e-newsletter No. 88
engage!
O
n behalf of our Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt and myself, I
trust all brethren and their families have had a happy festive season
and we wish you a safe and enjoyable 2015.
Quite a number of Lodges were involved in community fundraising activities
and celebrations over the festive period for various groups and organisations.
Charity and benevolence doesn’t stop over the holidays - in fact it’s even more
important at this time to give back to the community and to those in need.
You will read about some of the great initiatives that members have taken part
in, in this issue of the Newsletter.
Our Grand Master has taken the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned rest
traveling overseas. Prior to returning to Australia he will represent Freemasons
Victoria at the Installation of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the
State of Israel in Tel Aviv and will return late in January. We look forward to his
report on this function when he returns.
This will mean that he will be unavailable for the Australia Day March on
Monday 26 January and has asked me to represent him on the day. I extend an invitation to all brethren who
wish to represent their Lodge to join me and showcase our amazing fraternity. An information flyer is attached to
this Newsletter. Please contact the Grand Secretariat should you require more information.
While the workload for the 2014 Grand Ceremonial Team during February and March is busy and will culminate
in the staging of the Grand Installation on Wednesday 18 March 2015, the 2015 Grand Ceremonial Team has
commenced training and preparations for taking over ceremonial responsibilities. I wish both teams success and
enjoyment in their respective endeavours as they continue their masonic journey.
RWBro. Don Reynolds
Deputy Grand Master
New Members Night
F
reemasons Victoria’s newest members are invited to attend a special function at the Dallas Brooks Centre on
Tuesday 3 March from 6:30pm to welcome you all to the fraternity.
The event will include some interesting talks, a mini exhibition that will highlight important aspects of
Freemasonry, and some great competitions to help you network with your fellow newbies!
If you have a friend who you think may be interested in Freemasonry bring them along! Partners and family are
also most welcome.
More information to come!
Don’t forget to visit the
125th Anniversary Exhibition
Dallas Brooks Centre
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm daily
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
End of Year Boost for Think Pink Living Centre
G
rand Master MWBro. Hillel
Benedykt and his wife Sue made
a special visit to the Think Pink
Living Centre just before the season’s
break, to present the organisation’s
Founder, Irene Hendel with a cheque
for $26,000 – the amount raised by the
ladies of the Grand Lodge Ceremonial
Team during October, Think Pink
Fundraising month, 2014.
Transplant Just in Time
for Summer
S
ummer Lee, grand-daughter
of RWBro. Thomas Lee of the
United Memorial and Merbein Lodge
No. 327 has just received a liver
transplant, thanks to the financial
support of the Sunraysia community
and Freemasons Victoria.
News
“The amount raised is simply
marvellous and our foundation is so fortunate and appreciative to receive
such benevolence from Freemasons Victoria and Freemasons Foundation
Victoria Limited”, Irene said.
On Saturday 18 October 2014 the ladies of the Grand Lodge Ceremonial
Team hosted the Freemasons Victoria Think Pink Cocktail Party at the Royal
Freemasons Homes. The night was an absolute success with a total of
$32,000 raised in addition to a contribution from the former Board of Benevolence to assist in the funding of a breast care nurse for the next twelve
months for the Think Pink Living Centre.
Freemasons Victoria has been raising funds towards breast cancer and
other women’s causes for the past five years and in total has contributed
more than $550,000 through the efforts of individuals, members across
the organisation, and the contributions from the former Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence.
Funds have been donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia, the Think
Pink Living Centre the Epworth Hospital’s Oncology Unit, the Fiona Elsey
Cancer Research Institute and Women Touched by Cancer in Swan Hill.
“It was very exciting to see so many people support the event ensuring its success. The amount of money raised on the night was absolutely
wonderful. I, and the ladies of the 2014 Grand Ceremonial Team are very
proud to be able to present this cheque today”, Sue said.
Summer, now three years old, was
diagnosed with biliary artesia when
she was just six weeks old. The rare
disease causes a blockage in the bile
duct between the liver and small
intestine.
The complication was originally
treated when Summer was first
diagnosed to delay the need for a
liver transplant until she was older,
but the surgery became vital when
her health deteriorated three months
ago.
Summer’s Father Anthony Lee said
that the surgery was a success and
doctors at the Royal Children’s
Hospital were now monitoring his
little girl to see if her body accepts
the new organ.
“Our family is forever grateful for the
support of the Sunraysia community
and their fundraising efforts which
raised enough funds to make
Summer’s treatment and transplant
possible”, Mr Lee said.
Summer Lee with her parents Deanne and
Anthony.
L-R: Sue Benedykt, Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt and Think Pink Living Centre founder
Irene Hendel with the BIG cheque.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Royal Freemasons Year in Review
Innovating Tradition
R
oyal Freemasons has recently produced and distributed it’s Year in
Review for 2013-14. The Review details initiatives and new services
introduced in the last financial year along with highlights and innovations in aged care.
