freemasonry victoria magazine #142

FreemasonryVictoria

Our PrOur Principles Makinciples Make a Diffe a Differenceerence

AAUUTTUUMMN 2N 200115 I5 ISSSSUUE 1E 14422

MWBro. Hillel Benedyktre-installed as Grand Master

Ouyen Lodge remembers

We recognise our Order ofAustralia Medal recipients

Freemasons Victoria invites you and your guests to the Grand Installation of

RWBro. Donald Reynoldsas Grand Master

31 March ~ 3 April 2016

You are also cordially invited to the Grand Banquet and associated functions.

Email enquiries to: [email protected]

Grand Installationand You are Invited

More information to come

2016

In this issueVictorian Collections Online Training

Ouyen Lodge Shire Hall

Book: The Origins of Freemasonry

Grand Installation 2015

Grand Banquet 2015

Family Day 2015

Hall of Fame

OAM Recipient Allan Paull

OAM Recipient Ron Gretton

OAM Recipient Irene Hendel

Epworth Scalp Cooling machine

Parkinson's Support Group Update

Beautiful Art in a Time of Bloodshed

Re-Installation MWBro. Avi Baranes

Community: Nhill Swamp Boardwalk

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Freemasonry Victoria Magazine Issue 142The official magazine of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (Freemasons Victoria)

Website: freemasonsvic.net.auFaceBook: facebook.com/freemasonsvicTwitter: @freemasonsvicYouTube: youtube.com/user/freemasonsvicLinkedIn: Freemasons VictoriaGoogle+: Freemasons VictoriaTelephone: (03) 9411 0111Toll Free: 1800 068 416Fax: (03) 9416 1468

EditorGabrielle Forman (03) 9411 0101

Contact UsEmail: [email protected]: (03) 9416 1468Mail: The Editor, Freemasonry Victoria MagazineC/- 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne

Editorial submissions:Article or photo submissions for each issue must be received by the end of the month, following the release of the previous issue.

Email submissions are preferred and images must be 300dpi or higher. Submissions should be addressed to:

The Editor:Freemasonry Victoria MagazinePO Box 553, East Melbourne VIC 8002Telephone: (03) 9411 0101Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer:Freemasonry Victoria is published quarterly by the Grand Secretariat, Freemasons Victoria.Printed by East Print, Melbourne, Australia Ltd. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising if it is deemed inappropriate and to change the size of the ad, print type or other specifications if material is not compatible with our system.

Publisher:Freemasonry Victoria is distributed by mail direct to the homes of all members each quarter and is published online at issuu.com/freemasonsvic by Freemasons Victoria 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.

Freemasons Victoria invites your comments andfeedback on our magazine - we aim to make thispublication as interesting and appealing to ouraudience as possible. If you have any constructivefeedback or comments on how we can improve yourreading experience please get in touch. Please keepyour comments respectful and in line with the valuesof our organisation.

Please contact us by email [email protected] or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic

Letter to the Editor ... visited Australia in 2009 and have been in continuous correspondence with Freemasons Victoria (Springvale Lodge No. 389) ever since.

Recently I received two copies of Freemasonry Victoria Magazine, Spring 2014 #140 and Summer 2014 #141. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed both publications.The photographs of the poppies with the Army slouch hat in the foreground on the front cover of Spring #140 is very attractive.

The first article, The Geneva Bible was a thrilling read, and I also enjoyed reading Portrait of an Unknown Freemason.

I loved the photos for Seavic Lodge No. 8 on page 7, and wondered whether Danalakshmi and Bro. Ganesh Palaniappan are from my part of the world (Chettinad)?

I found the Fort Nepean’s Sergeant John Purdue story most interesting. By any chance is that the same Purdue of the famous double barrel gun?

On page 11 a photograph of Freemasons Hall in London is featured. I visited the Hall in 2011. Interestingly, if you watch the TV series MI5Freemasons Hall is shown as THAMES House, the Head Quarters of MI5.

Experiencing Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the USA was to me, the chocolate on the cake! In fact I am going to have the story scanned and circulated among the Brethren of my Lodge.

Our Lodge was built in 1762 and at present is host to five Lodges; Lodge of Rock No. 260 E.C., Lodge Blackwell No. 1460 S.C., and three other Lodges belonging to the Indian Constitution.

Diljit ShahLodge of Rock No. 260Tiruchirapalli, India

Cover Image: Grand Installation 2015

CCororrrectionectionIn Issue #141 “From the Royal Exchange Hotelto the Royal Arch Degree” please note that theauthor was incorrectly stated, and insteadshould have read VEmComp Robert WilliamMorcomb, GIWkgs.

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This one day programme was held at the MelbourneMuseum andwas specifically

directed towards Lodge collections. Each participantwas asked to bring with them a few items from their Lodge collection so that they could practice documenting and entering their objects online.Already Lodge participants have started to enter their objects online with the additional 44,000 other items from other organisations. Through this process various researchers and other organisations are able to review the collections which we maintain within our Lodges.Th e Victorian Collection is a free online collection portalto the cultural treasures held by museums, galleries, RSLs,schools, Historic Societies and other organisations that hold significant collections. This management system has been created by Museum Victoria in collaboration with Museums Australia (Vic) and is partly funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Victorian

Cultural Network and Dell. As a result of the success of this workshop, plans are alsounderway to hold a workshop in regional Victoria in mid-July. This training initative, which is part of the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan is only one of the activities that are currently underway to ensure that the history and heritage of Freemasonry within the State of Victoria is highlighted online. The moreinterest and support we canachieve towards placing this heritage online the greater recognition and understanding it will gain within the community.

For more information about the next workshop or if you have any collection care enquires please contact Samantha Fabry, Collections Manager,[email protected] For further informationon caring for your Lodge Collections please refer to the Library & Museum Collections Policy, Caring For Your Lodge Collections and a contact list of companies which provide approved conservation material, on the Freemasons Victoria website under the Heritage tab.

In early December 2014, Freemasons Victoria supported the first Lodge Custodians workshop on the Victorian Collections Online Training Management System by Museums Australia (Vic).

Victorian Collections

Online Training

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

WBro. Richard Jones (seated) showing his Lodge collection to

WBro. Brendon Kyne, and WBro. David Gilovitz.

Autumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria 3

HISTORICAL

he Ouyen Lodge No. 249 was the second oldestLodge in the Northwest of Victoria, having

been sponsored by The Mildura Lodge, No. 170, in 1919.The Lodge was consecrated on 2 June, 1919 in the then Shire Hall of Ouyen, until 21 April 1923, when members received the title to enable them to transfer to the Ouyen Masonic Hall.On 2 June 1919, sixty Mildura brethren, journeyed the 63 miles (100km) by special train from Mildura to Ouyen, to witness

the historic event.It was at a meeting of the Ouyen Lodge, on 22 May 1922, while performing degree work that a petrol gas lamp exploded ripping out the wall which created a lot of damage, (see photo above). We only hope it did not happen at a particular time in the first degree.One of the Ouyen Lodge’s best known members was Bro. John Henry (Jack) Lockett, OAM who was initiated into the Ouyen Lodge on 15 August 1921. He was awarded his 80-year jewel in 2001 having held continuous membership

since joining.When Jack joined the Ouyen Lodge it was a two day venture just to get to a meeting—first there was a 10km horse ride from his farm to a train station, then a 60km train trip to Ouyen. He died on 26 May 2002, bringing his total membershipto 81 years. His status as the oldest Freemason in Australia made him an international masonic celebrity. He died at the age of 111 years.

