Think Pink Bear Challenge Tally! Lodges from across Victoria have pledged their

support over the last three months for Think Pink by purchasing a box of cute Think Pink bears. But we still have a long way to go before we

reach our target! If you or your Lodge has not already contributed towards this campaign, don’t

hesitate to contact Gabrielle Forman to pick up your box of Think Pink bears! Remember, one box of cute little bears only costs your Lodge $150 which can then be sold to friends, family and the community for $10 each. Simple!So challenge yourself!

Please contact Gabrielle Forman on 9411 0101 or email at gforman@freemasonsvic.net.au if you would like to purchase a box of Think Pink bears.

engage! e-newsletter No. 105

How much can happen in just two weeks?

We’ve now conducted our first Quarterly Communication at the Melbourne and Olympic Park Function Centre and with the exception of some minor teething problems, all of which will be addressed, what a great success it was.

The following evening, the Board of General Purposes met with MIRVAC and were appraised of the successful outcome regarding the planning permit for the redevelopment of the Dallas Brooks Centre site and the project will commence almost immediately.

On the weekend, I attended the first activity involving the Gippsland Freemasons Social Network, an effort being led by five young Freemasons in Gippsland which was a BBQ held at the Coal Creek Historical Village at the Masonic Centre in conjunction with a family community day. These young and enthusiastic men are determined to increase the profile of Freemasonry in Gippsland and will attract new Freemasons and inspire existing ones. We wish them every success.

That same evening, Mornington Lodge No. 160 launched a major fundraising effort as part of its 125 year celebrations. The guest speaker was Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty who gave an inspirational and heart-rend-ing address. The proceeds of the Lodge’s fundraising will go towards the Luke Batty Foundation that supports women and children affected by the trauma of family violence.

What didn’t happen over the last two weeks? There has been very little input (as in donations) received for our efforts toward October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month – I’m looking for $130 (on average) from each and every Lodge.

Kind regards MWBro. Hillel Benedykt Grand Master

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO MEET

THE GRAND MASTER’S CHALLENGE!

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September Quarterly Communication

Just a little different

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt.

Over 250 members attended the September 2015 Quarterly Communication. Another 200+ viewed the webcast at either one of a number of Masonic Centres or from home.

The new venue, brought with it changes, some permanent and some temporary. RWBro. Bill Kee Grand Registrar gave notice of a motion to be moved at the December communication regarding a number of changes to the constitution relating to governance.

The agenda featured the traditional maiden address by the Grand Master Elect. RWBro. Don Reynolds spoke of the range of people who supported him in his masonic career, leading him to the point where he was now on the very brink of receiving the highest honour that our organisation can bestow. He stressed that it wasn’t the role of the Grand Master to make policy; rather that responsibility lay with the Board of General Purposes. Further to this, he stressed that the responsibility for membership is in the hands of the membership, and Lodges, not the Grand Secretariat. RWBro. Reynolds also emphasised that the members should first consider themselves Freemasons as opposed to members of a Lodge and that the good of Freemasonry in the district or the state should be foremost in all our minds.

Grand Treasurer, VWBro. Garry James presented the annual financial accounts and highlighted some of the key items from the past financial year. The movement of funds from the Benevolent Fund to the Freemasons Foundation Victoria were significant items.

The Chairman of Royal Freemasons, WBro. Ian Buckingham PGStdB, addressed the communication for the last time as chairman reporting into the progress that Royal Freemasons has made over the past year.

The Freemasons Foundation Victoria Chairman, Bro. Andre Clayton addressed the communication outlining the many charitable donations made this year , particularly in support of Lodges.

The Grand Master’s address wound its way through the story of his Swiss watch... Copies of all these addresses can be found on the Freemasons Victoria website.

The day of the September 2015 Quarterly Communication started very early for the team, as we no longer have the luxury of a purpose built venue that could be set up days before. As dawn broke, the ‘bump in’ team arrived to set up of the stage, lighting, seating, and furniture. The major pieces of furniture were stored in a trailer since our move from the DBC. The organ was collected and delivered, twenty large tubs containing everything from merchandise, scanners, the Grand Tyler’s kit, and even some of the Grand Secretary’s office were moved in from the Secretariat’s new home in Moubray Street and the jigsaw puzzle started to come together.