In terms of growth, Royal Freemasons
now offers an additional 215 aged care
beds and 40 independent living units as
a result of Sydenham, Monash Gardens,
Elizabeth Gardens and Monash Gardens
Village joining the Royal Freemasons
family. Royal Freemasons now provides
care and accommodation to nearly
1,300 older persons.
We hope you’re enjoying the
Freemasons: The Inside Story
‘Summer Series’ II
News
Tune in to Channel 31 on Mondays at
8:30pm to watch the best of
Series II along with some never before
seen footage.
Episode 10 - 19 January:
Host: Bro. Jeremy Raymond
Talent: Bro. Harry Pitaro
‘Building a Grand Team’
The revitalised Home Care service
commenced its transformation through
service innovation, restructuring and
a new enterprise agreement. Development continued of the second
premium retirement living facility,
Streeton Park on Yarra in Heidelberg,
which is due for completion this year.
Host: WBro. Ben Quick
Talent: Ted and Dean Paulen
‘Freemasons in Sport’
Social connectivity was maintained for customers through computerised
‘tablet’ technology and this topic was emphasised at the annual Open
Day where Federal Ambassador for Ageing Ms Noeline Brown spoke about
the need for invigoration in the area of communication and connectivity
within the aged sector.
There were many highlights during the year including an upgrade of the
customer bus fleet, improved access to services, a refreshed website and
in a first for the aged care sector, a six-part series on Channel 31, “Royal
Freemasons – Homes That Care” that detailed life at ‘the Homes’ through
the eyes of customers and staff.
Host: WBro. Quick
Talent: MWBro. Bob Jones PGM; First
Grand Principal MEmComp, Graeme
O’Donnell and Mark Grand Master,
MWBro. John Liesegang.
‘Heads of Order’
Episode 11 - 26 January:
Host: Erin Olsen and Gabrielle Forman
Talent: Meg Sampson, Emily Peel and
Blake Callant.
‘2014 Scholarship Presentations’
www.c31.org.au
You can download the Year in Review report from the Royal Freemasons
website at www.royalfreemasons.org.au
Clunes Citizenship Awards Announced
Adam Cassar and Jenna Welsh were presented with 2014
Citizenship Awards at the Clunes Primary School in December
2014. Both Adam and Jenna were selected by a panel of teachers
for being good citizens in their community and fellow students.
The presentation was made by RWBro. Reg Kinnersly of All
Nations Lodge No. 28. The Clunes and All Nations Lodge
have sponsored this award for many years with the assistance
of the former Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence.
Each recipient received $200 each, in recognition of their
commitment to being a good citizen.
L-R: Adam Cassar, RWBro. Reg Kinnersly and Jenna Welsh.
All Nations Lodge annually provides support to the Clunes
Health Centre for emergency funding for a social worker to provide emergency accommodation and food in
crisis situations. The former Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence has previously supported this cause
dollar-for-dollar, making up $600 in annual funding.
The Lodge also provides one-off grants to groups such as the Clunes Pre-school and the Clunes Children’s and
Youth Group.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Baden Powell Restores Hoadley Gates
T
he Hoadley gates at the entrance to Chief’s Approach at Gilwell
Park have been restored thanks to a kind donation from members
of Baden Powell Lodge No. 488. Gilwell Park is situated east of the
Dandenong Ranges, 75km from Melbourne via Belgrave and Gembrook.
News
On Wednesday 29 October the Gilwell Heritage Team was host to WBro.
Charles Charalambous and members of the Lodge, who were visiting the
site to present a cheque to Heritage Team Coordinator Rob Millen. Also in
attendance, the Immediate Past Chief Commissioner, Bob Taylor; Branch
Commissioner – Campsites, Peter Rutley and Branch Commissioner –
Heritage, Aline Thompson.
The Gilwell Park Heritage Team provides support to the management of
Gilwell Park, specifically for Heritage related matters. The team offers advice, expertise and effort to the Park, and has taken on the responsibility
of coordinating fundraising activities.
As well as assisting in the preservation of iconic structures in the park,
such as the Hoadley gates and the Mockler-Ferryman pergola, the team is
in the process of establishing an Interpretation Centre in Sycamore Lodge
which will tell the story of Gilwell Park and its surrounds.
Big Day Scout!
Scouts Australia Victoria Branch invites you to Big Day Scout. This event will be the
largest gathering of Scouts seen in more than 50 years, and will be held at the Sidney
Myer Music Bowl on Sunday 15 February.
Commencing at Federation Square from 10am, the Big Day Scout celebrates the
investiture of the newest Chief Scout, Mr Shane Jacobson.
This follows a morning of participation by youth from all of Victoria’s municipalities
in the largest Street Art activity undertaken in
Melbourne.
From 12:30pm guests will be seated for
the ceremony at 1pm, followed by light
refreshments.
For registrations and further information please contact Nicole Strachan
on [email protected] by Friday 30 January, 2015.
For all your personal and business legal needs.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
60 Year Men
B
righton District Lodge No. 37 had a very special event at its
December meeting – the presentation of three 60-year service
awards. WBro. Les Cooper visited to present three long-term friends
with their 60-year bars; WBro. Alan Bunton, WBro. Wally Wing and Bro.
