The meeting was opened by MC for the day, President Elect Dr Carol Bond. After acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land on which we meet; past President Peter Daikin, came to the podium to deliver the weekly reflection. The transcript of his reflection is included later in this Bulletin. After delivering the loyal toast President Philip Cornish adjourned the meeting for the meal service break.
President Philip welcomed everyone to our third meeting of a rotary year in our 5,086 Club meeting in our a hundred and fourth year.
President Philip welcomed our guest speaker, Dr Coco Ma Independent Film Producer, speaking on “Independent Film making in Australia” as well as Rotary Scholar, Harry Baugh who was attending to give a brief report on his 12 months in the State of Georgia USA. Details of other visitors and guests can be found in this bulletin.
President Philip then invited Harry Baugh to come forward and details of his presentation can be read in a separate bulletin article.
At the conclusion of Harry’s presentation President Philip accepted the banner from Martinez -Evans, Georgia Rotary Club.
President Philip went on to conduct the presentation of the 2024-25 Axle Award to Tony Battaini, which represents the hub of the Rotary wheel and is given to a Rotarian who, during the Rotary year, has given that little bit extra in “service above self”. This award is voted upon by the Board and is presented as the Vice Presidents’ encouragement award See more details in a separate bulletin article. In his gracious response, Tony highlighted the impact of the Snakebite project in already contributing to the saving the lives of Snakebite victims in remote PNG locations. He expressed thanks to the club for this recognition.
President Philip then noted that Trevor Nink is celebrating his birthday on the day of this meeting but is celebrating offshore. He then drew attention to Past President Peter Dakin who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. In doing so he spoke of Peter’s remarkable 37 years with Rotary Melbourne noting his past Presidency and Paul Harris Fellow, leadership, generosity, and care that have shaped our Club. From guiding major events to mentoring, supporting members, and uplifting job seekers, he embodies service and friendship.
Peter sincerely thanked Philip, and spoke of his pleasure to be involved in Rotary Melbourne, the people he has met, members past and present who remain friends, and the importance of the great fellowship and fun our club provides.
Philip then invited Chair of a day, Yidan Xi to take over the meeting to introduce guest speaker Dr. Coco Ma to speak about independent film making in Australia. Coco holds a PhD in creative writing and is a writer and a producer with an innate understanding of film from storytelling and across cultural context to engaging international audiences as well as equity financing and international distribution. Her recent works include Blacklight starring Liam Neeson, which was nominated for two awards at the 2022 Australian Screen Sound Guild, A SSG award and Better Man starring Robbie Williams, which received widespread acclaim winning nine Academy awards, including best film.
This presentation highlighted 2 recent productions for which Coco has been a producer.
She outlined how Blacklight, a $35 million international film was produced in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating over 300 local jobs for eight months. With international borders closed, the production converted Melbourne’s Convention Centre into a giant studio, using spaces creatively for action sequences, including in Canberra for controlled car chases. The film employed cutting-edge virtual production techniques, such as LED screens simulating realistic driving scenes, making it indistinguishable from a Washington D.C. setting, though 100% shot in Australia. Even the opening cityscapes were stock footage.
Coco explained the film’s financing model, likening it to property development. First, government incentives such as Australia’s Producer Offset (up to 40% rebate on local spending) secure funding, making Australian productions attractive. This government backing helps leverage bank loans. Next, private investors contribute equity, drawn by both potential profits and the prestige of film involvement—often receiving executive producer credits and access to industry events.
Another key financing source is presales: before production begins, films are sold to international distributors based on script, cast (like Liam Neeson), director reputation, and track record. Distributors pay a deposit (typically 10%), with the balance due on delivery. These contracts are used as collateral for further bank loans. By combining government rebates, presales, equity, and mezzanine finance, producers assemble complex funding structures, minimizing upfront risk.
The speaker stressed the value of industry partnerships, international co-productions (leveraging treaties with countries like China, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand), and global distribution deals secured at key film markets like Cannes and AFM.
In closing the meeting Yidan again, thanked Coco for sharing her insights about the film industry and presented the usual gift of appreciation.
Yidan then thanked all visitors and guests for attending this meeting, paid tribute to Peter Dakin for his reflection, our Master of Ceremonies Carol Bond, and our lunch set up and reception team for their fantastic effort in making this meeting happen.
Yidan reminded all that next week Rotary Melbourne meets at No 35 Restaurant at the Sofitel on Collins again for launch.
The business of the meeting will be the presentation of the Young Achiever Awards for 2025. Victorian Governor, Her Excellency Professor, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC preside over the presentation to this year’s three young achievers.
You can view the full meeting recording by clicking here and view just the guest speaker by clicking here
