Members Latest News

Collective Action for SDG’s: 6, 7, 12, 14 and 15

The climate crisis is no longer a distant concern—it is a pressing reality impacting lives and ecosystems around the world. As Soroptimists, we have a duty to act – not just as individuals, but together as a global force for change. Our actions—big or small matter.

SI President 2024 –2025, Siew Yong Gnanalingam is asking all Soroptimists and Clubs to take meaningful action to address the climate crisis and care for our environment. Whether through tree planting, reducing waste, promoting clean energy, or advocating for climate justice—your contribution is vital.

To mark the final months of her biennium, President Siew Yong invites you to share your impact. Please submit a video clip (maximum 3 minutes) showing how you or your Soroptimist Club are taking steps to combat climate change or protect the environment. These clips will form part of a powerful compilation video to be released on 24 October 2025 —International Day of Climate Action.

How to Take Part

Create a short video (good quality, MP4 or .MOV format) filmed in landscape orientation, with clear audio in English, covering the following:

• Your name
• Your Club name
• Location of your project
• The environmental or climate issue being addressed
• Your solution or approach
• The actions being taken
• The outcomes you hope to achieve
   

Send your video to Federation Programme Team via the upload link below. 

Deadline for receipt of video clips: 31 July 2025

Recognition and Impact

All projects will receive a Soroptimist International South East Asia and Soroptimist International Certificate of Recognition.

Let’s celebrate and amplify our global impact. Share your story. Inspire others.

Together, we can lead the way in protecting Mother Earth.

Dear Soroptimists and Friends,

The powerful earthquake which has shaken Myanmar, left families homeless, communities in ruins, and futures uncertain. The devastation is immense — but so is our determination to help.

Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific has launched the “Myanmar Rising: Earthquake Response Fund” to bring urgent relief and long-term recovery to those most affected — especially women and children.

We are proud to support the Emergency Action Alliance, a trusted collective of leading Australian aid organisations, who are working together to deliver fast, effective, and coordinated help on the ground in Myanmar.

All donations to this fund will go directly to the Emergency Action Alliance.

Your contribution will help provide:

- Emergency food, water, and shelter

- Medical aid and trauma support

- Recovery and rebuilding of communities

- Empowerment and livelihood support for women and families

Let us stand with Myanmar. Let us help them rise again — stronger and safer.

Every donation counts. Every act of kindness matters.

Please give today.

Statement of Support for Earthquake Survivors in Myanmar

Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in the wake of the devastating earthquake that has caused immense loss and suffering. Our hearts go out to the survivors, the families who have lost loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic disaster.

In times of crisis, the strength of our communities is more important than ever. We commend the efforts of first responders, humanitarian organizations, and volunteers who are tirelessly working to provide aid and relief.

As an organisation committed to empowering women and communities, we will explore ways to assist those affected, especially women and children who are often the most vulnerable during disasters. We call upon our members and partners to extend their support in any way possible—whether through donations, advocacy, or direct assistance. The SISEAP leadership team is looking into a possible Special Appeal as we are gathering more information.

Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need. Let us stand united in compassion and action for the people of Myanmar.

Joanne Yeoh
SISEAP President 2024-2026
president.joanne@siseap.org

Each year, Soroptimist Clubs are invited to nominate for the Best Practice Awards.   These awards are for Recruitment and Retention, Diversity and Innovation.

These are the winners for 2025 for achievement in membership from 1st of January - 31st of December 2024.

SISEAP Recruitment and Retention Membership Award 2025

Winners: SI South Perth

SISEAP Diversity of Membership Award 2025 

Winners: SI Ba

SISEAP Diversity of Membership Award 2025 

Winners: SI SEAP Sisters Online

SISEAP Membership Innovation Award 2025

Winners: SI South West Slopes

SISEAP Membership Innovation Award 2025

Winners: SI Northern Beaches

SISEAP 50+ Years of Service

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the prestigious certificates honoring those who have dedicated over 50 years of service with Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific.

These outstanding individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment, and passion throughout their decades of service, leaving a lasting positive impact in their community and the SISEAP Federation. Their remarkable dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these wonderful awardees.