Graeme Baldwin.
Les has had a long association with all three in both Craft and Mark
Lodges. He commented that a triple 60-year presentation was a very
noteworthy event.
News
Alan and Wally joined Lodge of Fervour together on 13 December 1954.
They were Passed and Raised together in that Lodge in 1971, and Alan
in 1983. They progressed together in the Mark, and came to Brighton
District when Lodge Fervour and Zeal merged with Wallingford-Lowry
Lodge in 1998.
Graeme was Initiated in Sturt Lodge on 4 December 1954, Passed in
1955, and Raised in 1956. He joined Brighton District in 2005.
In responding, all recipients commented on the great pleasure they
had derived from their Masonic associations. Wally recalled he and Alan
approaching his father 61 years ago with some trepidation, to ask for the
papers to apply to join. Subsequently, Wally had the great pleasure of
being Initiated, Passed and Raised by his father.
125th Anniversary
Competition
As part of our 125th
Anniversary celebrations
of a monthly competition
is running until March
2015 for the best historic
photograph and story
that best represents your
Lodge and its history
over the last 125 years.
This may be a photograph of a
significant member of your Lodge, a
special event that the Lodge took part
in, or a photograph of a significant
period within your Lodge.
Please attach a short story to accompany your photograph (in no more
than 200 words) about the photograph and its significance to Victorian
Freemasonry and its impact on the
community over the last 125 years.
All winning photgraphs and stories
will be published in Freemasonry
Victoria Magazine.
Each month the best photograph and
story will win a special
commemorative 125 Year prize with
a copy of the Freemasons: The Inside
Story Summer Series DVD.
L-R: WBro. Les Cooper congratulates Alan, Graeme and Wally under a portrait of Lodge 37s
founding father, RWBro. Lowry.
Please send all highest resolution
photographs (JPGs) and stories to the
Editor at:
[email protected]. Please
also send a return address.
Supporting the Youth of Victoria
On behalf of the Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited, Director
VWBro. David Gibbs recently presented a cheque for $14,760 to Caroline
Aebersold, CEO of The Song Room.
The Song Room provides opportunity for enhanced learning and
development for disadvantaged children through music and the arts.
The grant will fund the delivery of a six month in-school creative arts
program at Clayton South Primary School. This unique evidence-based
early intervention program is specifically designed, and proven to
increase social participation, enhance emotional wellbeing, and build
community connectedness, for disadvantaged children from diverse
cultural backgrounds.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
?
Stawell Secondary Students Remember
S
tawell Secondary College students were quiet during the
re-enactment of the Unknown Soldier at the Stawell Masonic
Centre on Remembrance Day last year.
‘M’ for Mason
‘M’ for Melburnian
‘M’ = 1000
The ceremony was most appropriate as the history of the Unknown
Soldier made up part of the student’s studies.
News
In the evening the ceremony was re-enacted for the Stawell community
with supper and a social hour following. During the supper, Marnoo
Lodge No. 360 made a presentation of $400 along with a cheque from
the former Freemasons Victoria Board of Benevolence for $200 to Stawell
Secondary College Principal Colin Axup, to assist in the further education of local students.
“The ceremony, visual presentation, music and Last Post were very moving, educational and emotional”, Mr Axup said.
Presentations of cheques for $100 each were also made to the Stawell
RSL Sub-branch and the Stawell Brass Band.
O
ld Melburninans’ Lodge No.
317 will hold its 1000th meeting on Tuesday 3 February, at the
United Southern Masonic Hall, 36 St.
Edmonds Road, Prahran.
The Lodge was the first of the school
lodges created in Victorian and on 26
February 1923, the Consecration of
the Lodge and Installation of Foundation Officers took place at the
Malvern Masonic Temple.
All Freemasons who attended
Melbourne Grammar School, served
on the staff of the School or who had
any connection to the School are
invited to visit and join us to
celebrate this milestone.
Give your old glasses to someone in need
Freemasons Victoria lost property was home to a few hundred pairs of
lost spectacles. We’re pleased to announce they’ve found a new home
with Lions Recycle for Sight program.
We’d like to shine a light on this amazing cause so you can help people
in developing nations who are impoverished, simply because they don’t
have glasses. They can’t learn, because reading is hard. They can’t work,
because they can’t see clearly.
You can help by donating your used spectacles to your local Lions Club.
Your glasses will be forwarded to Queensland where they will be graded
in Lensometer machines, hygiene processed, then given to those in need.
The Old Melburnians’ Lodge is
proud of its achievements and looks
forward to greeting as many Masonic
members of the School community
as possible to help us acknowledge
this once-in-the-Lodge’s-lifetime
event.
For catering purposes please RSVP
your attendance to:
Richard Burman (03) 98855276 or
(03) 9596 4493 or email
[email protected]
Photo C/josie Farrior
Last year, via Lions Recycle for Sight, Australian’s gave 300,000 pairs of
glasses to people all over the world. If you’d like to give your old glasses
to this worthy cause, please post them to:
Lions Recycle for Sight - Reply Paid 3021
Clontarf MDC Qld 4019
Or drop your glasses in a Lions
Club collection box near you.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons
Victoria
Mount Waverley Secondary College students
$1500 better off thanks to Monash Lodge
M
ount Waverley Secondary
College students $1500
better off thanks to Monash
Lodge No. 938.