Words by VWor. Bro. Eddie Levey, Mildura Lodge No. 170

Ouyen Lodge remembers

The Shire Hall

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Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 20154

Words by WBro. Bruce Cowie

Scholarly works

This book, written by a non-Freemason, David Stevenson in 1988, is a scholarly work that explores the origins of Freemasonry during the 16th and 17th Century. It is a book that was written in the 1980s before many popular and less scholarly works hit the book shelves.

avid Stevenson was not a Freemason when the book was written and accord-ingly comes with a more dispassionate

view of his subject. This book takes the traditional understand-ing that Freemasonry evolved from the operative stonemasons of the Middle ages, however rather than Freemasonry origi-nating in England and then moving to Scotland and Ireland, rather the first Freemasons came from Scot-land and Free-masonry cameover the border to England.Many trace the start of Freemasonry with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, however as the author argues this was merely a step in a process that com-menced in Scotland where there is much evidence of operative stonemasons Lodges that had a structure and a method of oper-ation. The operative Lodges that are evident in Scotland are not evident in England.The author explores the over-whelming evidence for the existence of Lodges in Scotland with minute books and other documents still in existence. He discusses the earliest evidence

of the connection of ethical teaching and the existence of the Mason word. The author examines the Schaw Statutes that were issued and their part in the understanding of Freemasonry at that time. However, it is also pointed out that the oldest documentary evidence of the Old Charges that still exist are English in origin. The Schaw Statutes that were

first issued in 1598, refer to ‘old charges’ however,he states there is no trace of any documents con-taining the ‘oldcharges’ that pre date the mid-sev-enteenth centuryin Scotland.

So although it was the combina-tion of a Lodge structure, medie-val legends and ritual combined with the renaissance from which Freemasonry emerged, this occurred initially in Scotland and not elsewhere.An illustration of the difference between Scotland and Englandcan be shown by the member-ship of Lodges where in Scotland a Lodge had operative stonema-sons who were then joined by non-operative members. This is a simplistic statement in that it forgets those in the Lodge who are part of a Lodge for operative purposes, working men who

were not stonemasons. So while the Lodge structure and methods of operation were more evident in Scotland the nation-al Structure of a Grand Lodge was developed in England with the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717. The Grand Lodge of Scotland was not formed until 1736. This book does not look at Free-masonry in isolation but rather places its history into the context of the times, which lends an au-thenticity to its thesis that is well developed and supported. Theauthor by necessity has to draw conclusions but in the context of the work are not massive leaps of faith as is evident in other more sensational literature on the ori-gins of Freemasonry.

"This book takes the traditional

understanding thatFreemasonry evolved

from the operative stonemasons of the

Middle ages"

D

BOOK REVIEW

The Origins of Freemasonry

Grand

With the usual pomp and ceremony, that a Quarterly Communication and GrandInstallation brings, those present were treated to an incredible

display of ceremonial led by Grand Director of Ceremonies VWBro. Harry Pitaro, Deputy Grand Master RWBro. At the Quarterly Communication, Don Reynolds announced the appointment of six new District Coordinators, the appointment of three Grand Representatives and presented four Lodges with Certificates of Accreditation.A presentation was made by Bro. Andre Clayton,

Chairman of the Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited outlining the role of the Foundation and some of the history that has led to the formation of the Foundation.No sooner had the Quarterly Communication come to an end, then it was time to resume seats for the Grand Installation. MWBro. Hillel was invested and installed by MWBro. Garry Sebo, Past Grand Master.A wonderful fanfare of trumpets was provided by students of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, with whom Freemasons Victoria has had a valuable partnership for many years, proclaiming the Grand

More than 600 ladies, gentlemen and Brethren attended the March Quarterly Communication and Grand Installation of MWBro. Hillel Benedykt on Wednesday 18 March at the Dallas Brooks Centre.

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Installation

Master. MWBro. Hillel Benedykt addressed all with a heartfelt speech that combined his feelings about his last year with enthusiasm for the next, as well as personal thanks to his wife Sue and his family. He made special mention of all of the staff and other volunteers of the Grand Secretariat who have worked tirelessly during this 125th Anniversary year.RWBro. Don Reynolds was installed as Deputy Grand Master by Past Grand Master MWBro. Bob Jones and followed by the investiture of Senior and Junior Grand Wardens.As the Grand Officer’s chain collars were collected,

a sense of sadness was felt for those who were giving up their duties for members who have been in training for these roles for the last six months.The excited and proud new Grand Team were presented with their chain collars. This was followed by drinks and canapes.Freemasons Victoria would like to thank sponsors; CREO Media, MIRVAC, KPMG, Wiseman Institute, McKean Park and Royce.

illel has just commenced his second term and is the 44th Grand Master for the United Grand Lodge of Victoria and only the second of the Jewish faith, after Henry

Nathan (1982-1984).The Grand Banquet, known to be one of the fraternity’s most glamorous evenings, saw nearly four hundred guests attend, all dressed to impress.The Plaza Ballroom was the perfect venue for the occasion with its regal air and unique history. Elaborately dressed tables and two ‘Juliette’balconies as well as a dance floor big enough for a 'Hora', made for a very enjoyable evening of fun and entertainment.The celebrations started as the 2014 and 2015 Teams joined the Grand Master and his wife Sue, the Deputy Grand Master RWBro. Don Reynolds and partner Mya on the dance floor in the Hora, a celebratory dance.Past Grand Master, MWBro. Garry Sebo, in proposing the toast to the Grand Master, reflected on the strength of character required to be a good leader. Also that a leader, when faced with difficult decisions that will ultimately affect the entire fraternity, requires an enormous amount of courage and integrity. He affirmed that Bro. Hillel had demonstrated all of this in his first term and would no doubt continue in his second. MWBro. Sebo gave praise to the continuous and strong support that Sue, Hillel’s wife, had given over his many years in Freemasonry and especially in his role as Grand Master.Thanks were given to sponsors and partners, most of whom were present, for their substantial and

ongoing support. The evening was enhanced by the fantastic meal served by the very capable Plaza Ballroom team.If you haven't experienced the glitter and glamour of a Grand Banquet, put 2 April 2016 in your diary now for the next one. You won't be disappointed!

Freemasons Victoria’s Grand Banquet was held last Saturday at the Plaza Ballroom on Collins Street, to celebrate the Installation of Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt, and the welcoming of the newly invested 2015 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team.

Grand Installation

Grand Banquet

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GRAND INSTALLATION 2015

he Freemasons Victoria Grand Installation Family Day was a very relaxing way to cap off a most memorable week in the Freemasons Victoria calendar, a week that includes

a series of activities marking the Grand Installation.Members and their families were invited to Powlett Reserve in East Melbourne to enjoy a friendly barbecue with Grand Master, MWBro. Hillel and his family. Exceptional weather, made it a day to remember.The Freemasons Victoria Task Force, led by WBro. Merv Dyer provided a great spread of salads and kept three barbecues on the go during the event ensuring all guests were well satisfied. Many thanks must also go to RWBro. Peter Julier, WBro. David Wells and WBro. Lionel May who set up the cool room, generator and trailer on arrival.A bouncy castle kept the little ones, and some big ones amused. A face painter made sure that many left adorned with dragons, butterflies and fairies, not to mention the Square and Compasses, seen on the cheeks of the Grand Master and Grand Secretary!Melbourne Youth Music provided a talented jazz trio to entertain those present.Grand Master, MWBro. Hillel Benedykt took the opportunity to again personally thank all who attended, and those who had been involved in both the coordination of the Family Day as well as the entire series of events.Special thanks must go to the Melbourne City Council for the use of Powlett Reserve.

Grand Installation

PICTURED FROM TOP: WBro. Lionel May cooking up a storm; Freemasons

Victoria Task Force operating three BBQ's and a coolroom!

Ending a fun-filled weekend of Grand Installation celebrations, members gathered with their family at Powlett Reserve for a wonderful day of food, facepainting, and music.

