Engage!

A word from the Grand Master

Dear Brethren All,

As the end of the year is fast approaching, I would like to congratulate all

Brethren on their fantastic community achievements in 2011. The efforts of

Brethren all across the state and their active involvement in the community

has been nothing short of impressive.

I am indeed proud of the way in which we have continued to embrace

initiatives set-out in the 2010-2013 strategic plan. We truly can call

ourselves a progressive organisation with the ways in which we have

moved full steam ahead in the areas of membership, property acquisition

and refurbishment, Lodge consolidation, communication and technology.

Brethren, I hope that in 2012 our public image will continue to be further

enhanced and that our fundamental and steadfast principles will continue to

be demonstrated in the community, which will undoubtedly keep a high level

of interest of young men wanting to discover the Craft.

As we prepare to join with our families and celebrate this festive season, I

encourage you to think about 2012 and how you can further contribute and

make an even bigger difference to your Lodge and wider community.

I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very safe and happy festive

season.

Yours Fraternally,

Vaughan Werner

Grand Master

The image shows a number of the

attendees along with RWBro. Peter

Telford, PSGW and WBro. Don

Austin, PJGD (members of the Grand

Lodge Education Committee) who

conducted the day’s proceedings.

Programs for future Seminars, both in

the metropolitan and country regions

are in the planning stages for 2012.

Notification of dates and locations will be via the Grand Secretary’s Bulletin.

Freemasons

Development course

After a lapse of almost a year, this

course has been updated and

retitled – Preparation for Master –

Freemasons Development Seminar.

The first of these Seminars was conducted at the Irymple Masonic

Centre in November and included

over 20 members from six Lodges.

e-newsletter No. 25

Calendar of events

For an up to date calendar of events

please visit www. freemasonsvic.net.au

and click ‘calender of events’ link in the

bottom right corner of the homepage.

A true show pony

The Bairnsdale combined Lodges Rocking Horse was on show a recent

Gippsland Lakes Installation. The horse is first prize in a raffle arranged by Union Lodge of North Gippsland, Mitchell River Lodge and Bairnsdale

Daylight Lodge. It was lovingly and carefully crafted by three Bairnsdale

Freemasons, WorBro. Jack Gabriel, PM, WorBro. Brian Hopkins, PJGD,

and WorBro. Maurie Jones, PM from 100 year old timbers, real leather reins

and saddle.

The horse is an amazing display of craftsmanship and is the fifth of similar horses, each raising significant amounts for local charities. WorBro. Jack, now in his 80’s says that unfortunately this one must be the last. The

previous horse which was raffled two years ago raised some $20,000, including a Grand Lodge contribution, for the purchase of five dialysis chairs for the Bairnsdale Hospital.

This year, the three Lodges are targeting an even larger sum for the

Bairnsdale Hospital which has recently opened a new Oncology Unit

handling much larger number of dialysis and oncology patients and is in

dire need of more modern equipment.

Gone, but not forgotten

The former Burnaby Lodge in Donald may have closed its doors, but the

legacy of Burnaby will live on with a dedicated room in the Court House

Museum, thanks to funding from the sale of the Masonic Hall.

The dedicated room will display items sentimental to the former Burnaby

Lodge including regalia, banners,

historical documents and chapter

equipment.

The museum is managed by the

Donald Historical Society who recently

accepted a cheque for $2,500 at the official unveiling on behalf of Freemasons Victoria.

Burnaby Lodge closed on September

3, 2009 and the Masonic Hall in

McCulloch Street was recently sold.

In 1985, the Lodge celebrated its Centenary with a special ceremony

involving many of the items now on

display.

Freemasonry Victoria

Summer magazineThe summer edition of Freemasonry

Victoria will be arriving in your mail

box shortly.

Highlights include Soldier Matt

Lamberth talking about his experience

with Freemasonry, a feature on how

to give gifts that give this Christmas

and a look at two newly redeveloped

Masonic Centres.

Please ensure Grand Lodge has your

correct address by logging onto the

member portal on the Freemasons

Victoria website (instructions on how

to do this are on the last two pages

of this newsletter) or calling the office during business hours on 9411 0111.

Freemasons Victoria is always keen

to hear from our members and

encourages all members to send

their letters, stories and events to

editor@freemasonsvic.net.au

2012 Grand Installation

Ensure your calendar is marked for the

2012 Grand Installation of RWBro. Bob

Jones, Grand Master - Elect.