As the day passed more staff and volunteers arrived, first orientating themselves, finding out where things were and then setting about their allotted tasks be it broadcast, reception, ceremonial, communications. The team grew further as the Grand Director, Past Grand Director and others came in to have a first final run-through of the ceremonial component of the night.

Deputy Grand Master RWBro. Don Reynolds.

Freemasons Foundation Victoria Chairman Bro. Andre Clayton.

Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro. Myles King, VWBro. Harry Pitaro

who graciously stepped in for Grand Director of Ceremonies VWBro. Chrys

Kypreos, and VWBro. Ian Goddard, Grand Herald.

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For all your personal and business legal needs.

Continued...

At times the atmosphere was frenetic, at other times quiet and calm, but always a level of tension due to the lingering question “Has anything been forgotten?”.

By 5pm the first members had started to arrive, with a flow of members building to a crescendo as the gavel was about to fall. Members enjoyed a single communal robing area, with plenty of tables for cases. The ceremonial team, having finished their rehearsals, preened themselves and prepared for their part in the night’s proceedings. With formal communications having ended, members made their way to the dining facility where they were greeted by a generous range of finger food, and were able to sit at tables or stand to enjoy each other’s company or catch the ear of the Grand Master or other Senior Officers.

But as this was occurring the ‘bump in’ team changed their guise and became the ‘bump out’ team, packing away Grand Lodge until the next Quarterly Communication; the lighting, audio equipment, the stage, the seats, furnishings, the swords all carefully stowed and transported.

One would be fooled into thinking that this describes all that occurred, for the planning started months ago with a number of venues being visited and appraised as to their suitability, lists were drawn up, checked and gone over numerous times as this was new ground. The Communications have travelled from the DBC in the past, but this was the first time from the new home of Melbourne and Olympic Park Stadium.

A footnote should be added regarding the parking, the Grand Secretariat is working to resolve the issues that arose, particularly in respect of the distance and mobility problems experienced by some members.A survey was sent to all members on our email list: to date 237 members have responded, of which;• 107 members attended the venue• 16 viewed at masonic centres• 34 viewed elsewhere• 80 did not attend or view

For those viewing remotely, 86% responded that the log-on process was ‘Good to Excellent’The responses from those who attended the venue:• 84% replied that the overall layout was good to Excellent• 80% through the seating was good to excellent• 67% said parking was neutral to satisfactory The experience of this communication and results of the survey and other feedback received will be combined to continue to improve the management and outcomes for future Quarterly Communications.

It is recognised that parking was an issue (although a few members did thank us for helping with their fitness),and the team is already negotiating with the venue to improve accessibility. Particular attention will be paid to the needs of those with mobility issues and to cater for inclement weather. Improvement of signage and directions is also in planning.

Freemasons Victoria provided 150 car park spaces at no cost for members; this was in addition to that provided for staff, Senior Grand Officers and team members. Extensive additional parking was available at the venue for $7.50. Consideration is being given to a process of a no-cost online registration for the event, to ensure that facilities, from seating to catering, are always in line with attendances. This will also provide the opportunity for any members with special needs to request assistance.

A Facebook comment from the night could sum it all up.‘Excellent Quarterly tonight. Great venue and plenty of supper with tables to sit at for those who needed a seat. Well done GL.’ Robert Pullin

Photos C/-: WBro. David Wells, Healesville Lodge No. 247

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National Police Remembrance Day Services

The month of September is National Police Blue Ribbon month, culminating with Blue Ribbon Day on Tuesday 29 September.

On this date, Freemasons Victoria will join past and present Police officers and members of the community for the National Police Remembrance Day March from Princes Bridge, followed by a Service at the Police memorial in the King’s Domain Gardens on St Kilda Road.Details of the day’s events are:

10:00 am March and parade of past and present police members from Princes Bridge, along St Kilda Road to be followed by a Remembrance Day Service at the Police Memorial in the King’s Domain Gardens, St Kilda Road.