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Family Day



PICTURED FROM LEFT: WBro. Graham Berry,

Grand Pursuivant, RWBro. Peter Henshall caught

by the sun (and the face painter!),

BELOW: Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt and

his wife Sue enjoying Family Day

Freemasons Victoria

Hall of FameOne of the highlights of this year's Grand Banquet was the announcement by Grand Secretary RWBro. Peter Henshall of the Freemasons Victoria Hall of Fame.

he Hall of Fame recognises those who have made a significant contribution, over and above that of many others, to the community as well as Freemasonry. This

year's recipients have helped shape Victoria in areas of town planning, philanthropy and community development. The recipients were MWBro. Sir William John Clarke (1831-1897), Sir Herbert Olney (1875-1957), William Charles Vahland (1828-1915),

Sir John Quick (1852-1932) and RWBro. Ivan (Bill) Warner. Warner, the only recipient able to accept his award personally, was given a standing ovation. His incredibly selfless contribution to the community and benevolence, has now gone down in Freemasons Victoria history. He was given a certificate signed by the Grand Master and a newly designed Hall of Fame jewel which he can now wear proudly.

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Sir William John Clarke, son of the Honourable William John Turner Clarke, was born in Tasmania on 28 March 1831. He was sent to Victoria in 1850 to study sheep farming and upon the death of his father in 1874, became the largest landowner in the colony. Gradually becoming one of the social leaders of his time, Clarke was made a

Baronet in 1882 and became a great Philanthropist. Among his larger gifts were £2000 to the Indian Famine Relief Fund, £10,000 to the Melbourne Church of England Cathedral, £7000 to Trinity College in the University of Melbourne and a large sum to the Irish Relief Fund. He became member for South Province in the Victorian Parliament, was president of the Homoeopathic Hospital and the Blind Asylum and a

William Charles Vahlandleft Hannover Germany for the lure of the Australian goldfields and arrived in Melbourne in September1854.It was in 1857 that Vah-land began practising as an architect in the rapidly growing Bendigo town-ship. Over the next 40 years Vahland, and his firm, was to have a greater

influence on the appearance of the city of Bendigo than any other person or body.In 1858 Vahland was one of the founding members of the Bendigo Land & Building Society, the institute that was eventually to grow into the current Bendigo Bank. For some 38 years he would serve as its chairman and Managing Director.Vahland was initiated into Freemasonry in the Golden Lodge on the night of 5 May 1857, and was later in-stalled as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in December of 1861. In August 1863 Vahland took on the position of Secretary at Golden Lodge and served for the next ten years. In 1881 after the amalgamation of Golden Lodge and Corinthian Lodge, Vahland once again was

MWBro. Sir William Clarke

RWBro. William Charles Varlandappointed Secretary and held this position for 39 years. In 1879, Vahland was ap-pointed Provincial Deputy Grand Superin-tendent of Workings. He was also to act as the PGM’s represen-tative in the Bendigo area on many occa-sions over the years, including the difficult consultations on the formation of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in 1888.Vahland for many years also held a seat as a member for the Board of General Purposes and in 1897 in recognition of his work, the Grand Master Lord Brassey conferred on him the rank of Past Deputy Grand Master.Vahland was also an active member of the Royal Arch, serving as First Principal of Royal Golden Chapter in 1867 and later being honoured with rank of Past Grand Haggai.Vahland died at home on 21 July 1915. William Charles Vahland, architect, citizen, Freemason. A man to whom the city of Bendigo is deeply indebted. He has left a magnificent heritage of fine buildings and public places.

member of the Church Assembly and the Diocesan Council. He was also Governor of Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital. He was elected provincial Grand Master of the Irish Constitution in 1881 and District Grand Master of both the Scottish and English Constitutions in 1884, a unique record at that time. He gave £50,000 towards the construction of the Freemasons Hall building at 25 Collins Street, Melbourne and in 1889he was inaugurated as the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. He kept this position until 1896 when Lord Brassey assumed the position of Grand Master. He died from a sudden heart attack on 15 May 1897 possibly as a result of the financial crisis in the 1890s.

Sir John Quick was a lawyer, arbitration Commission Judge and Politician who saw the importance of the Australian colonies uniting to form a single nation. Sir John Quick was a key figure in getting Australian Federation underway, a self-made man and a very active Freemason. It was Sir John’s wisdom that brought about Federation of the separate Australian colonies in 1901. His proposal of elected

delegates from each colony to debate a draft constitution, then voted on by the people, achieved Federation through a process never attempted in any other country before or since.With the success of the referendum, he was elected federal member for Bendigo in the Australian Parliament in 1901, as well as being knighted at the opening ceremony for his contribution to the new country. He held the seat until 1913 and was appointed Post Master General in 1909.

In 1910 Herbert Olney joined the Preston Masonic Lodge and was later installed as Worshipful Master in 1914.He transferred to Darebin Lodge in September 1922 as Foundation Director of Ceremonies.In 1923 representatives from Ivanhoe, Darebin and Alphington Lodges met and formed the Ivalda Masonic Temple Trust with the

purpose of erecting a Temple in the area. With land purchased the Temple was officially opened by Herbert Olney, Chairman of the Trust on 29 July 1924. The following evening Olney was installed as FoundationWorshipful Master of the Eaglemont Lodge.During 1914 Herbert Olney began his involvement in public life when he was elected Secretary of both Preston Library Committee and the Preston Advance Association, a body interested in the town planning of Preston.During the 1930 depression years Olney helped run the Heidelberg Relief Organisation for the Shire of Heidelberg, assisting 661 unemployed and 470 families.In 1931 Olney won the Victorian Legislative Council seat for North Melbourne and thus began his political career,

RWBro. Sir John Quick

WBro. Sir Herbert Horace Olney

The young John Quick was initiated into Lodge Judah while studying in Melbourne, with the encouragement of his future father-in-law Edward Harris. On his return to Bendigo Quick joined Zenith Lodge and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1899. Quick was later appointed Deputy Grand Master for the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in 1914 and First Principal of the Bendigo Royal Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Freemasonry.Quick was influenced by the masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. Such inspirations motivated him to establish a soldiers institute as a practical tribute and meeting place for those who had contributed to Australia’s effort in World War 1. On his death in 1932, Sir John Quick was accorded the first state funeral in Bendigo. He is a shining example of Freemasonry’s principles and teaching.

retiring from parliament in 1943. Olney was largely responsible for the Enabling Bill passed on 11 April 1934 declaring The Heidelberg Shire to be a city as of that date.He joined the Board of the Melbourne Dental Hospital in 1938 and in 1941 he persuaded Premier Dunstan to make a public commitment to construct a new Dental Hospital. Over the next 16 years Olney worked unsparingly to keep the project alive with the Hospital opening in 1965.In 1942 the year Olney received his knighthood, he was a member of twenty five committees being president of six, Convenor of one and chairman of five.Olney who never retired from his Hospital posts, died suddenly at the age of 81 at his home on 20 July 1957. Two weeks after Olney’s death the Sir Herbert Olney Geriatric Unit was opened at the Mount Royal Hospital, it was the first of its kind in Australia.

Ivan (Bill) Warner joined Freemasonry on 24 October 1949 in the Springvale Lodge. After serving in every office, Warner was installed as Master of the Lodge in 1959/1960.In 1969 Warner was appointed as the GrandPursuivant of the Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team.In later years Warner was installed as Master of the

Chelsea Daylight Lodge as well as Worthy Supreme Ruler of the Secret Monitor. In 1969 Warner was elected to the city of Springvale council. In 1972 Warner was elected Mayor of the City of Springvale and re-elected again in 1974 and 1982.As a member of the Victoria Police Force, Warner was elected Junior Vice President of the Victorian Police

RWBro. Ivan (Bill) Warner

you to the Royal Freemasons organisation. Alternatively, email her at [email protected]. For general information and more on donations projects, visit www.royalfreemasons.org.au

Founded as a charitable organisation in 1867, it has continuously strived to provide excellence in care for older Victorians. Assisting the older person to live a secure, dignified and rewarding life is our Mission - our purpose.Your Donation enables Royal Freemasons to continue its work supported by the latest innovative equipment, the best researchand the most up-to-date facilities and services available.As well as the joy of knowing how beneficial your gift is, all support receives appropriate recognition and acclaim and is tax deductable.

A Donation or Bequest in your Will makes a big difference to the lives of older Victorians supported by us. for excellence in care

To learn more please contact Christina Chia on 1300 176 925.

