Our Story
About Sunrise Cambodia
For over three decades, Sunrise Cambodia has provided education, residential care, and community development to vulnerable children in Cambodia.
For over three decades, Sunrise Cambodia has provided education, residential care, and community development to vulnerable children in Cambodia.
Our Founder
Geraldine Cox AM is an Australian humanitarian who has dedicated over three decades to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Cambodia. A former Australian diplomat, she first encountered Cambodia’s orphan crisis during a posting to Phnom Penh in the early 1990s and resolved to act.
In 1993, she founded Sunrise Cambodia, initially operating a single orphanage in Phnom Penh before expanding to the current compound in Ta Khmau. For her sustained service, she was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and has been recognised by the Cambodian government for her contributions to the country’s children.
Today, Geraldine serves as Sunrise Cambodia’s Founder and Fundraising Ambassador, focusing on donor relations and public advocacy while the day-to-day operations are managed by the in-country team.
“In this part of the world, Geraldine Cox is not someone who requires introduction.”
Our Origins
Sunrise Cambodia was established in 1993, at a time when the country was still recovering from decades of conflict and the devastating legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The Beginning
When Geraldine Cox arrived in Cambodia in the early 1990s, the country was emerging from one of the most destructive periods in modern history. The Khmer Rouge regime had dismantled Cambodia’s institutions and left an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people dead.
In 1993, Geraldine established the first Sunrise children’s centre in Phnom Penh, initially caring for a small group of orphaned and at-risk children.
Geraldine Cox during the early years of the charity
Caring for children in the 1990s
Growth & Evolution
Over the following years, Sunrise expanded its operations and relocated to a purpose-built compound in Ta Khmau, Kandal Province. The organisation evolved from a single orphanage into a comprehensive child development programme.
Today, Sunrise Cambodia continues to operate from its Ta Khmau compound, serving both residential children and the surrounding community through education and welfare programmes.
Operations Today
Tracey Shelton is an award-winning Australian journalist and former war correspondent who now serves as the Country Director of Sunrise Cambodia. Based full-time at the compound in Ta Khmau, she oversees the daily operations of the organisation, including residential care, education programmes, staffing, and community outreach.
Tracey’s appointment has enabled Geraldine Cox to focus on her strengths in fundraising, donor engagement, and public advocacy. This division of responsibilities ensures that the organisation maintains strong operational management on the ground in Cambodia while continuing to grow its support base internationally.
Under Tracey’s leadership, Sunrise has expanded its community learning centre, introduced new youth development initiatives, and strengthened its relationships with local government and education authorities.
30+
Years Active
1,000+
Children Helped
500+
Active Donors
12+
Countries Involved
Our dedicated team combines local knowledge with a deep commitment to the children and communities we serve.
Founder & Fundraising Ambassador
Country Director
Operations Manager
Assistant Operations Manager
Senior Finance Officer
Education Manager
Admin & HR Officer
House Parent Coordinator
Prefer to donate your time?
Contact us about on-site volunteering, or remotely from your couch.
Monthly giving provides consistent support for our programs.
$50/month helps provide education, meals, and care for a child in our programs.
