Rotary Central Melbourne meets at the RACV Club on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
If you would like to visit our meeting, you are welcome to join us at the Theatrette, Chancery Level of the RACV Club. There is no charge for attending the meeting.
If you would like a more general discussion about attending a Rotary meeting, please contact the club secretary at rotaryclubcentralmelbourne@gmail.com
The meeting will commence at 7:40 am and conclude no later than 8:30. Members and guests are invited to stay for coffee or breakfast in the RACV Club Bistro following the meeting.
Acting Sergeant Ellani Little: Silk Miller Scholarship - Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing
Rotary Central Melbourne instigated the Silk Miller Scholarship in 2000, named in memory of two slain Police Officers, Sgt Gary Silk and Snr Constable Rodney Miller. Scholarships funded by the Club have now been awarded to over 20 police officers.
Our Club became involved when Rotary’s focus on health included the issues of youth suicide prevention and youth mental illness. The club accepted the potential of a link with Victoria Police as one of the relevant agencies involved with youth. Through broader education, trained Youth Resource Officers and other police officers, would apply a greater understanding of how young people “tick” and assist develop improved strategies in dealing with them.
It was considered that better interventionist strategies would assist the youth in our communities and potentially reduce youth suicide rates. This was in the context of the course aim to “improve young people’s life chances by focusing on adolescents at a critical life stage”. It includes the transition from childhood into adolescence and the transition beyond adolescence into adult life. Importantly, the club recognised that a key to improving young people’s health and wellbeing is to enhance the capability of practitioners in a variety of fields who work with young children.
Acting Sergeant Ellani Little is a proud Australian / Papua New Guinean woman. She is a wife and busy mother of three primary school-aged children. In her personal life she enjoys playing sports, dancing, being creative and practising her faith. She is also a general committee member of St Andrews Basketball club in Werribee and coach of her daughter’s U10s basketball team.
Her journey with Victoria Police began in September of 2012. After graduating from the Academy, she began duties at Sunshine Police station. During her 10 years there she completed various roles and secondments. A highlight was being a family violence liaison officer where her passion for victim-centric work and thirst for improving her practice grew. She was part of the North-West Orange Door working group where she learnt how to foster relationships with external stakeholders which set her up for her next destination.
In 2022, Ellani was successful in obtaining a position at the Proactive Policing Unit (PPU) located at the Caroline Springs police station which services Brimbank and Melton areas. Currently she is an Acting Sergeant leading the unit through changes in the youth space, resourcing constraints with a heavy focus on improving practice.
Working with young people can be challenging, however it inspires her to continue to grow personally and professionally. She sees every interaction with young people as a chance to change the course of lives.
Rotary Central Melbourne – Meeting Report Tuesday 16 June 2026
Guest Speaker: Jon Scheele – “AI at Work: Practical Tools for Everyday Professionals”
A quick straw poll showed that around 70% of members use AI occasionally, placing our club firmly in the “early majority” category, those who adopt once a technology is proven. Jon posed the question: proven enough for us?
He encouraged members to expand their use of AI, particularly for drafting and editing, research and synthesis, and exploring ideas. He reminded us that AI requires no coding—just clear, plain language—and that now is the time to build capability. Late adopters, he warned, will find themselves playing catch up.
Jon also noted the risks: AI can present incorrect information confidently; shared data may train future models, so confidential material should be avoided; and over reliance may dull our critical thinking. ________________________________________
Club Highlights
New Member Welcome
President Rohan warmly welcomed Viraj Avhad to Rotary Central Melbourne. Viraj shared his background in Master of Engineering Management, with a focus on implementation. Rotary runs in the family—his father is also a Rotarian.
RMIT Vocational Excellence Student of the Year
Therese introduced Jacob Siga, whose impressive volunteer work and progress in his Diploma of Project Management were warmly received. Jacob hopes to establish an event management consultancy.