Royal Freemasons needs your supportBe part of a lasting legacy

Christina will be delighted to introduce

Association in 1970, Senior Vice President in 1971 and President in 1972. In 1983 Warner retired from the Victoria Police Force with six commendations, the 1973 Queen’s Long Service Medal and the 1983 Good Conduct Medal.Warner has been recognised for his services to local communities and government with honours awarded to him such as the Medal of the Order of Australia, Citizen of the Year and Living Treasure of the City of Greater Dandenong.

COMMUNITY

Community supports

Nhill Swamp Boardwalk

he new and upgraded Nhill Swamp Boardwalk links the Highway Park entrance with the

downtown Nhill Lake.This will enable the main part of the Boardwalk to be re-opened to the public. This will then leave just the branch to the Bird Observatory hub to be completed. Leading Members of Lowan Lodge No. 107 and the Victorian Freemasons Task Force along with the Rotary Club of Nhill have been wonderfully supported by the local Karen

community, the West Wimmera Health Service, Parks Victoria and the community at large.The Nhill Boardwalk committee is pleased to report that the substantial inputs required for the project are in within budget. This would not have been possible without the outstanding contributions from FreemasonsVictoria and the Victorian Government.The Boardwalk Committee is now planning for a grand opening ceremony to be held mid-year,

following an announcementthat the Nhill Swamp Boardwalk Committee is a finalist in the Volunteering Western Victoria Awards. Next time you are travelling to, or through Nhill be sure to visit the Boardwalk and enjoy the enduring legacy of Victorian Freemasonry’s presence in Western Victoria.

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Progress with reconstruction and refurbishment of the Nhill Swamp Boardwalk has been consistent and impressive since the commencement of the project in the New Year.

PICTURED: All of the committed volunteers

from Lowan Lodge No. 107, the Freemasons

Victoria Task Force, Rotary Club of Nhill,

the Karen community, the Wimmera Health

Service and Parks Victoria.


Inner Sanctum

Our Principles MakOur Principles Make a Diffe a Differerenceence

In My WordsGrand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedyktshares his Grand Installation speech

MembershipMembership Matters ‑ RWBro. Bruce Stockdaledetails what really matters to membership

Grand Superintendent with VWBro. Ruary Bucknall

BenevolencePhilanthropy in Action ‑ RWBro. Roy Aldertonshares the first 120 days of FreemasonsFoundation Victoria Limited

Mark and ChapterA unique jewel presentation forMWBro. Les Dodd, PGM

Cover image: Tom McGuire, FossilBluff.com

ii Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

IN MY WIN MY WORDSORDS

ost Worshipful Past Grand Masters, Ladies, Gentlemen and Brethren, those present here at the Dallas Brooks Centre and those viewing on the internet – good evening,

welcome and thank you for taking the time and interest to share in this year’s Grand Installation.As I stand before you at the commencement of my second term as Grand Master, many thoughts are running through my mind.I said and did some things in my address last year that I thought should be revisited. They were in the form of pledges and here they are;

1. I pledged I would respect and honour the office of Grand Master.

2. I would continue to honour my mother and father.

3. I would not forget the twenty‑seven years I shared with my father in Lodge.

4. I would do my utmost to benefit Freemasonry and our principles will make a difference.

I also delivered a portion of my address from the floor of Grand Lodge and concluded by intentionally breaking a glass.I don’t intend to break anything tonight and that includes the pledges I made last year.My first thought is about thanking people. I can’t express how deeply appreciative I am to have been installed by my friend Most Worshipful Brother Garry Sebo. He has been a great mentor to me and has helped me work through many challenging matters over this last year. It’s a great honour for me to have him conduct my Installation.

To the other Past Grand Masters who are here tonight, I thank you most sincerely for your friendship and ongoing support during myfirst term.To the Deputy Grand Master and Mya, let the countdown begin as you complete your apprenticeship. Your loyalty to Sue and I as our Deputy and as friends has been beyond what most people would expect or be aware of. You will have our total support when you become Grand Master next year. To the Senior Grand Officers who have served in their various portfolios, your commitment and dedication typifies the saying that you only get out of Freemasonry what you put into it. To those retiring, thank you for your service, to those continuing, hang in there and to those new ones – you have big shoes to fill.The 2014 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team led by Very Worshipful Brother Harry Pitaro has contributed significantly to the delivery of ceremonial excellence throughout the jurisdiction over the last twelve months for which I’m sure many Lodges and Brethren would be appreciative. These men, together with their wives and partners, have served our Craft extremely well. I am so proud of them, they have been extraordinary. I have no doubt at the conclusion of the ceremony this evening everyone will congratulate the Grand Director of Ceremonies on his amazing performance and that of the 2014 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team. Harry’s ceremonial prowess and leadership has been a fantastic example to me and many others – congratulations to the 2014 Grand Team and thank you all for your unquestionable loyalty and dedication. I can’t let

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iiiAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria


Grand Installation

Grand Master's Address

this moment pass without stating that Harry and Lydia have supported Sue and I in an exceptional manner over this last twelve months, we are so grateful to you both.To the staff that manage and operate our organisation, you are incredible. While somepeople wonder what you do, I often wonder, how you get it all done. Your leader as in the Grand Secretary is an inspiration to me. His support and loyalty to me as Grand Master over this last twelve months has been absolutely amazing – we have even climbed mountains together. I look forward to working with you all once again over this next twelve months.Nights like tonight don’t just happen. Apart from all the staff that are involved, there is an endless list of volunteers who give freely of their time in various capacities from the task force through to the Past Grand Directors and everyone else. I’d like to single out two people however ‑ the two Barry's – one is Barry Minster and the other Barry Brooks. Between them, a Grand Installation is well prepared in every detail and professionally put on show to the world – well done and thank you to the two Barry's.The second to last thank you must go to my family in particular my wife Sue. They have put up with my Masonic involvement for nearly forty years, although it’s only been the last 34 years for my children. Sue however, has to put up with a fair bit of disruption and unpredictability in our lives on a daily basis. Without her love and encouragement, there is no way I could perform this role. I sometimes wish that some of our Brethren had as much support and care for Freemasonry as Sue does. I also promise her publicly, I will clean up the computer room and the desk in our bedroom sometime after March 2016.The final thank you must go to the Great Architect of the Universe for keeping me healthy and strong during my first term. Grand Master is a more demanding role than even I expected after many years as a close observer, so all I can say to the Great Architect is thank you and keep up the good work.It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the contribution this building has made to Freemasonry in particular and the community of Victoria in general since the late 1960s. This will be the final Grand Installation conducted here and

I’m sure many of us have incredible memories of functions we’ve all attended at the Dallas Brooks Centre. I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent in this building, but I can’t wait to see our new building in a few years’ time, I know it will be magnificent.Being Grand Master is a singular honour that has only been bestowed on forty‑four men in our 125 year history. The significance of that fact is not lost on me. This poem from Gail Brook Burkett highlights some of my inner thoughts;

I do not ask to walk smooth paths nor bear an easy load,

I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock strewn road.

Give me such courage I can scale the hardest peaks alone,

And transform every stumbling blockinto a stepping stone.