Freemasons Public
Charitable Foundation
donates because
Your Brain Matters!
T
he Freemasons Public
Charitable Foundation
donated $8000 in December
2014 to Alzheimer’s Australia,
to assist the organisation in
purchasing four sets of ‘assistive
devices’ which can be used by
dementia education staff.
News
Two students from Mount Waverley
Secondary College have received
$750 each from Freemasons
Foundation Victoria Limited and
Monash Lodge No. 938.
WBro. Kevin Fowler, who presented
the cheques on 10 December 2014,
said that the funds will be distributed to the students in the form of
vouchers to assist with the cost of
their VCE expenses.
The students were awarded the cheques for not only academic
achievement, but their commitment to principles similar to those of
Freemasonry; tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, kindness
and understanding towards fellow students, willingness to become
involved in charitable community activities and honesty and an open
attitude in dealings with fellow students.
Students were assessed by the Assistant Principal of the Middle School,
the Middle School Manager and two Year 10 coordinators.
Partnerships Coordinator Mr Simon Bartlett said that the success of the
school depends largely on the support of the local community, therefore
these awards are very significant.
The dementia education staff are
located at Alzheimer’s Australia’s
four regional hubs across Victoria,
and will use the devices to
demonstrate how simple pieces
of equipment can make the lives
of people living with dementia so
much easier.
RWBro. John Maynard presented
the cheque to Alzheimer’s
Australia CEO Maree McCabe
who, in accepting the donation,
has offered her time at any
Freemasons Victoria Lodges
across the state, who would
like to learn more about
dementia and the work that the
organisation is doing.
Alzheimer’s Australia is also
involved in a preventative
brain health program Your
Brain Matters. Maree would be
delighted to talk about this area
of work also.
Please contact RWBro. Graham
Flaherty on 0419 523 251 if
you would like Maree to attend
your Lodge, and for further
information.
WBro. Kevin Fowler of Monash Lodge No. 938, Madupashini Balashanmugan and Chester
Ngan with their certificates at the presentation evening.
RWBro. John Maynard presents an $8000
check to Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Maree
McCabe.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Faith Keeps Shepparton Freemason Going
Shepparton News, John Lewis
A
t 93 years of age Shepparton’s WBro. James Holbrook would be a survivor in anyone’s book. However,
James’ remarkable life shows he is more than a survivor — he’s a man who has lived a lifetime of service.
As a young man serving his country in World War II, he survived five months under siege by the Nazis to
become one of the elite Rats of Tobruk. James went on to fight at the famous battle of El Alamein — the turning
point of the war. He then returned to the Pacific arena to survive more than two years of steamy jungle fighting
in the New Guinea campaign against the Japanese. But James’ honourable service record is not just a military
one.
News
The former Numurkah resident who now lives at Shepparton Aged Care was yesterday presented with his 70
year jewel. After the war, he joined the Lodge in his hometown of Warracknabeal. He later served at three other
Lodges before joining Numurkah Lodge No. 104, 15 years ago. James said membership gave him a firm foundation for life.
“If you were in Freemasonry you were pointed
in the right direction”, he said.
Secretary of Rupertswood-Numurkah Lodge,
RWBro. Geoff Thompson said James’ long service record was an example of humility and hard
work.
“He’s never been one to seek high office, but
he’s been a loyal member who works quietly in
the background”, Geoff said. He also said James
was an active member until his early 90s and
remained in touch — by mobile phone and text
messages.
“He’s one of the only blokes I know who uses
texts at his age. He said he might get a phone
call from the Queen. I said ‘she’ll probably text
you’’, he said.
Photo: C/- Shepparton News
L-R: WBro. Noel Holmes, WBro. Gary Miles,
RWBro. Geoff Thompson and WBro. James Holbrook.
James was 18 years old when he signed up for
military service at Caulfield Racecourse at the
outbreak of war in 1939. After training with a ‘‘lump of wood instead of a rifle’’ he was shipped to North Africa
where he and his mates from the Australian 9th Division found themselves surrounded by Italian and German
forces and supplied by sea.
“The living conditions were the worst. You had to live underground all the time,’’ he said. ‘‘The water was very
brackish, but towards the finish we got fresh meat from the navy. We were caught like rats in a trap. But we
were as confident as anything”, he said.
During days and nights of constant shelling he and his mates slept under a blanket with no pillow on concrete
floors.
“You never got a full night’s sleep. They used to fly over and drop them (bombs) anywhere,’’ he said.
After the siege ended, James was sent to Syria then took part in the historic desert battle of El Alamein in which
the allies defeated the axis forces for the first time. An engineer, it was James’ job to defuse anti-personnel
mines.
“If you knew what you were doing it was okay. It was on-the-spot training”, he said.