4:00 pm “End of Day Reflection” and lowering of the Police Ensign at Springvale Botanical Cemetery (Corner 5th Road and 6th Avenue, Melways 591 K6).

6:00 pm Informal Lighting of Candles of Remembrance at Police Academy, View Mount Road, Glen Waverley. Concludes at 7:45pm with the reading of the Honour Roll.

Please visit the Blue Ribbon Foundation website at www.remember.org.au for details of state-wide National Police Remembrance Day Services.

Victorian Freemasons Choir combines with

Probus to sing up a storm in Keysborough

A visit to Grandma’s Members of Henty Lodge No. 279 and Monash Lodge No. 938 made an official visit to Malvern Lodge No. 121 on Thursday 4 June 2015 – effectively ‘Mother Lodge’ and ‘Grandmother Lodge’ of the two visiting Lodges.

Malvern Lodge’s Immediate Past Master WBro. Dr Guy Roberts gave a talk on the background of the French Revolution and the Masonic History within this period.

The talk was extremely well researched, informative and well delivered. The remainder of the South was relaxed and conducive to good fellowship between all three Lodges. Members commented that overall it was a most enjoyable evening.

Standing: WBro. Max McCready (Malvern), WBro. Taras Wolf (Henty), Bro. John Lewis (Malvern), WBro. Geoff Noblett (Monash) and Bro. Sean Nichols (Monash). Seated: WBro. Henk van de Waarsenburg (Henty), WBro. Rob Evans (Malvern) and Bro. Steve East (Monash).

On Thursday 27 August, the Victorian Freemasons Choir combined with the Bellarine Probus Singers under the baton of RWBro. Barry Reaper to present a concert at Park Glen Retirement Village in Keysborough.

The enthusiastic audience enjoyed favourite songs from Musical Comedy through the years, from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma of 1943 through to Les Miserables.

Victorian Freemasons Choir, pianist, WBro. Doug Mudie, provided two solo items, The Dream of Olwyn and a comedy piece, The Man Who Paints the White Line Down the Middle of the Road, which was written by the late WBro. Alan Rowe, a well known professional entertainer in Melbourne.

The next outing for the combined choirs will be at Hearts of Oak Lodge, annual church service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Brighton on Sunday 4 October at 10:00am.

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Mornington Lodge celebrates 125 years with a

pledge to help put an end to family violence

Mornington Lodge No. 160 celebrated its 125th anniversary on Saturday 19 September at the Mornington Golf Club. Members of the Freemasons Victoria’s Grand Lodge joined Grand Master

Hillel Benedykt and his wife Sue, and Mornington Lodge members, friends and family for the evening.

Host, Master of Mornington Lodge WBro. Edy Wilfling said that the event was a very special one, recognising the Lodge’s commitment to benevo-lence and charity over 125 years, and its contributions to community with grants totalling in excess of $160,000.

“Every year the Mornington Lodge funds a scholarship for a student from Mornington Secondary College, and recently has assisted with the purchase of a yacht for the Mornington Yacht Club. The yacht has been specifically designed for the Club’s Sailability Program, which offers those with a disability the opportunity to enjoy a sailing experience”, he said.

“This year, marking our 125th Anniversary, Mornington Lodge has pledged to raise $125,000 towards the Luke Batty Foundation”.

Special guest, Rosie Batty, established the Luke Batty Foundation in the name of her late son in 2014 who was tragically killed by his father after cricket practice in Tyabb on 12 February.

Luke Batty’s death shocked the community and since that time, support has poured in to assist in raising awareness of domesti violence. Edy took the Luke Batty Foundation under his wing by pledging that, in recognition of the Mornington Lodge’s 125th anniversary, he would fundraise and aim to contribute $125,000 towards the cause. With the Lodge, the commu-nity of Mornington and Freemasons Victoria’s backing, Edy created ‘Lewis the Masonic Bear’.

“With every purchase of Lewis, you are raising awareness for family violence. All proceeds will be directed to the Luke Batty Foundation,” he said. “‘Lewis’, meaning ‘son of a Mason’ and representing strength, signi-fies the hope and acknowledgement needed to put an end to this kind of abuse”. Rosie, who spoke about her journey and the seriousness of the problem, said that two women are killed in Australia each week and one woman is hospitalised every three hours by a crime that gets too little attention.