Key dates:

Quarterly Communication –

Wednesday 21/03/12

Guests Reception –

Thursday 22/03/12, 6:30pm

Grand Installation –

Friday 23/03/12, 6:00pm

Ladies Brunch –

Saturday 24/03/12, 10:00am

Grand Banquet –

Saturday 24/03/12 6:30pm

Church Service –

Sunday 25/03/12 11:00amFarewell Luncheon –

Sunday 25/03/12 12:30pm

Young member interview

Engage! caught up with 23 year old Brother

Benjamin Casey who completed his first degree earlier this year.

You recently graduated from University?

I majored in history with supplementary units

in international relations, politics, and media

communication. I focused primarily on British/

Australian military and imperial history. I had

the focus on history because I find it the most interesting of all academic subjects, and even

since I was little have had a keen interest

in the armed forces of Australia and Britain.

Upon graduating in October this year, I was

given my Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in history.

What do you want to do now that you have finished studying?

Following along my military interest, I have always wished to gain a

commission in the Australian Defence Force with leanings towards the

Navy, or the Army, and never doubted that I would gain one at some point.

I currently have an application in the works, so hopefully that will yield the

result I am after.

Are you currently working, if so tell us about your job?

I am currently serving in the Australian Army Reserve, in the 5th/6th Battalion, the Royal Victoria Regiment as both an infantry soldier, and

a piper in the regiment’s Pipes and Drums. Both roles have been very

challenging, and rewarding, giving me a glimpse of the Army on exercise,

and on ceremonial duties.

What are your hobbies/interests?

On top of the interests mentioned earlier (history and the military), I am a

keen musician and play bagpipes, percussion and the bugle. I enjoy sports

like AFL, aikido and golf, all of which I play to various extents. I am also

guilty of spending a great amount of time in front of the computer, be it

games or web surfing.

Why did you want to become a Freemason?

Over my first few years with the regiment’s Pipes and Drums, I was exposed more and more to Freemasonry. At first it was simply talking to other members of the band who were masons. But as the band was invited

to play at lodges in the South, or during open ceremonies such as that of

the Vacant Chair, I got to interact with more masons, and saw more of what

they did. With the calibre of the men I had met, and the great attention to

tradition and history, I knew I had to be a part of it.

What has been your favourite part of Freemasonry so far?

So far it has been the people involved in the craft. Everyone I have met,

and now call brother have been incredibly kind, and honest with me. I can

honestly say that I have never come across an organisation or society

with people as genuinely good as that of Freemasonry. I also find all the imagery and metaphor with all their meanings incredibly fascinating, and

hope to learn a great deal more in the future. Being part of a Service Lodge,

everyone wears their own uniforms, rather than a dinner suit, making each

meeting very colourful. It is the only place in the world where I have seen

this many people from all across the defence services together in one place.

Santa is coming to

Zetland Lodge

Zetland Lodge will be transformed into

Santa’s Cave starting on Saturday 3rd

December and he will be there for the

next two Saturdays, the 10th and 17th

from 10am until 2pm. Come along and

get your photo taken with Santa. There

will also be locally grown Christmas

trees for sale as with all profits going towards the Zetland Lodge School

Bursary Program.

Victoria Police

Showband fundraising

concert

A fundraising concert performed by the

Victoria Police Showband / Pipe Band

will be held on Saturday afternoon,

4th February, 2012 at the Phee

Broadway Theatre in Mechanics Lane,

Castlemaine.

This is a first time performance by the combined Police Bands in

Castlemaine and the purpose of this

concert is to raise funds toward the

purchase of a larger bus/vehicle to

transport youth from the area, to local

church organised events, as well as

making a donation to Motor Neurone

Disease Association of Victoria from

the proceeds.

If you have not attended a Police

Showband / Pipe Band concert

before, you really must experience the

professional standard.

The concert will commence at 1.30pm.

sharp and conclude at approximately

4pm to 4.30pm. The cost of tickets will

be $25.00 per person or $20.00 each for concession/pension card holders.

Please contact Jessie Crew on

mobile telephone number 0417 334

907 to organise and book your tickets.

There will be no tickets sold at the

door on the day.

This is a must see concert and as the

seating capacity is limited, please be

among the first to book and secure your seating.