James’ luck stayed with him when he returned to Australia to be sent to New Guinea to fight the Japanese. Like
everyone else he suffered malaria and other ailments, which he said ‘caught up with me later on’. But miraculously, James returned from the war with no serious physical injuries. He now has four great-grandchildren
and is waiting for the birth of a fifth. When asked what has kept him going during his long life of service, James
thought for a while.
“It’s faith in everything I think”, he said.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Freemasons Support East Grampians Health
Service
U
nited Ararat Lodge No. 935 has for the third year in a row supported staff development at East Grampians Health Service.
In 2014 members contributed $3000 towards a $6000 bursary
which was matched by a $3000 contribution from the East Grampians
Health Service ‘Building for the Future Foundation’.
News
This year’s recipient is radiographer Vivian Jenkins. The bursary will
enable Ms Jenkins to further her studies in sonography, an important
medical imagery technique.
Ms Jenkins said she will study by correspondence at the University of
South Australia in 2015.
Photo: C/- Ararat Advertiser
“I’m so pleased to receive this bursary and
would like to thank
Freemasons Victoria
and the EGHS ‘Building for the Future
Foundation’ for their
generosity,” she said.
WBro. Richard Parkin
of the United Ararat
Lodge said the Freemasons have been an
important contributor to the Ararat community and Ararat
Hospital for more
than 150 years.
East Grampians Health Service radiographer Vivian Jenkins
(front) is the recipient of the Freemasons bursary and is pictured
with, L-R: WBro. United Ararat Lodge Richard Parkin and former
bursary recipients Sharon Taylor and Amy Leeke.
“We are very pleased
to again participate in a project to
assist in ensuring
long-term viability for our medical imaging service in Ararat and we’re
delighted to award this bursary to Vivian Jenkins,” he said.
“We continue to look at ways to support the effort and excellence of
people who provide important services to the community.”
Masonic Unique
Vehicles Group at the
South Eastern Masonic
Centre
T
wenty-one vehicles
representing more than 50
years of motoring history turned
out in support of the South
Eastern Masonic Centre’s Family
Information Day in Keysborough
on 22 November 2014.
42 members enjoyed a pleasant
sunny day, hosted by Dandenong
Lodge No. 635 which provided a
well-received barbeque lunch.
To begin New Year’s activities,
arrangements have been made
for the Masonic Unique Vehicles
Group to visit the historic ‘Alma
Doepel’, a topsail schooner
sailing ship, originally built in
Australia in 1903 and is currently
undergoing restoration at North
Wharf, Docklands.
Hosts, Val and Graeme Webb
are enthusiastic members of the
Alma Doepel Supporter’s Club
and are excited to coordinate
this visit planned for Sunday 22
February. Further information will
be available in future Newsletters.
Stay tuned.
If you are interested in joining the
Masonic Unique Vehicles Group
don’t hesitate to contact Lyle
Detez on [email protected]
or call (03) 9878 6231.
In 2013, Amy Leeke, a radiographer at East Grampians Health Service,
was awarded a bursary provided by United Ararat Lodge to pursue her
interests in sonography.
Ms Leeke said her studies have enabled her to complete her Graduate
Diploma in Medical Sonography.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my sonography course at the University of South
Australia and I am thankful that Freemasons Victoria and the EGHS
‘Building for the Future Foundation’ supported me with my studies,” she
said.
Manager of the Health Service, Sharon Taylor was awarded the first
bursary in 2012 to study her Masters of Business Management at Federation University. The completion of her studies will enable her to bring
further expertise and knowledge to her position at the important aged
care facility.
John and Rosemary Evans enjoy a ride in a
1915 Model T Ford.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
A new computer for Mandy!
T
his month we hosted special guest Mandy
McCracken at the CBD Business Luncheon.
Mandy is a brave mother of three with four
prosthetic limbs. It was a full house at the Rendezvous Grand Hotel on Wednesday 17 September,
with members saying it was one of the most
inspirational talks they’d ever attended.
News
In August 2013, Mandy became very ill and for
three days thought she had gastroenteritis. She
learned later that she had contracted the deadly
streptococcal A bacteria, a life threatening
infection which made her comatose for ten days.
When she awoke, Mandy was told she would lose her arms and legs.
With the ongoing support of state-of-the-art technology, Mandy has
since had both her arms and legs replaced with prosthetics.
Freemasons Victoria is pleased to announce, due to our fundraising
efforts and the CBD Luncheon, Mandy is now able to purchase a
modified computer, which will assist her with her future accomplishments.
Mandy’s story certainly puts the ‘every day’ into perspective.
“Just going down the street, or watching Rod hold hands with the girls,
gives me enormous happiness,” she says. “I do appreciate what I have —
life with my husband and the kids.”
To keep up to date with Mandy’s recovery you can follow Mandy on her
Friends of Mandy FaceBook page. To support Mandy’s recovery,
donations can be made to the Mandy McCracken Fund: NAB – BSB
083644, ACC 393142666.
Marnoo Community
Christmas BBQ
M
any former residents of the
area were welcomed home for
Christmas last year in Marnoo.