Congratulations Lesley Lambert for 50+ years of service

Lesley Lambert is a member of SI Mandurah and has been a member of SI Subiaco, Fremantle, Joondalup and Mandurah.

Over the years she has held many roles including Region President, Club President, Secretary, Treasurer, Region Delegate, Publicity Officer and United Nations Reporter Liaison. 

Lesley has also attended a number of conferences throughout her membership.

Lesley's extensive experience and knowledge with a number of West Australian Clubs and Region has been an invaluable source of support for the Mandurah Club during the charter process and its formative years.

Congratulations Margaret Lobo 50+ years of service

Margaret is a member of SI Perth and became a Club Life member in 2012, and a Federation Life member in 2014.

She was Past International President 2007 - 2009 and a Past Federation President. Margaret has also held various positions in the Region of Western Australia and a long time mentor to Soroptimists.

Website Security Upgrade

The SISEAP website will be undergoing major security maintenance commencing on the 1st of April. This work is scheduled to take approximately 2 weeks and then 1-2 weeks of testing.

Members will be informed when this work is completed.

Impact to Members
The website will still function, and members will still be able to access both the public and the members area.   

Payment of new members
HQ will continue to process payment of new members and outstanding capitation fees. However, any new members and exited members WILL NOT be posted to the membership database. New members will not receive their membership number, password, welcome letter and access to the members area of the website until this work is completed.

What you cannot do:
Members will not be able to update position holders, and or make amendments to the membership personal details area. 
 
What you can do:
Events and Club Pages
Members can still publicise events and update club pages, but you will need to replicate this work on the new website when it becomes available (you will be informed). 

Payments
Membership payments can still be paid via the website. 
 
Donations 
Donations can still be made through the website 
 
Directory
Members will still be able to search the directory for member's information.

Downloads
All downloads will still work, and all links will still operate.
 
Please continue to utilize the website and all of its resources. The AGM, General Meeting and Federation meeting information will be constantly updated with information and links to complete registration forms and download documents for these important meetings. 

Federation General Meeting

AGM & Company General Meeting

Statement of Support for Earthquake Survivors in Myanmar

Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in the wake of the devastating earthquake that has caused immense loss and suffering. Our hearts go out to the survivors, the families who have lost loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic disaster.

In times of crisis, the strength of our communities is more important than ever. We commend the efforts of first responders, humanitarian organizations, and volunteers who are tirelessly working to provide aid and relief.

As an organisation committed to empowering women and communities, we will explore ways to assist those affected, especially women and children who are often the most vulnerable during disasters. We call upon our members and partners to extend their support in any way possible—whether through donations, advocacy, or direct assistance. The SISEAP leadership team is looking into a possible Special Appeal as we are gathering more information.

Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need. Let us stand united in compassion and action for the people of Myanmar.

The Leadership Team

Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific

AGM & Company General Meeting

Saturday 10 May 2025

3pm AEST

Registrations Close 4 May 5pm AEST

Federation General Meeting

Sunday 18 May 2025

10am AEST

Registrations Close 10 May 5pm AEST

Correction
Please note a correction to the email sent on 28 April by the Company Secretary. The date listed on the Expanded Agenda for the AGM & General Meeting incorrectly read Sunday. The correct date is Saturday 10th May 2025. Apologies for any confusion caused.

Announcement of SISEAP President-Elect 2026-2028

On behalf of President Joanne, we are pleased to confirm that Oyungerel Retsen is the President - Elect for the Biennium 2026 - 2028 but will need to comply with the Australian company laws.

Congratulations, Oyungerel.

Website Upgrade Complete

The website php version has been updated and this has strengthened security protocols, the system has faster loading times and improved functionality, SISEAP data is now safer and more secure. Members are now able to use the website to create events, edit their club pages and personal details.  If it has been awhile since you used the members area of the website and logged in please revisit the site and update your personal contact details.  

Record of Decisions - New Format

Notification to members regarding the new format of the Record of Decisions (ROD) from the SISEAP meetings

The old ROD which was a mix of historical data relating to the SISWP Federation and the ROD's from AGM's and Federation Board Meetings has been archived. This version is stored on the company drive and can be accessed by Federation Position holders. 

