Aerial view of Beirut from ocean

Australian Lebanese Foundation

With the support of our sponsors, we promote cultural, academic and student exchange between Australia and Lebanon, provide scholarships and engage with the Australian Lebanese community.

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 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:

  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • have completed their secondary studies in 2020 or 2021
  • have received an offer of admission to the University of Sydney.

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 B. Law/ B. Economics
  • Arab Bank Australia scholarship awarded to Salim Chidiac studying B. Engineering (Honours) & B. Arts (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.

Australian Lebanese Foundation

Address
  • Level 2, Services Building (G12), Camperdown Campus 2006