“With more awareness and a whole-of-government approach, more will understand that family violence is simply unacceptable”, she said.

Grand Master Hillel Benedykt said that he was saddened by the statistics and that through the connectedness of Freemasonry we can communicate both within the fraternity and with community that there is no place for family violence.

“Edy’s challenge is a significant fundraising effort that Freemasons Victoria is in full support of. I will ensure that every dollar raised towards this campaign is matched by the Freemasons Foundation”, he said.

Rosie said that she is grateful for the support from Freemasons Victoria.

“I’m blown away by the commitment and generosity of the Freemasons and can’t thank you enough for your support.”

Founder of the Luke Batty Foundation Rosie Batty with Sue Benedykt and

Jane Kypreos.

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt with Rosie Batty and WBro. Edy

Wilfling (and Lewis the Masonic Bear).

Contact Edy Wilfling at edy@excelbiz.com.au to pre-order Lewis the Masonic Bear for only $29.95 and help stop family violence.

Visit the Luke Batty Foundation website to learn more about Rosie’s journey and how this tragedy has inspired so many to take action.

http://lukebattyfoundation.com.au

Sign up to the Never Alone campaign at www.neveralone.com.au

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A night at Ivanhoe Grammarians

Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge had 115 people at the Darebin (‘Ivalda’) Masonic Centre for its Installation and Open

Investiture late last month.

MWBro. Vaughan Werner, Past Grand Master, officiated, assisted by RWBro. Barry Reaper, and the 2015 Ceremonial Team.

WBro. Wayne Motton was installed as Master, taking over from WBro. Max Fraser who served the Lodge as Master for most of the past five years.

Guests were treated to an education session conducted by RWBro. Andrew McPhee, before being admitted to the Lodge Room.

History was made in the ‘South’ afterwards, when Astrida Cooper, Director of Development at Ivanhoe Grammar School, proposed a toast to the school. She was the first woman to propose a toast in the 70-year history of the Lodge.

The Lodge was founded by Bro. Rev. Sydney Buckley in 1946. He founded the School in 1915. The installation and investiture was attended by a number of prospective members, and application forms are in the process of being submitted.

Dandenong Open

Installation

It was a full house at the Open Installation of Dandenong Lodge No. 635 on Saturday 19 September, where Bro. Vito Spicuzza was placed into the chair of King Solomon for the very first time. Visitors out-numbered Freemasons, with more than 120 guests watching the Senior Grand Warden and a combination of Country and Metro 2015 Ceremonial Team members putting on an outstanding show. Bro. Vito was supported by his wife, mother, father, brother, sister, sons, grandkids and lots of friends. One of his sons, Johnny, was also invested as Tyler. More guests arrived later for the festivities in the South. As the two ladies in the kitchen were kept very busy preparing and plating, all members pitched in to help. A long line of men in bow-ties, risking their whites, with tails a flying, served the three course meal in style. Guests (non-Freemasons) were heard to have remarked on the perfect floor movements and how impressed they were of the spectacle they had just witnessed.

There were plenty of speeches, toasts, raffle prizes, and Grand Herald VWBro. Ian Goddard played Old Lang Syne and the Australian National Anthem.

WBro. Charlie Freedman and Director of Development Ivanhoe Grammar School Astrida Cooper.

MWBro. Vaughan Werner, PGM and newly installed Master, WBro.

Wayne Motton.

Immediate Past Master WBro. Max Fraser with is daughter Melinda.

Bro Bill Edwards of Richmond Lodge No. 89, celebrated hIs century mile stone earlier this month at the Bennettswood Bowling Club in Burwood. Bro. Bill was honoured with many local dignitries and a number of Freemasons attending his special day.

Bro. Bill Edwards turns 100!

L-R: VWBro. Vic Samarias, Bro. Bill Edwards, WBro. Douglas Ridgers

and RWBro. Joel Solomon. Initiated in 1951, Bro. Bill has been

recognised with a 60 year jewel and a letter from the Queen.

