Corporate Ethics 2026: The Influence of Elevated Community Expectations – Sustainability and Climate ChangeThe Rotary Club of Sydney is pleased to host its annual ethics event, featuring a keynote address from Ms. Siobhan Toohill, a senior advisor to business and government on sustainability and governance.

About the Talk:
In an era defined by climate urgency, community expectations are a powerful force reshaping corporate ethics. This session will delve into how public attitudes towards sustainability are evolving and, critically, how this shift is compelling changes in the behavior and strategic governance of both businesses and governments. It’s a deep dive into the practicalities of leading with integrity in a transitioning world.

About Our Speaker:
Siobhan Toohill is a renowned expert with a 20+ year career leading sustainability in major corporations. Her landmark roles include being Australia's first Chief Sustainability Officer in listed financial services, where she was accountable for climate policy, human rights, and natural capital strategies. Her extensive board and advisory experience includes serving as a NSW Councillor for the AICD, Director of Landcom, member of the Australian Government’s Nature Repair Committee, and former co-chair of the UN Environment Programme's Banking Board.

Who Should Attend:
This event is designed for Rotary members, guests, prospective members, and professionals from Sydney's corporate sector. It is particularly relevant for leaders in governance, risk, compliance, sustainability (ESG), and anyone interested in how ethical business practices are defined by our changing world.

Event Format:
• In-Person: A standard Rotary Club lunch will be held at the heritage-listed Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in the heart of Sydney's CBD.

Register Now

Contact: For all inquiries, please contact Michael Chilcott at mjchilcott@gmail.com.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Rotary Club of Sydney!

Join us for a special Lunar New Year luncheon and talk on the first day of the Year of the Horse, Tuesday, 17th February 2026.

We are honoured to host Peter Hack, a respected historian from the Chinese Heritage Historical Association (CHHA), for a captivating presentation:

"The Art Deco Department Stores of Shanghai: The Chinese-Australian Connection"

Shanghai’s Nanjing Road is world-famous for its iconic Art Deco department stores. But who built them? In this fascinating talk, Peter Hack will unveil the incredible, little-known story of the Chinese-Australian merchants from Sydney’s own Haymarket who were the key players.

Discover how these grand emporiums of entertainment and commerce, which sold the best goods from around the world, have their roots in the bustling banana trade of Sydney! This is a unique tale of international success, connecting our city's history directly to one of the world's great metropolises.

About Our Speaker:
Peter Hack is a researcher and historian of modern Chinese history and Chinese Australians. A life member of the Museum of Chinese Australian History and Treasurer of the CHHA, he is the author of "The Art Deco Department Stores of Shanghai: The Chinese-Australian Connection." He is a regular visitor to China and spoke at the 2015 World Congress on Art Deco in Shanghai.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 17th February 2026

• Time: 12:15 PM for a 12:30 PM start

• Venue: Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

• Ticket Includes: Luncheon and presentation.

Register Now

Bookings are essential. Secure your place for this enlightening celebration of culture and history today!

Building Peace, One Scholar at a Time: Meet Our 2026 Rotary Peace Fellows

The Rotary Club of Sydney cordially invites you to a special and inspiring regular meeting featuring our latest Rotary Peace Scholarship recipients. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a globally competitive program that awards fellowships to dedicated leaders worldwide to study at premier peace institutions.

In this session, you will meet two remarkable individuals selected for their commitment to community service and peacebuilding:

• Grace Stanhope, a research associate with the Lowy Institute in Sydney, who will be pursuing her studies at Uppsala University in Sweden. Grace will share insights from her work on international security and her aspirations for contributing to global peace policy.

• Tamkin Hakim, who works tirelessly to support 'underground education' initiatives for Afghan women under the current regime. Preparing to study at Bahcesehir University in Turkey, Tamkin will offer a powerful, firsthand perspective on resilience, advocacy, and the fight for fundamental rights.

This is more than a club meeting; it's a window into how Rotary International strategically invests in the people who are addressing the root causes of conflict. It's an opportunity to be inspired, ask questions, and understand the tangible impact of Rotary's six areas of focus.

All members, guests, partner organisations, and individuals passionate about peace, international development, and education are welcome.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 17th of March, 2026

• Time: 12:30 PM sharp

• Location: UBS, Sydney (Specific address details to be confirmed)

• Format: In-person only. This is a regular club meeting with a special program.

Register Now

For inquiries, please contact: David Hirsch at dhirsch@selbornechambers.com.au.

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