Lane Cove Community Brave the Storm to Attend Lane Cove Rotary’s Talk on Mental Health by Peter Joseph AM

Over 60 people braved Sydney's severe weather warnings to attend a speaking session on life and loss.

Despite torrential weather, over 60 people attended a speaking session by Black Dog Institute founding chair Peter Joseph AM for a conversation on finding direction through a much more personal storm, mental health.

The event held on 1 July 2025, was hosted by Lane Cove Rotary at The Diddy, kicking off the month by discussing the subjects of life, loss and finding purpose through service.

Peter was a Rotary Global Scholar nearly 60 years ago. He said the experience helped shape his values and direction in life while also providing a platform for the establishment of The Black Dog Institute, now in its 22nd year.

“Rotary changed my life,” he said. “It gave me the mindset – and the platform – to do something meaningful. It was also the catalyst for meeting Nettie, my wife of 55 years!”

Audience listening to Peter Joseph AM & Emma Rossi at Rotary Lane Cove

Peter is a leader in both corporate and philanthropic sectors and has experienced many hardships of his own, which paved his journey in life and work in the health sector.

One of the topics discussed that night was the origins of the Black Dog Institute, established in 2002. The not-for-profit organisation was established around the same time when Peter’s son took his own life following a 14-year long episodic struggle with mental illness.

The night was hosted in an interview format by journalist and Australia Day Ambassador Emma Rossi, where they discussed how Peter has dedicated much of his life to shifting how Australians understand, respond to, and research mental health.

Peter Joseph AM & Emma Rossi at Rotary Lane Cove

Peter is a man of many hats, he’s not only had a successful career in business and investment banking spanning over four decades, but he has dedicated a good portion of life to ensuring better health for others.

Aside from his apparent work through the Black Dog Institute, Peter holds positions as Chairman at St James Ethics Centre and The Health-Science Alliance, UNSW Campus.

He is also the former Chair of Riverview College, Mater Health Sydney and Council and St Vincent’s Hospital Ltd.

The evening aimed to share his journey of service, in the hope that it would connect and inspire the local community to find the strength to help others or overcome their own struggles.

“It was a reminder that you never know where one opportunity – like a Rotary scholarship – might lead. Peter’s journey is one of service, strength and deep care for others. We’re so grateful to have shared this night with him,” Lane Cove Rotary President Jenny May said.

Black Dog Institute Founding Director Professor Gordon Parker AO also discussed his own pioneering work in reshaping Australia’s approach to mood disorders and mental health care.

While Graeme Davis, who was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition – for his outstanding service to the community, particularly his long-standing dedication to the RSL and veterans’ welfare – provided the audience with a special presentation.

Graeme Davis, who was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

Lane Cove Rotary regularly hosts events like this, offering a chance to hear from inspiring speakers and connect with the local community. There are many ways to get involved – from lending a hand at local events to becoming a member, or simply coming along as a guest to see what it’s all about.

To learn more, visit lanecoverotary.org or speak with a friendly Rotarian next time you see them around Lane Cove.

In the Cove lists Lane Cove Rotary events in our event calendar and locals are all welcome.  The meetings are on Tuesday nights at The Diddy.

Lane Cove Rotary’s next big event is their car boot sale.  You can apply to be a stalholder here.

Lane Cove Rotary Fair Sunday 12 October 2025

Lane Cove Rotary invite you to register for a stall at their 2025 Rotary Fair. It is shaping up to be a spectacular day, with more than 125 stalls and they are expecting around 20 000 people to attend.

Local first responders from the Fire Brigade and Police, amazing rides, face painters, entertainment, fantastic raffle prizes, a Petting Zoo, and the Rotary BBQ will all be back on Longueville Road, in the Plaza (closed to traffic), and Burns Bay Road.

Sustainability Lane stalls will be nearby in the Canopy and access will still be available to the Canopy Car Park.

Thank you to our Sponsors, retail stallholders, raffle supporters, visitors and local entertainment to delight the crowds!

Please let Lane Cove Rotary know if you are interested in having a Stall at the 2025 Lane Cove Fair, by emailing here

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The ITC Team from left to right Liz McPherson, Jacky Barker, Renee Maxwell and Yumi Wong Pan

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