Newly installed Bro. Vito Spicuzza with his wife Karen.

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The Dress Maker

Join the Epworth Medical Foundation for a night at the movies with Kate Winslet.

On Wednesday 21 October at 7pm, the Rivoli Cinema in Hawthorn East will feature a premiere showing of The Dressmaker, a story of love, revenge and haute couture.

When glamorous Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet) returns from Paris to rural Australia to care for her ailing mother (Judi Davis). She transforms the women of her home town with her European style and beautiful clothes. Tickets $35 - includes movie plus pop-corn, a delicious choc top and entry into a raffle with stylish prizes fitting the designer theme.

Seats are limited so book early!  For tickets contact: Jo Payne, Epworth Medical Foundation on 9516 2826 or joanna.payne@epworth.org.au

Grand Master Hillel Benedykt, witnessed by members of the Bayside Masonic Centre Advi-sory Committee and representa-tives of Southern Freemasonry turned the first sod at the pro-posed site for the new Bayside Masonic Centre, in Gardenvale, on Tuesday 8 September, 2015.

Following a decision to consoli-date four of the Masonic Centres in the Bayside area to a single landmark, the site, which is located on the corner of North Road and Nepean Highway, Gar-denvale will be developed as the new home of Freemasonry in the Bayside area.

Planning began last year to develop a four-story commercial and Masonic facility.

“This is a great milestone for Freemasons Victoria. This site will be the first purpose-built Ma-sonic Centre developed from the ground up in Victoria for some decades,” Hillel said.

Freemasons Victoria has been working with project manag-ers, Nash Project Management, to secure Buchan Architects and Buxton Construction to com-plete the facility and aim to open the doors in early 2017.

Turning the Sod at Gardenvale

Portland Coast Guards take safety seriously

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt turning the first sod in Gardenvale with

a little help from RWBro. Peter Henshall, RWBro. Garry James, and Deputy Grand

Master RWBro. Don Reynolds.

The Portland Coast Guard are now well equipped with new on-board training manikins thanks to a donation from the Portland Lodge and Freema-sons Foundation.

The training manikins, worth $1350 each will assist with the Coast Guard’s First Aid program.

Portland Lodge member Ian Berry said that the Lodge is proud to be able to contribute towards such an important program.

“I am rather impressed with the local Coast Guard group. It is very well run, and everyone takes great pride in the maintenance of their boat and in the service they provide to the fishing and boating community.

“Over the past few years, Portland has become a hub for blue fin tuna fishing, and with more and more people on the water, its imperative that safety takes a priority,” he said.

Coast Guard Commander Stephen Brown said that the help that the Coast Guard receives from community groups is invaluable and in turn supports the boating community.

“All of our members require Level 2 First Aid training plus annual updates. Now we are able to conduct that training on a needs basis. Our first course starts in two weeks”, he said.

Portland Lodge’s Steven Rogers and Ian Berry; Deputy Coast Guard Commander, David Lanyon; Coast Guard Commander, Stephen Brown and Coast Guard Training Officer, Cyril Cram.

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The Running Cam!

Cameron Jones, the youngest of MWBro Bob Jones’ offspring, is challenging himself by running

the Medibank Melbourne Marathon on Sunday 18 October. The 42.2 kilometre course starts from Batman Avenue, winds its way through the city, down St Kilda Road, back around Albert Park Lake, down Beaconsfield Parade to Port Melbourne then follows the esplanade all the way to Brighton… and back, finishing at the MCG. Cam, who has been in training for many months for this event said that he’s keen to hit the track having completed 19 half marathons since training begun.

“My training plan has basically been five days of running per week, with two rest days in between, and averaging about 55 kilometres per week. Each Saturday I do a long run of anywhere between 26-32 kilometres, and I have entered a few events along the way to stay focussed. My last half marathon was a new ‘Personal Best’ for me, running it in just over one hour and forty minutes, so I’m excited to step up to the next level. My goal for the marathon would be to complete it, without walking, in under four hours which I think is very achievable, and would emulate my father’s effort in running the Big Melbourne Marathon in 1983.”