Being the Grand Master during this year of celebrating our 125 years in Victoria has been amazing and many of you know I’ve utilised the phrase that Freemasons Victoria is an amazing place. It will be a great climax to our celebrations when on Saturday night we launch the Hall of Fame and induct the inaugural members into it. I’m sure over the ensuing years the selection of inductees will be yet another source of controversy within our ranks. There’s nothing wrong with controversy or differences of opinion or alternate points of view. What should distinguish us as men and Freemasons is the manner in which we deal with such things. I will be working diligently during my second term to ensure we always conduct our interchanges in a Masonic manner.I recall my headmaster in primary school always saying – “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. I have tried a number of things over this last year and as a consequence, made a number of mistakes. I thank those brethren who have taken the time to write to me and point out those mistakes. To those brethren, I have some bad news. During the ensuing twelve months, I plan to make some more mistakes. The other saying my headmaster had, went along the lines of “the only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything”. You would all be aware that the Chinese New Year was recently celebrated and that their zodiac signs

iv Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015


MWBro. Hillel Benedykt

are comprised of animals in six contrasting pairs, each pair representing the yin and yang – one animal’s attribute being strong and the other providing the balance.For those that don’t know, this is the year of the Goat and its saying is as follows;Unity without forging ahead leads to stagnation.I was born in the year of the Horse, which pairs with the Goat, and its saying is as follows;Forging ahead without unity leads to abandonment.Over the next twelve months, I hope we can experience a healthy balance of unity and forging ahead – I’m sure it’s possible.In conclusion, let me restate my pledges from last year with renewed and undiminished firmness;

1. I pledged I would respect and honour the office of Grand Master.

2. I would continue to honour my mother and father.

3. I would not forget the twenty‑seven years I shared with my father in Lodge.

4. I would do my utmost to benefit Freemasonry and our principles will make a difference. FROM TOP: Mark Master Masons of Victoria and

Supreme Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Victoriabeing introduced at the Grand Installation.

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Bendykt gives his address.

Retirement of the Grand Master and Past GrandMaster with escort at the Grand Installation.

vAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria


ithout members Freemasonry is only a concept, an idea or a memory.

A retrospective view of member‑ship of Freemasonry in Victoria over the last sixty or so years reflects the massive influx of men in post‑war Australia, bringing us to a peak in the early 1960s when membership approached 120,000. The peak in the number of Lodges was a few years later, approximately 1975, when there were 820 active Lodges.The decline in membership com‑menced in the mid‑1960s and has been with us since. The greatest declines were in the years 1995 – 2000 when net membership fell by 31 per cent. The plans and actions implemented by the Board of General Purposes over the last five year have resulted in a reduction of that rate of decline

but we have a long way to go to a point of stability.The age profile of the existing membership is a major factor in our current decline. At 50 per cent, the number of mem‑bers over the age of 70 is grossly disproportionate when compared to the Australian population where only 10 per cent of adult males are over 70. In statistical terms the age dis‑tribution of Freemasons Victoria has an inverse relationship to the Australian male population. In one region studied the imbal‑ance is greater, with members over 70 accounting for 60 per cent of the membership.A projection over the next ten years, taking into account aver‑age life expectancy, resignation due to age and ill health, bal‑anced with a steady recruitment flow, could see our membership

PICTURED: RWBro. Bruce StockdaleManager, Membership Services

W

MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP

Percentage Change in Membership

vi Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

Statistics

Membership Matters

fall to approximately 5,000.But it is not all doom and gloom. The change in our demograph‑ics in that period will be signif‑icant, to the point where the age imbalance will have shifted markedly; the age ratio will be tipping in favour of younger members.

PROJECTION OF MEMBERSHIP IN 2025We already have pockets where the ageing trend has been reversed and the proportion of younger members is increasing.This is evidenced by a study of six selected Lodges where the average age is 58, compared to the state average of 67 years.

“IT’S SIMPLE. IT’SNOT EASY” Reinvigorating, rebuilding Free‑masonry in Victoria is just that, simple.The things we need to do are individually simple. Doing them may not be easy. It can’t happen overnight, it will take time and most importantly it is in the hands of the mem‑bers. The following is a short listing of just some of the things that can help.

CHANGE OF MINDSETA question asked of all Freema‑sons is ‘Where were you first prepared to be made a Freema‑son?’You were made a Freemason, not a member of ABC Lodge. We need to change our mindset to what is best for Freemasonry; in the local area, in the district, and in the state as opposed to what is good for ‘my Lodge’.It’s simple. It’s not easy.

WORK TOGETHERWe need to work together. Bringing Lodge meetings in toa centre or a region, to work collaboratively immediatelyincreases the chances of success. Further, active and vibrant Lodg‑es have a responsibility to help those that are struggling.There are so many ways in which the strong can assist the weak. Visiting, social functions, community interaction, market‑ing for members, sharing candi‑dates, ceremonial training, thelist is almost endless.It’s simple. It’s not easy.

FIRST IMPRESSIONSWe only have one opportunity to make a great impression on a new candidate ‑ his first night in Lodge. Make sure the Lodge room is full on his first night. Some might call it ‘rent a crowd’ but the uplift in the atmosphere and thereby that first vital im‑pression can be immense.

Whilst on the point of first im‑pressions:

• Spring clean the masonic centre• Remove all the broken and

surplus furniture• Pressure hose the front of the

building• Steam clean the carpets• Clear the candidates’ room of

all but the essentials• Open the FRONT door of the

Masonic Centre• Cut the grass and spray

the weeds

Now ‑ step back and have a look through a stranger's eyes! Are you impressed?It’s simple. It’s not easy.

ENGAGEMENT WITHTHE COMMUNITYA program of continuous and regular contact with the com‑munity is one way to improve awareness.Run a monthly sausage sizzle in the local mall and give all of the proceeds to local schools. The first month the proceeds go to school ABC, next month to the next school in town and so on. Place a banner in front of the BBQ, “Freemasons Supportingthe Community. This month we are raising funds for ABC”. I am quite sure there would not be too many schools that would


viiAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria

refuse the offer of financial sup‑port, and most would be willing to trade off a promotion of the event in their newsletter. Call our graphics department andhave them prepare a standard insert for their newsletter to make it easier.Other ideas could include a regular car boot sale, a food and wine festival, or a farmers market in the Masonic Centre grounds. Use the South for un‑dercover stalls and a coffee shop with a place to sit and chat. Most of all give the funds to the community.The benefits of raising funds for schools with these types of events can be two‑fold. Firstly, Freemasonry is seen as being active in supporting the com‑munity. Secondly, Freemasonry is being exposed to a prime target for membership, fathers of school aged children. Be prepared for the statement “My father/grandfather/unclewas a Freemason”.Double the outcome of your efforts by ensuring that you have the support of Freemasons Foundation Victoria. Rather thanwait until you have raised funds to apply for a grant, contact the

Foundation and outline yourplans and apply in advance. Raise $1,000 and hand over a cheque for $2,000. It’s simple. It’s not easy.

WOMEN AS A SOURCE OF CANDIDATESDo not miss engaging with the 50 per cent of the population we often miss – women. Let women speak to women about Freemasonry and why they support us in our involvement in Freemasonry. At any open night or open investiture make sure you have one of the women

in Freemasonry speak with the women and visitors.It’s simple. It’s not easy.

THE SOUTHAsk yourself the question ‘Would a night in our South encourage a non‑Freemason to join?’Be prepared to be self‑critical.Some elements of a South to consider are the presentation of the room and tables, food and beverages, as well as entertain‑ment. Think of how you would entertain a friend at home and then compare it with how we are willing to entertain ourfriends in the South. Would you serve a meal on a bare table, furnished with beer glasses and not much else, cheap soft drink, boxed wine and the cheapest beer we can buy?

Remember, it’s simple. It’s not easy.


viii Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

T


ixAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria

Grand Superintendentwo years ago the then Grand Master andDeputy Grand Master initiated a trial where‑by the portfolios of

the Grand Superintendent of Membership, the Grand Su‑perintendent of Education and the Accreditation and Quality Management Committee were combined. Now, following arecent review of that trial, have been the recommendations of that review; the primary outcomes being adopted:

• That all membership matters will be led by the Manager, Membership Services

• The volunteer office of Grand Superintendent of Membership will lapse inMarch 2015

• The current officer will be reappointed GrandSuperintendent of Education leading both Education and Accreditation.

This article is therefore my final submission as Grand Super‑intendent of Membership. Reflecting on the year we had, there are those Lodges that, for a variety of reasons, have not attracted any or sufficient new members to give any confidence that the Lodge has a future other

than as God’s waiting room! Some of these Lodges have per‑severed trying a variety of ideas, some have given up after a few attempts, and others are still

waiting for someone to solve the situation. On the other hand there are Lodges that are recruiting sufficient candidates to maintain and often poten‑tially grow Lodge member‑ship. These are usually Lodges that make a determined effort and have tried a variety of

approaches to encourage and invite candidates. But the major‑ity of Lodges are now midway in membership, superior to the dy‑ing Lodges, but inferior to those which, I trust, will hereafter be an inspiration to them! The good news is that no Lodge should ever be written off as a lost cause. There are many recent examples of Lodges that, like their town or suburb, were well past their glory days but have managed to turn the situ‑ation around by hard work and innovative ideas.The underlying truth in mem‑bership is that the most effective recruitment and retention of candidates is through personal relationships with current mem‑bers – whether it be a friend, work colleague or relative.