A new ROD dated from 2020 to April 2025, is on the website, this version contains records of decisions from the Company AGM and General Meetings, the Federation meetings and the Company Directors meetings.  Members can access this new version from the Downloads section on the website. 

Call for Nominations - SISEAP Directors

Here’s your chance to make a difference and further your professional experience. Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP) is seeking applications from interested and qualified Soroptimists for vacancies for Directors. The successful applicants will take office at the end of the AGM on May 10, 2025 and in the first instance, serve for three years, renewable to a maximum of eight years.

SISEAP has seven Directors and one third must retire each year. According to the Corporations Act, at each annual general meeting, any Director appointed by the Directors to fill a casual vacancy or as an additional Director must retire, and at least one-third of the remaining Directors must retire. Under our Constitution, the Immediate Past President automatically retires after one year in that position and is replaced by the new President Elect. At the end of her biennium, the President remains for one year as Immediate Past President and a Director.

It is a legal requirement you have a Director Identification Number before you can be appointed and we will only consider applicants that have already obtained their Director Identification Number. Refer to the Australian Business Registry website for further information. Here is the link to the site: https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Friday 28 March 2025.

For further information please contact Company Secretary Theresa Lyford companysecretary@siseap.org

SISEAP President-Elect 2026-2028 Biennium

AGM & Company General Meeting

The Company General Meeting will follow the AGM. There is no cost to attend this meeting.

Draft Agenda for Company Annual General Meeting and Company General Meeting to be circulated to Members (Clubs) on 1 April 2025.

Representation
One authorised representative from each financial member (Club) within the Federation or a proxy representative should attend this meeting. A proxy representative must be an individual Soroptimist from another member club ie a club within SISEAP. Other Club members may also attend all meetings but will be Observers and not be able to speak.

Registration Forms
These will be sent on 1 April 2025.  There will be separate registration forms for Club Representatives and Silent Observers for the Annual General Meeting and Company Meeting.

Distribution of Business Papers
Business papers including the Final Agenda, Resolutions, Items for Discussion and Reports will be circulated to Clubs on 30 April 2025.

Federation General Meeting

The Virtual Federation General Meeting will be held on Sunday 18 May 2025.

Reports
Would all Federation Position Holders and National Presidents ensure that their reports are sent to the Federation Secretary and HQ before 22 March so that they can be sent out on 1 April.
 
Representation
One authorised representative from each financial member (Club) within the Federation or a proxy representative should attend this meeting. A proxy representative must be an individual Soroptimist from another member club i.e. a club within SISEAP. Other Club members may also attend all meetings but will be Observers and not be able to speak.
 
Registration Forms
These will be sent on 1 April 2025.  There will be separate registration forms for Club Representatives and Silent Observers for the Federation General Meeting.
 
Distribution of Business Papers
Business papers including the Agenda, Resolutions, Items for Discussion and Reports will be circulated to Clubs on 1 April 2025.
 
Question Form For the Federation General Meetings
Clubs will be invited to submit questions of the Federation Position Holders and National Presidents for the Federation General Meeting. This form will be distributed with the business papers on 1 April 2025.

SISEAP Honours & Remembrance Form
Please return the completed Honours and Remembrance form to the Federation Secretary by 15 April 2025.

Federation Fees 2025

A reminder that Federation Capitation fees were due on 28 February. For Clubs that have not yet made their payment they are now overdue, please submit your Annual Return forms and payment as soon as possible.

All Clubs who have submitted their Annual Return forms and made payment, thank you for your patience in advance, as there is a large volume and we hope to process them over the coming weeks. Once processed you will receive an invoice receipt along with any new membership numbers if applicable.

2025 Club Position Holders Changeovers

Each year after the Club AGM, the newly elected Club Officers & Position Holders need to be added into our database. It is very important that each Club completes this task by 31 March 2025.

Information regarding the 2025 SISEAP Company AGM and General Meeting being held on 10 May 2025 and the Federation Meeting being held on 18 May 2025.  

Call to clubs to submit any resolutions to the company constitution to Company Secretary Theresa Lyford companysecretary@siseap.org and resolutions for the Federation meeting sent to Federation Secretary Berice federationsecretary@siseap.org

Deadline for submission 15 February 2025.