Past President Rhys congratulated him on his achievements and left the door open for future Rotary involvement. ________________________________________
Announcements • Roger Thornton – Tree planting with Landcare, Phillip Island: Saturday 1 August. Volunteers to Roger, please. • Rob Hines – Has three used laptops available for club project support. • Peter Duras –The Essendon Church of Christ has donated $1,000 toward our sleeping bag project for people experiencing homelessness. • Elias Lebbos – We expect a new Interchange Student, Rosa from Germany, later this year. Expressions of interest in hosting are invited. ________________________________________
Vote of Thanks Past President Rhys rose on behalf of all members to thank retiring President Rohan for his professional, caring, organised and calm leadership throughout the year—a sentiment warmly endorsed by the room.
As Rotary Central Melbourne approaches its fortieth anniversary, we enter the 2026–27 Rotary year with a clear focus on ensuring our club remains relevant, effective and attractive to future generations of Rotarians.
Over the past two years, under the leadership of Presidents Rhys Williams and Rohan Williams, the club has undertaken a process of thoughtful change aimed at reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and strengthening our capacity to respond to the evolving needs of members and the community.
At our Planning Day, members identified four key challenges facing the club: attracting new and younger members, improving member retention, finding new sources of funding, and raising the profile of Rotary Central Melbourne. These priorities remain closely interconnected, with progress in one area supporting success in the others.
To better understand member expectations, the club commissioned a comprehensive membership survey, generously supported by an independent consultant. The survey confirmed that members have differing needs and priorities depending on their stage of life, career commitments and personal circumstances. It also highlighted opportunities to improve engagement by increasing flexibility in how and when members participate in club activities.
One area identified for further development is meeting formats. While breakfast meetings have served the club well since its formation, today’s membership is more diverse. During the coming year, the club will continue to explore different meeting times, venues and formats to reduce barriers to participation and encourage greater member involvement.
The survey also examined member views on the many projects and causes supported by the club. While members remain proud of the breadth of Rotary Central Melbourne’s service activities, there was strong support for greater focus on projects that involve direct, hands-on participation by Rotarians. Existing initiatives such as RIMERN, Donations in Kind and Victoria Police Mentoring demonstrate the value of this approach. Balancing this approach with the need to retain a high level of involvement of all members will be very important.
Looking ahead, a key priority will be the exploration of a potential flagship project—an initiative that is visible, meaningful, hands-on and capable of delivering long-term community impact. Such a project would help strengthen the club’s public profile, provide a focal point for member engagement and support future membership growth. President-Elect Ignacio Inchausti will lead a group of newer and younger members in investigating opportunities in this area.
Membership growth remains a positive story for the club. The recruitment of ten new members during the past year represents a significant achievement. Equally important is ensuring that new members find friendship, purpose and opportunities for meaningful service so that they remain active and engaged within the Rotary family.
There are moments when we’re reminded of the very best of humanity. This is one of them... On Saturday 29 August 2026, we gather for the Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (Vic RESCA). An evening of recognition and celebration for those who quietly, courageously, and selflessly serve our communities every single day. These awards honour the outstanding service of both volunteer and paid members across Victoria’s emergency services. The people who step forward when others step back, and who make our communities safer, stronger, and more connected. I love what this evening represents. Not just recognition, but gratitude in action. A chance for all of us - colleagues, friends, families, and supporters - to come together and say: we see you, and we thank you. Let’s fill the room with appreciation, connection, and pride. Let’s celebrate the people who show us what’s possible. Join us for an unforgettable evening and be part of something that truly matters. Tickets are available now. For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Kerrie Hicks or Neville Taylor.
Terry Cocks OAM, Charter President and centenarian (1926-2026)
On Monday 29 June 2026 Terry Cocks OAM, our Charter President, and oldest “active” member, passed away aged 100 years. Terry survived his first wife Margot, and his later companion, Irene. He is survived by his four children John, Jane, Helen and Pippa and their families.