"the most effective recruitment and retention of candidates is through

personal relationships withcurrent members"

Words by VWBro. Ruary Bucknall

x Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

PHILPHILANTHRANTHROPYOPY

Philanthropy in Action

Freemasons Foundation he minutes of the first Board of Directors meetingshow that approval was given by the

Board for individuals to be appointed to five committees which will carry out a major part of the work of the Foundation. The minutes also show that over $81,000 in grants was approved for distribution to Freemasons seeking financial assistance, Lodges, DGR (deductible gift recipient) charities, and non-DGR charities.The ability of the Board to immediately make decisions regarding funding wasfacilitated by the fact that once the basic structure of the new organisation had been accepted,all of the governance details (job descriptions, terms of reference of committees, funding rules, etc.) were put in place. Following their appointmenteach director was provided with the “Directors Handbook” which included not only the items mentioned above, but copies of the two trust deeds which guide the operation of each of the two charities, as well as copies of the appropriate Australian Charities & Not-For-Profits Commission laws and regulations, Tax Office rules, and other relevant matter.There was a great deal to understand but the measure of that understanding by the

directors was demonstrated on 10 February, 2015 when the second meeting of the Board took place. At that meeting the Board was able to discuss matters of policy, and additionally, two non-Freemasons, having previously been officially appointed by the Members, were welcomed by the other directors, and brought their own flavour to the discussions. Together, the directors approved a further $63,000 in grants.There are now 23 individuals involved on a voluntary basis in the work of the Foundation. These are five Members (senior Freemasons), eleven Directors (all also serving on one or more committees) and seven non-directors serving on committees.

With the exception of the two non-Freemason members of the Board, all other directors and committee members are members of the Craft and they range in rank from Master Mason to Right Worshipful Brother. In making all of these appointments rank and Lodgeaffiliation were not important. The important factors were previous involvement inphilanthropic activity and the necessary qualifications and/or experience to contribute to decision-making.

Words by RWBro. Roy Alderton

The new Board of Directors was appointed by the Members of the company on 25 November, 2014 and held its first meeting on 11 December.

T

Western District Co-ordinator WBro. Jeff Denison presented acheque for $4,000 to U3A Brimbank on Monday 2 March 2015.

Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

WRITEThe Directors Freemasons Foundation Victoria LimitedABN 159 528 122PO Box 553East Melbourne 3002

WEBwww.freemasonsfoundation.org

This philanthropic body was set up to carry out a number of charitable functions on behalf of Freemasons in Victoria. Amongst them is the support of Lodges in their charitable objectives.

WHAT CAUSES WILL MY DONATION SUPPORT?Scout Groups, local bands, Aged Care Facilities, Men’s Sheds, school breakfast programs and many similar community programs.

HOW ARE DECISIONS REGARDING FUNDING MADE?Based on charitable objectives and availability of funds. Lodges who need more than dollar for dollar - ask for more.

IS A SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE REQUIRED?A specific objective for the use of the funds will be helpful.

DONATIONS CAN BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE If you wish to make a tax deductible donation, you should stipulate that your donation go to The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation. If you wish to make a bequest, a member of the Foundation will be happy to discuss the matter with you.

T

Ivanhoe Grammarians

“Buckley Night ”here were many rea‑sons to celebrate when Ivanhoe GrammariansLodge No. 584 hosted its ‘Buckley Night’ at

the Ivalda Masonic Centre (Dare‑bin) on Thursday 5 February.The Centenary of Ivanhoe Gram‑mar School, the 70th Year of the Lodge, the launch of the pub‑lication Buckley’s Hope by Bro. Ash Long and the launch of the Ivanhoe Lodge website made up the evening’s celebrations.With special guests Mary Buckley, daughter of the late Bro. Rev. Syd‑ney Buckley who founded Ivan‑hoe Grammar School and Ivan‑hoe Grammarians Lodge; Helen Stuckey and Allan, Michael and Caroline Davey, grandchildren of the late VWBro. Harry Buckley, first Master of Ivanhoe Grammar‑ians Lodge; and the Holloway family, WBro. Michael, Mary and Janis all in attendance, the night certainly was one to remember.Also in attendance, Mayor Cr. Craig Langdon, City of Banyule, and Anthony Carbines MLA, State Member for Ivanhoe.Mary Buckley's attendance was poignant. Four days later she launched the School's official cen‑tenary, A Passion To Serve.Freemasons are known to be good at keeping secrets. Mary Buckley had this quality too. As soon as she had launched the book, she admitted herself to

hospital, with a fractured hip.Sadly, she had several heart attacks, and passed away within days. A memorial service, heavily attended by Lodge members, was held at the School's Chapel of the Holy Trinity.To open the evening, Director of Ceremonies WBro. Michael Holloway gave guests a very animated tour of the Lodge Room and guests watched on as WBro. Max Fraser presented a gift to the members of the Ivanhoe Grammar School Piano Trio, who attended to provide the event with music on arrival.Guests enjoyed speeches from Lodge Chaplain VWBro. Wayne Smith who spoke about the very beginnings of Ivanhoe Lodge, WBro. Lt. Col. David Waugh, who spoke about the history of Ivanhoe Grammar School and Bro. Ash Long who officially an‑nounced the release of Buckley’s Hope and launched the Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge website www.ivanhoelodge.com.au.A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ‘big cheque’ to Ivanhoe Grammar School towards the Bro. Rev. Peter Holloway Ivanhoe Gram‑marians’ Masonic Lodge Scholar‑ship. Members of Ivanhoe Gram‑marians Lodge raised a total of $4000 which was matched by the Freemasons Foundation, makinga total donation of $8000.

Aptly presented by son, WBro. Michael Holloway, the schol‑arship funding represents the values Ivanhoe GrammariansLodge holds dear: education, benevolence and charity. Ivanhoe Grammar School DevelopmentDirector, Astrida Cooper accepted the cheque.“Ivanhoe Grammar School thanksyou all very much for this won‑derfully generous donation, and for the opportunity to attend tonight’s celebrations,”Astrida said.Lodge Master WBro. Max Fraser was recognised for his commit‑ment over the years to the Lodge and for his lead role in the organ‑isation of Buckley Night, with the very first ‘Hall of Fame’ plaque being presented to him along with flowers for his wife Val.Four 25 year pins were presented to members for their ongoing service; WBro. Neville Emerson, Bro. Doug Golden, WBro. Mau‑rice Golden and Bro. Ash Long, along with three 40 year pins presented to WBro. Max Fraser, WBro. Charles Freedman andWBro. Graeme Hawke.Bro. Doug Golden, proposed the Toast to the School making spe‑cial mention of the core values of the Lodge and the School; family, community support and the pas‑sion to serve. This was followed by an energetic school war cry led by VWBro. John Knorr.

LLODGE NEWSODGE NEWS

xii Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

Lodge newss

Riding for a Causeain, hail or shine, noth‑ing was going to stop the team from complet‑ing the 50 km ride from one side of the city to

the other.Participants Basel Alogaidi, Mal‑colm and Milton Mann, Cyril Land and Darren Hill donned the square and compasses jerseys and took off from Princes Park, rode through the Docklands to Albert Park, peddled up to Footscray and wound their way back to Carlton North.The team, from Diamond Valley Lodge and Wodonga Lodge had collectively raised a whopping $3084 for the Multiple Sclerosis So‑ciety, through individual donations and contributions from other Lodg‑es. Team Captain for the event, Malcolm Mann said that despite the weather, it was a great ride.“The Team are very proud to wear the square and compasses jerseys today. It’s more than just a ride, it gives us purpose and great ex‑posure for Freemasons Victoria,” Malcolm said.Freemasons Victoria Communica‑tions Manager, Gabrielle Formanmet the Team at the half‑way rest stop to cheer the boys on.“It was great to see the boys so dedicated. They’d made it to the half‑way point unscathed, and were keen to continue the last leg of the challenge,” she said.