The Company By-Laws state that Resolutions for the Company AGM and General Meeting require the following:
14.2.1 For general meetings of the company – by the directors or by members (clubs) with at least 5% of the votes

14.4 Any motion which requires a special resolution (e.g. to amend the company constitution, wind up the company and change classes of membership) must be voted on at a hybrid, virtual or physical (face to face) general meeting and shall require the agreement of at least seventy five percent (75%) of all members entitled to vote.

The Federation meeting will consist of general Federation business, Best Practice Awards for Programme and  Membership, and the National President reports.  

The Company By-Laws state that Resolutions for Federation Meetings require the following:
14.2.3 For Federation meetings – moved by one member (club) and seconded by another

All resolutions will need to be written on the  Resolutions form prior to 4pm Sydney time (AEDT) on 15 February 2025 to allow for internal processing and distribution to members (clubs).

Notification:  The SISEAP Federation Meeting is to be held on 18 May 2025.  

This information page is for members attending the SISEAP AGM, General Meeting of Federation meeting, either as a  Member (club) representative or silent oberver. 

Information on this page will be updated on a regular basis and will include

• General Information to Members
• Actions to be undertaken
• Links to register for the meetings.
• Links to documentation including Agenda's, Reports and supporting documentation.

Information page for members attending the SISEAP AGM, General Meeting or Federation meeting, either as a Representative (club) , or silent observer

14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

To be held on Saturday 10th of May 2025, at 3pm AEST this will be a virtual meeting.  SISEAP Member (club) representatives are invited to attend.   Silent Observers will be able to view proceedings via a live stream.  

Company General Meeting

To be held on Saturday 10th of May 2025, will commence at the conclusion of the AGM,  this will be a virtual meeting.  SISEAP Member (club) representatives are invited to attend.   Silent Observers will be able to view proceedings via a live stream.  

Federation Meeting

To be held on Sunday 18th of May at (time), this will be a virtual meeting.  Soroptimist members and friends are invited to this meeting. 

Nominees for SISEAP Director positions

President Joanne is pleased to announce that at the AGM held onthe 10th of May,  the following members were voted in as Directors of the company.  

Kerry Beer,  Terry Maunsell, Helena Cheah, Maria Tsovleas, Wendy Evans, Deborah Wood

Federation General Meeting 18th May 2025

BUSINESS PAPERS

Agenda:     pdf Federation Virtual General Meeting Agenda 18 May 2025(350 KB)

Federation Convenors Reports

pdf SISEAP Executive repots(2.64 MB)

pdf SISEAP Programme Report 2025(1.39 MB)

pdf SISEAP Membership reports 2025(936 KB)

NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S REPORTS

pdf SISEAP National President's reports(1.52 MB)

Members and guests are invited to attend the Federation General Meeting.  Highlights of the meeting will be the Programme and Membership Best Practice awards.  The National Presidents annual report presentations. The Federation Project - The Brilliant Futures Fund presentation.  Programme and Membership presentations. 

Attendance at the meeting

One authorised representative from each financial member (Club) within the Federation or a proxy representative should attend this meeting. A proxy representative must be an individual Soroptimist from another member club i.e. a club within SISEAP.

Members and guests are welcome to attend both meetings as silent observers.

Registration to attend the meeting

Registration for representatives, proxy representatives and silent observers will open on the 1st of April

There will be two separate registration forms.  One for the member (club) representative and proxy representative.  One for members and guests who will be silent observers.

Please note: Your club president, secretary or treasurer are required to use the link to register your club representative. This link will need to be utilized from your club email account, i.e. you
will need to be logged into your club email account from www.google.com.  If you have your club email account forwarded to a personal email account such as outlook etc, the link will not work.

Actions items for Club Secretaries

• Questions to the Federation General Meeting

Member (clubs) are invited to submit questions to the Federation Position Holders and National Presidents.  Questions are to be submitted via the official form.

• SISEAP Honours & Remembrance Notification

Member (clubs) are invited to inform the Federation of any honours bestowed on individual members and remembrances of deceased members , which will be acknowledged at the meeting.  Notification is via the official form (link below).  Closing date for notification will be the 15th of April 2025.  

  document Honours and Rememberance Notification Form (151 KB)