A special notice

The family of Victor Herbert Frahn (7

May 1922 – 11 March 1992), member

of the former Australasian Kilwinning

Lodge No. 2 , wish to advise that his

widow Shirley Frahn (born 29 February

1929) passed away peacefully at the

Havilah Hostel, Maryborough Victoria

on Friday 25 November 2011.

Shirley was a keen supporter of

Freemasonry and worked closely with

Victor in the Ladies of the Masters

Group catering for events. She made

many friendships during his times as

Master (1980 & 1984) and all through

his membership. Their children, Denice

and Chris, can be contacted via email

(spencedd@bigpond.com).

Well travelled gavel

The Vulcan Lodge located in Kansas,

USA has a very well travelled Gavel.

Their travelling Gavel is in its fifth year and has now traveled 68,830 miles to

115 Lodges in five countries on four continents and been held by 15 Grand Masters.

The gavel was even sent to

Afghanistan to attempt to use the gavel in a military lodge, however due

to unforeseen problems it was not able to be used. The image shows

Grand Master Vaughan Werner, WorBro. Pete Henry, PM and RWBro.

Barry Reaper, PDGM with the gavel. It arrived here in Victoria from

Kansas in May 2009 where it was taken to seven lodges before travelling

to Queensland, then aboard a cruise ship to Hawaii.

You can view all of the photos from the Gavel’s travels at

www.VulcanLodge229ofKansas.blogspot.com

Marshall Masons

Members from the Central Goldfields Masonic Group again acted as corner

marshall’s at the 21st running of the

“RACV Energy Breakthrough” held

annually in the town of Maryborough.

The Energy Breakthrough involves

students from Primary and Secondary

Schools. Students design, build and

enter Human Powered Vehicles

(HPV’s) ranging from push carts

to a range of sophisticated pedal powered, hybrid and petrol powered

vehicles, along with alternative energy innovations.

Some 20,000 visitors and competitors descended on Princes Park

Maryborough. Volunteers manned the nine corners on the RACV Track.

Corner nine is known as the “Freemasons Corner” and is manned by

local Freemasons and family members who volunteer their time.

A day of remembrance

The Worshipful Master, accompanied

by Officers and Brethren of the Carisbrook Lodge, made their annual

‘Official Visit’ to the St George Lodge Dunolly. The officers of Carisbrook conducted the “Vacant Chair

Ceremony” in honour to the fallen for

Remembrance Day,

After the Lodge Meeting, the Master

of Carisbrook, WorBro. Jim Kerville,

presented a certificate of appreciation to the Master and Brethren of Dunolly for their support and use of the Dunolly Masonic Centre during

the renovations to the Carisbrook Centre following the devastating

January floods.

Upcoming Open Nights

Do you know any prospective

candidates or anyone interested in

learning more about Freemasonry?

Invite them to one of the upcoming

open nights.

Wednesday 8 February

Bellarine / Otways District Open

Night

Bellarine Masonic Centre

7:00pm for 7:30pm

60 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff

Contact: Dick Clark

rclark@bigpond.net.au

Friday 24 February

Belgrave Open Night

Belgrave Masonic Centre

7:00pm for 7:30pm

33 Bayview Road, Belgrave

Contact: Roger Thompson

rogert38@bigpond.com

Service Jewels

Are you due to receive a jewel soon?

Remember to remind your Lodge

Secretary as some jewels have been

overlooked. Freemasons Victoria wants

to honor our long serving Freemasons

and ensure all members are presented

with their warranted jewels.

A fair effort

Thanks to the efforts of Worship Master Chris Lambis and Lodge Amicus,

Cancer Council Victoria was able to reach its fundraising target of $2.2 million. Lodge Amicus hosted the ‘My Fair Lady Ball’ earlier this year

where 320 people gathered for an evening of fine food and wine, exhibition ballroom dancing and fundraising. A massive $51,300 was raised with the Board of Benevolence adding another $25,000 to the total. The Cancer Council was presented with a total of $76,300 that will contribute to projects including world-class cancer research, providing practical cancer education

for GPs and nurses and telephone and internet support groups.

Mobile Lodge on show

Despite a torrential downpour, the mobile Lodge and the Lilydale Lodge

Information Booth attracted a smattering of interest among those who

braved the inclement weather and attended the Lilydale show. The nicer

weather on the Sunday brought bigger crowds with the on duty Freemasons

fielding the usual questions and explaining the qualifications required to join. One young man in particular after being told that one of the guidelines

was that the applicant couldn’t have a criminal laughed and said “I hope I

haven’t got a criminal record because I’m a copper”.