Unfortunately, an incident occurred involving a rider from another team, who was knocked off her bike. The entire Team stopped to lend a hand.“We all stopped to help the rider. We hoisted up the vehicle to re‑trieve her bike, and made sure she was ok,” Malcolm said. So in true Freemason form, the boys proved that actions speak louder than words, and not only helped a rider in need, but contin‑ued the challenge as a Team in just under three hours.The MS Melbourne Cycle Chal‑lenge is hosted every year, and since 2007, has been fundraising to providing services and support for Australians affected by this baffling and debilitating disease.Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system affecting more young adult Australians than any other neurological condition. Approximately four Australians are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis every day, equating to 1000 new diagnosis every year. Symptoms vary from person to per‑son, but can include fatigue, loss of balance and coordination, blurredvision and tremors.For more information about Multi‑ple Sclerosis and how you can get involved with fundraising, visit the MS Society website at wwwwww..mmssssoocciieetty..oorg..auau

The boys from the Victorian Freemasons Cycling Club were out in force on Sunday 19 April for the MS Society Melbourne Cycle Challenge!

R

LLODGE NEWSODGE NEWSLLODGE NEWSODGE NEWS

Bro. Karl Davenport of Euroa-Vega Lodge No. 185, who has been working with his father WBro.

Stephen Davenport PGSwdB (Senior Grand Deacon designatefor Grand Mark Team 2015) as a motor mechanic since 2010, was one of eight in the country, to be selected as a finalist. From that group, Karl was only one of two young apprentices representing Victoria/Tasmania…and the winner is...Karl was joined by members of the Ulysses Motorcycling Club, members of the Euroa-Vega Lodge and members of the local motorcycling community to officially receive the award, presented to him by the President of the Ulysses Motorcycling Club Yarra RangesBranch, Kevin White.“The Ulysses Club is proud to host the award for the Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year (MAOTY) as a means of promoting and enhancing the motorcycle training environmentwithin Australia.“Karl is a very worthy winner and I am proud to present him this award today along with

a $1000 tool voucher from Supercheap Auto”, Kevin said.In April 2003, founding Ulysses member Stephen Dearnleysaw that there was a need to encourage and promote youth in pursuing a career in the motorcycle industry. As a result, MAOTY now represents excellence in all aspects of being a motorcycle apprentice. Information about candidatesis collated and assessed from employers and supervisors, TAFEColleges and the apprentices themselves.In Karl’s case, the Kangan Institute of TAFE in Melbourne vouched for Karl’s aptitude, skill and potential, and presented Karl with an additional Suzuki Student of the Year Award in April 2015.A very modest Karl said that he had finished his apprenticeship ahead of time, in 2013 and would like to continue workingat S&C Motorcycles with his Dad.“I’ve grown up with bikes, and Dad collects and restores bikes, so even though I worked on trucks and small engines during my apprenticeship, I think I’ll continue working with Dad,”

Karl said that one of his greatest motivators and mentors was a gentleman by the name of Ray Kelly who, in 2014 passed away aged 83.“Ray was a regular visitor here at Dad’s workshop, so I picked up a lot from him. Ray was a classic motorcycle racer in the 1940s and 50s, winning nearly every race across the Country at that time”, Karl said.Saturday’s presentation was made in front of a huge mural which has recently been painted by local artist Mark Klein, who used old photographs of past acers to create a memorial of Ray Kelly, John Davenport (Karl’s grandfather), John Woodley andAlan Jamieson.Karl, who has just finished restoring a Yamaha YZ125 1983 model, is currently working on a Husqvarna and is excited to be able to race it in a few weeks at the Vintage Motocross.

Young Freemasons

Motorcycle Apprentice of the YearAprons were swapped for leathers on Saturday 2 May in Alexandra, for the presentation of the Ulysses Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year (MAOTY) Award.

B


ABOVE: Bro. Karl receives 2015 Ulysses MotorcycleApprentice of the Year Award from UlyssesMotorcycling Club Yarra Ranges Branch, KevinWhite.

RIGHT: Supporting Karl from left, (Bro. KarlDavenport), WBro. Graeme Cunningham (VietnamVeterans Memorial Lodge), WBro. Robert VanLunenberg and Bro. Benjamin Wright.

xiv Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year


TTemple Beth Isremple Beth Israel ael

Special Shabbat Service

I


n addition to regular Shabbat and festivalservices, the Temple runs a plethora of social,

educational, pastoral and socialjustice activities for the Jewish and wider communities. It takes a leading role in promoting cross‑cultural and interfaith initiatives, and prides itself on the civic achievements of its members including the late Sir Zelman Cowen, Lady Anna Cowen, Mark Dreyfus MP, the Hon. Howard Nathan, Graeme Samuel and numerous other professional and business leaders.Temple Beth Israel’s Rabbi, Gersh Lazarow has recently inherited the mantle from Rabbis Fred Morgan and John Levi, two titans in the religious life of Victoria, who succeeded Rabbi Dr Herman Sanger. The synagogue is graced with several outstanding artisticworks, including a mural by Martha Ash, a bronze sculpture

by Andrew Rogers and a series of giant glass medallions crafted by David Wright. Members of Temple Beth Israel say, “We hope Freemasons and their partners enjoy their visit to Temple Beth Israel. We welcome them to our wor‑ship and the refreshments that follow the service.”Temple Beth Israel has extend‑ed an invitation to all Victori‑an Freemasons and part‑ners to a special Shabbat (Sabbath) service in honour of the Grand Master, MWBro. Hillel Benedykt together with 2015 Grand Lodge Officers, at 9:30am (service begins at 10:00am), on Sat‑urday 4 July, 2015. Dress for gentle‑men will be lounge suit.

For further information contact the Grand Secretary’s office or WBro. Ron Aarons at [email protected] call 9563 4737.

One of the largest synagogues in Melbourne, with a membership of 1300 families, Temple Beth Israel describes itself as the flagship synagogue for Progressive Jews in Australia/New Zealand, and this year celebrates its 85th Anniversary.

e was in attendance to receive not only his 50 Year Long Service Jewel from Grand Mark, but also to be presented with his 50 Year Jewel from H

On 20 January, 2015, at Dilkara Mark Lodge No. 143 in Dromana, almost 85 Brethren, including Ladies and non-Freemasons, gathered to witness a unique event to mark a significant milestone in the Masonic career of one of our distinguished Freemasons, MWBro. Les Dodd, PGM.

