Australian Lebanese Foundation
About us
We support the Australian Lebanese community and foster links between the University of Sydney and Lebanon, with particular ties to the Lebanese University.
We aim to:
- strengthen the relationship between Australia and Lebanon
- create opportunities for collaborative teaching and research
- build community knowledge and interest in educational opportunities and achievements
- support the exchange of academic staff and students.
We're formally recognised within the University community and report to the Senate.
Our 2021 council members were:
- Professor Fadia Ghossayn AM, Patron
- Dr Domit Azar, President
- Dr Walid Kesserweni, Vice President
- Mr Gabriel Sawaya, Treasurer
- Ms Natalie Merheb, Secretary
- Ms Giovanna Ayoub
- Mr Rony Azzi
- Ms Jamal Bakalian
- Ms Adella Beaini
- Mr Andrew Coorey
- Ms Pascale Esber
- Mr George Hadchiti
- Ms Merae Kayrouz
- Dr George Nohra
- Mr Marwan Rahme
- Mr Ronnie Rahme
Our 2020 council members were:
- Professor Fadia Ghossayn AM, Patron
- Dr Walid Kesserweni, President
- Dr Domit Azar, Vice President
- Mr Gabriel Sawaya, Treasurer
- Ms Natalie Spiridon, Secretary
- Ms Giovanna Ayoub
- Mr Rony Azzi
- Ms Jamal Bakalian
- Ms Adella Beaini
- Mr Andrew Coorey
- Ms Pascale Esber
- Mr George Hadchiti
- Ms Merae Kayrouz
- Dr George Nohra
- Mr Marwan Rahme
- Mr Ronnie Rahme
Our council are elected at the Annual General Meeting, with the council then electing office bearers.
Our 2019 council members were:
- Professor Fadia Ghossayn AM, President
- Pierre El Alam, Vice President
- Fawaz Sankari, Treasurer
- Dr Domit Azar
- George Hadchiti
- Dr Walid Kesserweni
- Dr Elie Matar
- Marwan Rahme
- Dr Jamal Rifi
- Phillip Salem
- Natalie Spiridon
Our ex officio council members are:
Our scholarship
With the generous support of our sponsors, we offer a scholarship for University of Sydney students. In 2023, these scholarships have been sponsored by Apollo Joinery Group; Arab Bank Australia; Bank of Sydney and Callington Mill Distillery.
| Selection criteria | Awarded on a combination of high school examination results (ATAR) and other achievements (eg, leadership, creativity, self-motivation and communication skills). |
| Eligibility | Applicants must:
Note: Preference is given to students with a Lebanese background. |
| Value | $3000 for one year only |
| How to apply | Applications for 2023 are now open |
2023 ALF Scholarships
- Apollo Joinery scholarship awarded to Michael Bejjani studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics
- Arab Bank Australia scholarship awarded to Salim Chidiac studying Bachelor of Engineering Honours and Bachelor of Arts with a major in History
- Bank of Sydney scholarship awarded to Matthew Nicolas studying B. Design in Architecture
- Callington Mill Distillery scholarship awarded to Angela Sassine studying B. Design in Architecture (Honours) & Masters of Architecture
2022 ALF Scholarships
- Apollo Joinery scholarship awarded to Marc Awad studying B. Civil Engineering
- Arab Bank Australia scholarship awarded to Jerome Azzi studying B. Applied Science (Physiology)
- Bank of Sydney scholarship awarded to Elias Chahine studying B. Commerce
- Callington Mill Distillery scholarship awarded to Celine Moussa studying B. Pharmacy
- Paynter Dixon scholarship awarded to Matthew Moussa studying B. Science (Medical Science)
Our events
We host a number of fundraising and community events throughout the year. These include a scholarship presentation and talent showcase dinner, formal dinners with distinguished guests, networking events and free public lectures with eminent guests.
Follow us on Facebook to be notified about upcoming events or contact us at alf@sydney.edu.au to join our mailing list.
Support us
Our work is enabled by our generous supporters and sponsors. In addition to attending our fundraising events, you can also help our cause by making a donation or sponsoring an event or scholarship. Donations over $2 to the Australian Lebanese Foundation are tax deductible.
Please contact us at alf@sydney.edu.au or call Susi Touma on + 61 2 9351 5413.