This particular marathon means a lot more than just getting the best time for Cam, who has pledged to support Alzheimer’s Australia by raising as much funds as possible to donate to Dementia Research.

“I am aiming to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation. It’s a cause that is close to my heart, with my mum Kerry being diagnosed with early onset dementia in late 2013 when Dad was Grand Master”, Cam said.

A number of Freemasons and Lodges have pledged support. St Mark’s Lodge has already got behind Cam, raising $3000 at three separate social functions,

towards his challenge, so join in the support and help Cam raise as much as he can for this worthy cause.

To make a donation visit:http://melbournemarathon2015.gofundraise.com.au/page/JonesCameron Cam has also produced a series of short video clips to show his journey. Please follow his progress along the way. Check out ‘The Running Cam’ on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRunningCamInstagram: https://instagram.com/TheRunningCamYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPLm92af2PBC4cwxhoXbRqw

Cameron Jones with his mother Kerry Jones.

Cameron Jones - aiming to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Australia.

The Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation is the research arm of Alzheimer’s Australia. From improvements in diagnosis, management and care to prevention and delay of dementia, the Foundation supports the brightest new researchers in their fight against this devastating condition. For more information visit: https://fightdementia.org.au/

DON’T FORGET The Friday before the AFL Grand Final was declared a public holiday via notice in the Victorian Government Gazette on 19 August 2015. Grand Final Friday is now a public holiday across the whole of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The 2015 public holiday will fall on Friday 2 October.

Freemasons Victoria will be closed on the public

holiday and will reopen on Monday 5 October.

For all your personal and business legal needs.

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Deadline for content for coming issue: Engage #106 - 7 October 2015 Remember, previous issues of engage! Newsletter can be found using the Publications tab in the Freemasons Victoria members intranet. Just log in!

linkedin.com/ company/freemasons-victoria

8:'facebook.com/freemasonsvic

youtube.com/ freemasonsvic

Forgotten your username or password? To access information from the Members Intranet you will first need to enter a username and password. Your username is your six digit member number followed by @freemasonsvic.net.au.

Your password can be reset by clicking ‘Forgot your password’. A new temporary password will be sent to your email address.

Enter your username and your new password into the login screen. If you are still unable to log in please

contact Roger Schie at rschie@freemasonsvic.net.au

Guiding Star supports Assistance Dogs Program

Members of Guiding Star Lodge (Ballarat) No. 922 have recognised the needs of ex-servicemen and women dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Together with the Freemasons Foundation, the Lodge has donated $1000 to the Sebastopol RSL Sub-Branch, which, in conjunction with the 8th/7th Battalion 2RVR Association, will sponsor an Assistance Dog through the Young Diggers Dog Squad.

The squad is training dogs to become Assistance Dogs to support the rehabilitation of serving and ex-service Defence Force Members dealing with PTSD.

Sub-Branch President Doug Higgins said the dogs, once trained, also help families of defence force personnel better cope with the effects of PTSD.

“They become companions, not unlike guide dogs”, he added.

It costs $2500 to sponsor a dog through the program. The Sub-Branch and Battalion will add to the Lodge’s donation to co-jointly sponsor an abandoned dog and cover its expenses while in training.

Over 300 dogs are urgently needed now and the waiting list continues to rise, according to Mr. Higgins.

WBro. Graeme Brown said that Guiding Star Lodge had historic ties with the area, going back to the late 19th Century with many former members coming from the Sebastopol Lodge, one of Guiding Star’s constituent Lodges.

“The Lodge felt it would be appropriate to provide some support for the Sub-Branch in acknowledgement of the Centenary of Anzac earlier this year,” he said.

Young Diggers Dog Squad The Young Diggers Dog Squad program helps more than just the individuals. The Dog Squad helps Defence families to better cope with the effects of PTSD and saves the lives of many rescued dogs.

Throughout this program, Young Diggers provides members with help and practical support to enhance the quality of life for both the dog and the individual. Visit: www.youngdiggers.com.au

Guiding Star Lodge’s WBro. Graeme Brown (2nd left) with representatives from Sebastapol RSL Sub-Branch and Battallion 2RVR Association and friend.

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