering her on.
The Art Deco Department Stores of Shanghai: The Chinese-Australian Connection.
Sydney Rotary Business Networking & Social Evening
Sydney Rotary offers a vibrant environment where successful business people collaborate, grow, and unite for good. Meet members, learn about projects, and explore how joining this dynamic club can enrich both your personal and professional life.
We're excited to show you why successful individuals are finding their place with us.
Date: Wed 18 March 2026
Venue: Castlereagh Boutique Hotel (near Gadigal Metro Station)