1100 years of service

At Mordialloc Lodge of Charity’s November meeting two significant jewel presentations were made. RWBro. Tom Henry, PSGW received a 70 year

jewel and VWBro. Alan Carey, PGIWkgs received a 50 year jewel. The Mordialloc Lodge of Charity now boasts a total of 19 brethren with service

jewels of 50 years or more and a combined total of over 1100 years.

The younger members who attended the presentation listened with interest

to the stories and incredible experiences told by long serving Freemasons.

Tom Henry spoke of his 70 years in Freemasonry, which includes 12 years

as Director or Assistant Director of Ceremonies, 10 years as Almoner, 24

years as Treasurer, a total involvement with Lodges of Instruction in excess

of 50 years and many years spent on the Almoners sub-committee of which he is still an active member at the age of 92 years young.

Brother Tom also holds the unique distinction of having proposed his

father and three sons into Freemasonry. Tom’s fellow Lodge members

describe him as a mentor, leader and an inspiration and are thankful for his

continued commitment to the Lodge and Freemasonry.

Order of the Eastern

Star

You may have heard of the Order of

the Eastern Star, but many are not

aware of it’s history or it’s connection to

Freemasonry.

The Order of the Eastern Star was

founded by Most Worshipful Brother

Dr. Rob Morris in 1850. Dr Morris created the degrees of the Eastern star

around the lives of five Biblical women. They are Jephthah’s daughter, whom

he chose to call Adah; Ruth, Esther,

Martha and, from the second letter of

John, the Elect Lady, to whom he gave

the name Electa.

He chose these women because each

of them exemplifies virtues that are the tenets of the Order: fidelity, love, constancy, loyalty and faith. Even

though ritual is based on the heroines

from the Bible, the Order of the Eastern

Star is not a religion. It does not pretend

to take the place of a religion and is not

a substitute.

The Order of the Eastern Star was

conceived, written, and taught by a

Master Mason to provide a place where

both men and women could work side

by side. It is now the largest fraternal

organisation in the world to which both

men and women belong.

The Order of the Eastern star began

in Australia in 1912 in Queensland

under the Supreme Grand Chapter

of Scotland. The ritual has remained

unchanged through the years.

Like Freemasonry, the Order of

the Eastern Star is benevolent and

charitable in its actions, raising millions

of dollars annually throughout the world.

In Victoria the Order has supported

many hospitals, cancer research,

Diabetes Australia, the National Heart

Foundation, the Freemasons Victoria

task force, drought appeals and many

other worthy causes.

For more information please contact

Sandra Davis, District Grand Secretary

Phone (03) 9557 9131 or 0402 434 474

Go to www.freemasonsvic.net.au and you

should see the screen below, then click on

“Member log in”,

You should then see the following page,

then click on the “Click here” to access

members portal, see arrow.

Then you should see the following screen, then using

your membership number as shown on your card for your

username and password, then click on “Login”.

That will take you to this screen. On the

third box down go to “click here to update

your own membership details”. Amend

any incorrect information and add in any

missing information.

If you have any further issues please do

not hesitate to contact Roger Schie on

9411 0139.

Logging on with your membership card

If you are unsure or have been unsuccessful with

logging into the Freemasonry Victoria wesbite,

please follow these instructions to gain access to the

member portal.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Go to www.freemasonsvic.net.au and you

should see the screen below, then click on

“Member log in”,

You should then see the following page,

then click on the “Click here” to access

members portal, see arrow.

Before commencing step 3 ensure your membership details

displayed the correct brithdate. You should see the following

screen, then using your membership number as shown on

your card for your username and password. Click on “Reset

Password”. A note will come up and say “Your Password has

been reset to your birthday in DDMMYY format”. Re-enter

your username and your new password in the format of your

date of birth DDMMYY and press login.

That will take you to this screen. Enter your old password

which is your date of birth in the format DDMMYY. Then

enter a new password, anything you like, but not your birth

date as this is the default password used by the system.

Re-enter your new password it in the “Confirm” box and click on “Update Password”.

If you have any further issues please do not hesitate to

contact Roger Schie on 9411 0139.

Changing your membership log-in password

If you would like to change the password you use to

log into the Freemasons Victoria website using your

membership card, please follow these instructions.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4