With siblings returning, several families gathered at Marnoo’s Shanahan
Park to share a community barbecue,
and Santa was welcomed to the
delight of many children.
Marnoo Lodge No. 360 and The
Navy Blue Supporters Committee
organised the food and the raffle,
making the family atmosphere and
togetherness most enjoyable.
WBro. Joe Cincotta took the opportunity to present a cheque of $600
to the Marnoo Swimming Pool Committee and the Navy Blue Supporters
Committee - the cheque comprised
$300 from Marnoo Lodge and $300
from Freemasons Victoria.
“This was the 19th year that the
Marnoo Lodge has sponsored this
annual barbecue. Funds donated
today will contriubute towards the
maintenance of the Marnoo
Swimming Pool”, Joe said.
Above: Mandy McCracken with her daughter.
Top: Freemasons Victoria received a hand-written (which in Mandy’s case is
incredible!) postcard thanking us for our fundraising efforts.
WBro. Joe Cincotta presents the cheques
to Lois Johnson and Anne Bryce
during the Marnoo Community
Christmas barbecue.
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Adam Spencer’s Summer by Numbers... 33
The Age, Tuesday 6 January
Variety Club Children’s
Party 2014
I
News
t has been heart gladdening over
the last decade for members of
the Freemasons’ Victoria Taskforce,
to see the 5 to 6 thousand
disadvantaged children with giant
smiles each year at the Variety Club
Children’s Christmas Party, held at
The Melbourne Convention and
Exhibition Centre.
P
opular mathematician and charismatic personality on various ABC
radio and television programs Dr Adam Spencer, has recently mentioned the ancient and accepted Scottish rite of Freemasonry in a
recent post to The Age, titled Summer by Numbers… 33.
If you’re thirsting for a beer, don’t just walk into a bar and ask for a “33”.
It could mean many different things. Because 330ml is a third of a litre
and therefore a popular bottle size, depending where you are in the
world you could be served any of various “33 Export Lagers” which are
found everywhere from Vietnam to France to Nigeria; something from
33 Acres Brewing Co in Vancouver; or in the US quite possibly a Rolling
Rock pale lager, which while being called “Rolling Rock” still has a “33”
displayed prominently on its label. The reason is that when the beer’s
“pledge of quality” was scripted, someone wanted to show how short
it was by pointing out it contained only 33 words. So they wrote a great
big 33 on the page. It stuck.
The highest rank or degree one can attain in the ancient and accepted
Scottish rite of Freemasonry is the 33rd degree. You must get to do the
most awesome secret handshake by that stage!
One of the more confronting pieces of mathematical notation when you first encounter it is the use
of the exclamation mark. 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 and
is pronounced “five factorial”. Convince yourself
that 33 = 1! + 2! + 3! + 4!
Yesterday we met the magic hexagram (right),
in which the numbers in each line of 5 triangles
summed to 32.
The party provides a wonderful
day of carnival rides, party food
and drinks, live entertainment,
petting farms, great presents, and
of course Santa, for children who
are physically, mentally or socioeconomically disadvantaged. The
party is by invitation from the
Variety Club to pre-registered needy
children.
The Taskforce’s work each year has
been over 2 days, with set up for the
party on a Wednesday, and the party
on Thursday. This year, it was on the
10th and 11th of December.
In recent years, Taskforce members
have manned the registration desk
for all volunteers, display operators
and entertainers on both days,
ably led by Taskforce Chairman,
WBro Merv Dyer, PJGD, OS. Other
work by the Taskforce has included
unpacking and displaying children’s
gifts, decorating, packing party food
for lunches, marshalling at entrances
and exits, and relieving other
volunteers needing a break.
Registration on the party day was
undertaken by the Variety Club.
Taskforce members were delighted
that our Grand Master, MWBro.
Hillel Benedykt found time to visit
the celebrations, and see firsthand
the excited, smiling children and the
great success of the day.
Now, we’re going to turn this magic hexagram
into another one. Go through triangle by triangle
and each time replace the number by subtracting
the current number from 13. So the 12 up the top
becomes 13 – 12 = 1, the 11 becomes 13 – 11 = 2,
the 1 becomes 12 and so on.
What do you notice about this new hexagram?
For the answer visit:
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/adamspencers-summer-by-numbers--33-answer20150106-12iz7d.html
Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt
joins Taskforce Coordinator Merv Dyer
at the Variety Club Children’s Party,
perhaps considering a show ride!
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons of Victoria
Sir William Clarke Memorial Statue
O
n Tuesday 31 March 2015 the Most Eminent First Grand Principal
will re-dedicate the Sir William Clarke Memorial Statue at a
public ceremony in the Treasury Gardens, Melbourne
commencing at 2.00pm. The Memorial Statue to Sir William was raised
by the People of Victoria in 1902 in grateful tribute to a man who lived
much respected and died regretted.
News
The Ceremony will commence with a
public procession along Treasury Place.
This procession will be in full Royal Arch
regalia. The First Grand Principal will then
re-dedicate the Memorial with corn, wine,
oil and salt dispensed from the golden
vessels in the manner customary among
Freemasons. The ceremony is expected to
last about 40 minutes and will be
followed by afternoon tea at a nearby
location. Dress will be either lounge suit
or sports coat with collar and tie and
regalia.