Terry was born, raised and initially educated in United Kingdom, and trained as a chartered surveyor/valuer. He came to Australia post war in the 1960’s with Wimpeys, a large British construction group.
On his 80th birthday, Terry spoke at our Tuesday morning Rotary breakfast at some length about his life, upbringing in Surrey including experiencing the London blitz, with a slit trench in the backyard, his education and military service, including a stint in India.
Terry also imparted his view as to the order of priorities in life, work first, family second and Rotary third – an order which causes one to ponder and to reflect.
Terry was one of Victoria’s leading valuers. He also qualified here as a planner. He established the firm of A.T. Cocks & Associates which became one of the best known planning and valuation firms in Melbourne, now known as Urbis. He later was a member of the Administration Appeals Tribunal (land valuation division).
At age 60, Terry was one of the group of potential Rotarians gathered together by the Rotary Club of Melbourne to form a new Rotary Club, to be known the Rotary Club of Port Phillip-Melbourne, as a city based breakfast club.
Terry was chosen to be the Charter President, and elected as such at our first provisional meeting on 23 March 1987. Our Club was subsequently formally chartered at the Southern Cross Hotel on 1 May 1987 (a black tie occasion with over 300 in attendance).
To draw from our Club’s history compiled by Past President John Meehan, the Rotary Club of Port Phillip-Melbourne was fortunate to have such a dynamic inspirational and dedicated leader as Terry Cocks as its first President. There is no doubt in the minds of all the Charter members that his drive and charisma have been the foundation of the Club’s success and elevated respect within District 9800 that the Club enjoys to this day. He set a pattern for enthusiasm that subsequent Presidents endeavoured to follow. He was recognised for his efforts with the Club’s first Paul Harris Fellow recognition at the Club Changeover in 1989, with subsequent sapphires.
Terry was indeed one of our most inspirational members. In that first extended year, the Club responded to the District call for Polio Plus support and many other causes. Terry was at the forefront. Terry became actively involved in supporting the Rotary Foundation. Terry was one of the organisers of the Club’s Paul Harris Foundation luncheon (then a District event) in 1994. He arranged for Sir Arvi Parbo, then one of the leading figures in the mining industry, to be our guest speaker. Several hundred attended. In recognition of his efforts, Terry received a District Foundation Service Award.
Terry was a very active supporter of the arts. After A.T. Cocks & Associates left their Latrobe Street premises. Terry converted those premises into an art gallery. He also established an artists’ retreat at Clunes. Club members will also recollect that Terry introduced the lead Seekers singer Judith Durham to the Club’s activities. She contributed in song at at least two of our Christmas functions, and also as a judge (with Michael Lapina) in our District’s youth musical performance projects. Terry also loved reading and reciting poetry in his melodious voice.
In his spare time (!) Terry was an avid art collector, dedicated fly fisher, an occasional golfer, and a keen Hawks supporter.
Terry did find time to be part of the fellowship and camaraderie of the then retired members group, with regular monthly lunches.
At age 90, Terry was joined at his home by many of our Club’s members to celebrate his birthday, with his family. The following year he attended the Club’s 30th anniversary luncheon.
At age 100, last May, and then in care, Terry celebrated with his family – reports are he had a ball!
Terry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2001 for his services to the community, notably 25 years, many as a board member, with Vision Australia (Institute for the Blind) and his service to Rotary International.
Terry’s was a life well lived, by a gentleman through and through, a straight shooter with a great sense of humour and an oratorial centre stage presence. All in all, Terry will be missed but will long be remembered.
Contributed by Charter Members Tom Callander, Herb Greenwood and Frank O’Brien
Once again, RCM will be helping the Phillip Island Landcare group to revegetate an area on Phillip Island. The date for this year's activity is August 1.
If you haven't done this before, the day's tree planting is great fun, especially if the weather is fair, and a very rewarding morning's effort. All you need is a pair of gardening gloves, stout footwear and warm/wet weather gear.
Details are on the flyer. Please advise Roger Thornton if you can participate.
RCM Board members
