Irvin Rockman

Irvin Peter Rockman CBE was an Australian politician, businessman, and hotelier who served as List of mayors and [lord mayors of Melbourne|Lord Mayor of Melbourne] from 1977 to 1979.
In the early 1960s he established a chain of luxury motels known as the Parkroyal in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Designed by Theodore Bertram, they were distinguished by a large parabolic arch at the entrance.
Rockman was alleged to have been involved in a 1988 drug smuggling scandal, but no charges were ever filed and Rockman maintained his innocence.

Personal life

Rockman was born on 6 April 1938 to Norman and Susie Rockman. His father's family had fled Poland due to History of [the Jews in Poland|anti-Jewish persecution], as had his mother's family, who had fled from Ukraine. They settled in Melbourne, where Norman Rockman established a chain of clothing stores, which operated under the family name. Rockman attended high school at Wesley College. He then attended the University of Melbourne, where he undertook a commerce degree. Rockman was also a well-known underwater diver.
Irvin Rockman was married three times and had six children.