Sir William Clarke, Baronet was the
inaugural First Grand Principal when this
Supreme Grand Chapter was erected in
March 1889. This event will culminate
the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of the
Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria.
As a matter of further interest, on the evening of the same day the Most
Eminent First Grand Principal, together with his most senior Grand Officers will attend the Salvation Army Temple on Bourke Street, Melbourne
and assist in dispensing food to the homeless and indigent of the City of
Melbourne. This will be both an act of humility on the part of Supreme
Grand Chapter as well as a fitting tribute to a man long remembered for
his charitable and philanthropic activities – Most Eminent Companion Sir
William Clarke. Supreme Grand Chapter will meet the cost of this charitable dispensation. All Royal Arch Masons are enjoined to attend this most
important and unique event.
CLOSING DATE FOR TICKETS is 16 March 2015
Don’t forget to attend the First Public Demonstration of the Pathway
Ceremony on Saturday 31 January for all of those who have registered.
Freemasons Victoria
FREE TO JOIN!
Wine Club!
Join the Freemasons Victoria Wine Club to enjoy a great range of drops
and take advantage of some great prices!
We have teamed with Wineland to give all members and Lodges across
Victoria, the opportunity to access their own wine purchasing account.
Visit: www.wineland.net.au today to find out more!
To access benefits for all Freemasons remember to use this code when
paying though the online payment gateway: Freemasons
ONLY
$12.50
PER BOTTLE
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
Ivanhoe Grammarians Buckley Night
I
Deadlines for content for
coming issues:
t is to be a big year in 2015 for Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge as it
celebrates the centenary year of Ivanhoe Grammar School.
The Rev. Sydney Buckley founded the School in 1915, and founded the
Lodge in 1946. Bro. Buckley continued as Lodge Chaplain for many
years. He died in 1964.
Don’t forget, previous issues of
engage! Newsletter can be found
using the Publications tab in the
Freemasons Victoria members
intranet. Just log in!
News
The Lodge’s first occasion for the 2015 will be a ‘Buckley Night’ at
7.30pm for 8pm on Thursday 5 February at the (Ivalda) Darebin
Masonic Centre, 40 Salisbury Ave, Darebin. Lodge Room work will
take 30 minutes focusing on a celebration from 8.15pm-9.15pm,
where a number of presentations will be made. Chief amongst these
presentations will be a cheque to Ivanhoe Grammar School, the first
of those for the Rev. Peter Holloway Scholarship. This is the first major
fundraising undertaking of Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge for many years.
Engage 89 - 28 January 2015
Engage 90 - 11 February 2015
Engage 91 - 25 February 2015
Contact Bro. Ash Long to register your attendance at [email protected]
Freemasons Cycling Club
Planning is now underway to ride the Lake Hume Challenge to support
the Albury/Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. The Freemasons Cycling
Club will be participating in the 2015 MS Melbourne Cycle - a charity
event that will support sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis in
Victoria.
To strengthen fundraising efforts, the Club has decided to
seek additional financial support from Lodges by asking
members to consider making a donation for each event
on a 1 x 1 basis.
Forgotten your user name or
password?
To access information from the
Members Intranet you will first need
to enter a user name and password.
Your user name is your six digit
member number followed by
@freemasonsvic.net.au.
WBro. Milton Mann who is cordinating this effort, said
that a member of the FMCC will make contact with the
District Coordinator of the area where the cycle will take
place, seeking support. The Club will then contact each
Lodge in that District and encourage members to donate
“1 x 1” - $1 for every (1) member.
For more information and to find out how to donate ahead of the event,
please contact WBro. Milton Mann on 0459 323 360.
Your password can be reset by
clicking ‘Forgot your password’. A
new temporary password will be
sent to your email address.
Enter your user name and your new
password into the login screen. If
you are still unable to log in please
contact Tony Morris at
[email protected]
QUIZ QUESTION: When was the Penny-Farthing bicycle invented?
8:'
facebook.com/
freemasonsvic
@freemasonsvic
Answer: 1871
Education Office Hours
The Education Office will re-open on Thursday 5 February 2015.
youtube.com/
freemasonsvic
linkedin.com/
company/freemasonsvictoria
Proud sponsors of Freemasons Victoria
in its 125th year.
2015 Australia Day March!
This year the Deputy Grand Master is on the march!
We would like to invite you all to participate with the Grand Ceremonial Team
to showcase Freemasonry on this very important day.
WHEN AND WHERE
The 2015 Australia Day People’s March will be held on Monday 26 January 2015.
It will commence at approximately 11am after the Flag Raising Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall which begins
at 10.30am. The March will travel from the corner of Bourke Street along Swanston Street past the Melbourne
Town Hall and Federation Square, over the Yarra River into St Kilda Road to the Kings Domain Gardens.
DRESS
Dinner suit, gloves and aprons. Officers may wear their gauntlets and collar.
