02/02/2026
🎩 Congratulations to Illustrious Sir Leslie Dikes — 2nd Potentate of Acrux Shriners!
On Saturday 31 January 2026, at Bayside Masonic Centre, ACRUX Shriners held its Annual Meeting, Installation & Ceremonial, where Noble Leslie Arthur Dikes was formally proclaimed as Illustrious Potentate of ACRUX Temple.
Les brings a remarkable life of service and leadership — born in Devon, England, in 1943 and educated in Kenya, where early life and national service in the Kenyan Army shaped a lifelong commitment to discipline and leadership, and where he became a champion boxer within his regiment. After leaving the Army, he spent three years trapping animals in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya for the Wildlife Department, developing a deep respect for wildlife and conservation, and earning the nickname “Bwana”, a Swahili term meaning Sir.
Migrating to Australia in 1965, Les later had two sons, Christopher and Bradley, and is the proud grandfather of five granddaughters. A Freemason since 1988, he has served across several Orders. Within the Shrine, he is a foundation member and three-time President of the Melbourne Shrine Club, and served as the inaugural Chief Rabban of ACRUX Shriners, reflecting the enduring values of Freemasonry and the Shrine’s dedication to children and families.
We were also honoured by the presence of distinguished visitors and dignitaries, including Most Worshipful Brother Peter Henshall (Freemasons Victoria), Most Worshipful Brother Geoffrey Goodes (United Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Victoria), and Most Eminent Companion Robert Redman (Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Victoria), together with representatives from a dozen Masonic Orders across Victoria and interstate.
A warm welcome as well to our newly ennobled Nobles on the night:
Joe Ernesto P. Buerano III, Eduardo Castillo, Pete De Pedro, Jarrad Hurley, Richard Navarette, Darius Panganiban, Julius Pregonero, Marvin Santos, Amrit Pal Singh, and Harwinder Singh.
🌟 Congratulations to the ACRUX Divan Officers for 2026, elected and installed on the night:
Chief Rabban – Noble James Targett
Assistant Rabban – Noble Nicholas Clifton
High Priest & Prophet – Noble John T. McCorkle
Oriental Guide – Noble TrixEn Agravante
Treasurer – Noble Jonathan Evans
Recorder – Noble Doug Groom
We wish the entire Divan every success as they support the Illustrious Potentate in leading ACRUX Shriners forward in service, fellowship, and our continued commitment to children and families.
🙏 We also record our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Inaugural Potentate, Illustrious Sir Terry Webster. His vision, leadership, and tireless dedication were instrumental in guiding ACRUX from its earliest foundations through Dispensation and into Charter. ACRUX Shriners stands firmly on the legacy he helped build, and we thank him sincerely for everything he has done for our Temple and for the children we serve.
Please join us in congratulating Illustrious Sir Leslie Arthur Dikes, the 2026 ACRUX Divan, and in thanking Illustrious Sir Terry Webster for his outstanding service. 🐨