ASSEMBLY
The assembly point for the March will be at the corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets, Melbourne. Freemasons
should arrive at this allocated area in their regalia no later than 10am. The march organisers will have assembly
marshals on site to assist.
You may also wish to bring your own refillable bottle. There is a hydration station in Kings Domain Gardens
where you can re-fill.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note the following terms and conditions:
Participants must not hand out or throw anything into the crowd along the March route.
The March is to continue in a forward motion at all times – not sideways, not circles, but forward.
Groups are not permitted to stop unless instructed by an Official March Marshal.
AFTER THE MARCH
The March will conclude in Kings Domain Gardens where you can meet friends and family and join in the
activities and celebrations.
This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Freemasonry, to show pride in your community and share your day
with family, friends and members of the wider community.
The Deputy Grand Master looks forward to your support.
Epworth Run for your Life
PA R K S
TREET
B
O
W
EN
Epworth Fun Run
SCEN
K STRE
ET
CRE
Princes P a rk
Bowling
PACRlu b
T
B
O
W
EN
PA R K S
TREET
CRE
SCEN
Princes Park
B ow l i n g C l u b
5
B
O
T
W
R O YA L PA R
ADE
EN
Start
CRE
SCEN
Princes P a r k
B o wling C l u b
T
R O YA L PA R
ADE
GROUND
P R I N C E S PA
RK DRIVE
GA RT ON ST
RE ET
R O YA L PA R
ADE
5
CARLTON3RECREATION
3
Northern
Pavilion
Princes Hill
Tennis Courts
Princes Hill
Te nnis Courts
R O YA L PA R
ADE
Southern
Pavilion
P R I N C E S PA
RK DRIVE
Northern
Pavilion
P R I N C E S PA
RK DRIVE
P r in ces H ill
C o u r ts
Tennis
CARLTON RECREATION
GROUND
P R I N C E S PA
RK DRIVE
Northern
Pavilion
P R I N C E S PA
RK DRIVE
CARLTON RECREATION
GROUND
R O YA L PA R
ADE
Sunday 15th March 2015
Location: Princes Park, Carlton North corner
Bowen Cres /Garton Street
Start time: Warm up 07:45am with 08:00am start
Distance: 3.2km one lap
5
3
Categories: 1-Lap-Walk/Wheel or 3-Lap-Run
Teams including Families and
3-Lap Relay welcome
Entry: $40 tax-deductible donation
Includes: An event singlet or T-shirt, light breakfast
and medal for finishing
Prizes: Awards for the top fundraising team
Proceeds: Directed towards equipment at
Epworth HealthCare
Registrations: epworth.org.au/runforyourlife
us: North)
Tel 03 9426 6359 or email
PRINCES Contact
PARK (Carlton
[email protected]
Lawn Number
Event
Non-bookable space
Toilets
Water Feature
Trees & Shrubs
Barbeque
Picnic Setting
Playground
PRINCES PARK (Carlton North)
Southern
Pavilion
Lawn Number
Non-bookable space
PA R K S
T R E E T Event
Toilets
CE
ME
R O YA L PA R
ADE
Date: Water Feature
Trees & Shrubs
Barbeque
Picnic Setting
PRINCES PARK
(Carlton North)
Playground
O
TE
B
W
EN
RY
RO
AD
Southern
Pavilion
Non-bookable space
ES
Event
Toilets
Water FeatureP r i n c e s
Trees & Shrubs
Barbeque
Picnic Setting
Playground
Park
Bowling Club
CRE
W
Lawn Number
SCEN
T
Your support saves lives.
T
CE
ME
TE
Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons of Victoria presents
The first public demonstration of
The Pathway Ceremony
Conducted at: Batesford Quarry
When:
Saturday 31st January 2015 @ 2.30pm

Register at Geelong Masonic Centre for afternoon tea.

A special program for the Ladies will be offered , whilst members of the Chapter, Craft and
Mark will be transported to the quarry by bus, returning at 6.45 p.m. NO other vehicles
will be admitted to the quarry.

A ‘Grand Banquet’ following the quarry ceremony at the Geelong Masonic Centre

Tickets at $40.00 per person (ceremony and banquet) to this event are limited and will be
issued on a first come first served basis so don’t hesitate to purchase your tickets. Tickets
to attend the ceremony only will be $10.00

Smart casual dress—no regalia.

Contact Wayne Smith, Grand Scribe Ezra for tickets and details on 9411 0113 or by email at
[email protected]
RSVP by close of business Monday 8th December 2014
Today
100 years ago
Celebrating 125 years in Victoria
Discover
the secret for
yourself...
Freemasonry offers members
opportunities for personal
growth, community service and
camaraderie. Unlock your potential
with like-minded people committed
to the principles of acceptance,
self-development and support.
Want to know more?
Come to the Monash Gully
OPEN NIGHT
Wednesday 4th February 2015, 7:00pm
Partners and friends welcome
Waverley Masonic Centre
318 - 322 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley
Contact: Lionel May on 9727 1441
or Bill Stevenson on 0411 403 958
or email [email protected]
www.freemasonsvic.net.au