Long service

Mark and Chapter Jewels

Words by RWBro. J C Williams, PDGM

MWBro. Ted Page, MWBro. Les Dodd, PGM,MEmComp Graeme O'Donnell,

MARK AND CMARK AND CHAPTERHAPTER

Supreme Grand Chapter, in his own Mark Lodge.Masonic dignitaries were admitted, under escort, and welcomed by the Master of Dilkara Lodge, RWBro. Bill Wood, PSGW. They included the Grand Master, MWBro. Doug Mount, the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro. Ian Coad, the First Grand Principal of Supreme Grand Chapter, MEmComp Graeme O'Donnell, and RWBro. Keith Emmerson, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England & Wales, who graciously accepted an invitation to attend whilst on holiday in Australia. Also in attendance were seven Past Grand Masters, one of whom, MWBro. Ted Page, presented Brother Les with his Mark Jewel and Certificate. The Chapter presentation was conducted by MEmComp Graeme O'Donnell, attired in his robe and regalia of office as First Grand Principal.Both presenters provided a captive audience with a variety of interesting and informative highlights of Les's career achievements, touching on many of his personal, family and Masonic activities. A recollection of light‑hearted anecdotes were also related which proved amusing to all in attendance.MWBro Les responded accordingly, particularly thanking all his family members, including those from interstate, for being in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

xviiAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria

NAME NO. LODGE NAME

50 YEARS

WBro AT Alexander 510 Lodge of Welcome

WBro IR Allen 149 St.Andrews in the South

VWBro RI Brown 164 Yarraville

RWBro MI Crawford 101 Gippsland Forest

Bro JWE Draper 125 Jubilee

Bro PRC Draper 125 Jubilee

WBro BG Turnley 396 Old Scotch Collegians’

RWBro RI Willcox 279 Henty

60 YEARS

VWBro KWL Allen 40 Prince of Wales

Bro RK Allen 572 Altona

WBro RD Bell 0 Transition

Bro AG Esmore 18 St.George

Bro WG Ferguson 167 Nagambie

WBro DI Hickson 312 Canterbury

WBro WF Jennings 916 Lawson Poole Daylight

WBro GA Mason 220 Sandringham District

WBro GP O’Brien 167 Nagambie

65 YEARS

WBro JH Wall 317 The Old Melburnians’

RWBro GJ Westmore 511 Dromana

WBro RL Wigg 510 Lodge of Welcome

70 YEARS

RWBro JE Kenworthy 167 Nagambie

75 YEARS

Bro JJS Jewson 880 Eos

Bro GG Morgan 66 Wangaratta Lodge ofSt.John

JeJewwels Pels Prresenesentted ~ Januared ~ Januaryy

RERECCOGNISING SEROGNISING SERVICVICEE

xviii Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

NAME NO. LODGE NAME

50 YEARS

WBro RO Catchpole 202 Morwell

RWBro J Deans 938 Monash

VWBro GF Edwards 256 Whittlesea

Bro A Gold 759 Melbourne High School

RWBro RE Greenough 925 Traralgon

WBro MW Knight 279 Henty

WBro GP McErvale 170 Mildura

WBro JA Millar 862 Barwong

Bro JH Mitchell 635 Dandenong

Bro BL Nunn 909 Sunraysia Daylight

VWBro AH Reside 938 Monash

WBro GR Roberts 125 Jubilee

VWBro CW Simmons 220 Sandringham District

Bro IR Stephens 920 Rapport

VWBro RA Thomas 799 Lodge of Honour

RWBro WJ Tillett 510 Lodge of Welcome

VWBro BM Treseder 289 Tresco

WBro BG Turnley 396 Old Scotch Collegians’

Bro DJ Webb 259 Killara

Bro GE Wilkie 510 Lodge of Welcome

Bro LJ Williams 80 Antient York

60 & 65 YEARS

WBro RJ Chadwick 277 Woolamai Daylight

Bro MT Christie 10 Ballarat Yarrowee

Bro A Downie 868 Barwong

WBro RK Dwyer 97 Macedon Ranges

WBro DI Hickson 312 Canterbury

Bro NJ Humphreys 182 Arlington

VWBro LB Jarman 206 Middle Park

VWBro R Key 447 Lodge of Euclid

WBro GA Letts, CBE 360 Marnoo

RWBro HJ Merton 254 Fairfield

Bro SG Moyes 190 Duke of Connaught

VWBro KJ Prout 706 Keysborough St.Andrews

WBro AE Stuchberry 50 Leura

VWBro KM Fine 460 King David

Bro KR Wise 572 Altona

70 & 75 YEARS

RWBro KY Wenborn 0 Transition

Bro HG Rodwell Qld

RWBro JH Stapleton 937 Campaspe Valley

JeJewwels Pels Prresenesentted ~ Fed ~ Febrebruaruaryy


xixAutumn 2015 Freemasonry Victoria

NAME NO. LODGE NAME

50 YEARS

WBro ER Buckingham 256 Whittlesea

WBro TME Dosser 859

WBro BC Evans 400 Comacine Acanthus

WBro C Evans 880 Eos

WBro JE Goldspink 863 Warrowee Park

WBro LR Kalwig 905 The Derrimut Daylight

WBro JR McGinn 256 Whittlesea

WBro JL Rogers 170 Mildura

WBro RA Smith 883 Oak Park

RWBro BD Wharton 61 Stewart Lodge of St.Arnaud

60 YEARS

WBro HJ Goodgame 883 Oak Park

VWBro AC Hildebrand 59 Albert Edward

WBro AK James 403 Woodend Daylight

RWBro WH Lister 170 Mildura

Bro PC Maxsted 0 Transition

WBro BK Parkinson 317 The Old Melburnians

Bro RT Sayers 1 Australia Felix

RWBro AJ Somerville 742 Mitchell River

65 YEARS

Bro AD Clark 279 Henty

WBro DA Clark 279 Henty

RWBro M Cohen 759 Melbourne High

VWBro JR Doran 647 Good Companions

Bro LK Jones 189 King Edward

RWBro MJ Mathes 10 Ballarat Yarrowee

WBro AG Mowat 96 Cosmopolitan

VWBro RL Richardson 164 Yarraville

70 YEARS

RWBro AW Sheilds 51 Gippsland

RWBro RG Simon 510 Lodge of Welcome

JeJewwels Pels Prresenesentted ~ Mared ~ Marchch


xx Freemasonry Victoria Autumn 2015

YYour support saour support savves lies livveses..

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am overwhelmed, proud and humbled.I feel being a ‘people person’ the award really belongs to the

many wonderful people in the many organisations I have been involved with over more than 60 years, not the least my many Masonic friends and brothers.As a Freemason now for 56 years, charity has always been a cornerstone of the principles I practice and although no longer actively attached to the benevolent committees of Grand Lodge, I treasure the memories from being a trustee of the Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation and a member of the Board of Benevolence. The work these groups did during my time was monumental.Touring South Vietnam for the Government in 1966, and performing for Australian and American troops during the war was a rewarding experience. The concert for 4800 sailors on an American aircraft carrier USS Ranger, the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, was a far cry from my first appearances in

1947 aged 13 playing the piano accordion with a concert party at public institutions around Melbourne.As an entertainer from such an early age, I have been privileged to bring pleasure to many audiences during my lifetime. For this I can thank my mother who, in 1944, while doing voluntary work at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, saw a young boy playing the accordion

at one of their concerts. He brought so much pleasure to the wounded WWII soldiers that she thought how wonderful it would be, if one of her sons could also do this. I soon began learning the instrument and the rest is history…I won the Swallows ‘P & A’ Parade as a piano accordionist in 1956, a popular 3KZ radio talent quest. The prize was a world trip. I sailed to the UK where I performed on BBC television and radio. On my return I was

a regular on GTV9, In MelbourneTonight and other TV shows, but I still enjoyed performing for the underprivileged with the original concert party.I am a member of the United Press Lodge, Seavic Lodge, Malvern Waverley Mark and the Centenary HRA Chapter.In 2011 Melbourne Bookspublished my autobiographyentitled ‘Who the hell is Allan Paull?’ which gave me the

opportunity to reflect and reveal my fortunate life as Bert Facey had done in his memorable book ‘A Fortunate Life’.My call to arms has always

been- “If you see a need, you are elected!” and being old fashioned, giving of yourself will always be one of the best forms of charity. I have always believed that if you see a need you stand up and take a lead. So many people believed in me and joined me in support and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. This is their award”.

So that’s who

is!RWBro. Allan Paull PJGW was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day this year. Freemasons Victoria spoke with entertainer, journalist, artist and philanthropist RWBro. Allan about this great achievement.

I

Allan Paull

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDALS

Words by RWBro. Allan Paull PJGW

"I have always believed that if you see a need you stand

up and take a lead."


PICTURED FROM LEFT:

RWBro. Allan Paull today, with his self-titled book

“Who the hell is Allan Paull?”; RWBro. Allan Paull

in full uniform at the dedication of the NSAA

memorial plaque in the Box Hill Gardens - 16

March 2008; The ATVO Showcase 65 - Listener-In;

Order of Australia Medal.



ncluded in the Hon-ours List for 2015 for ‘services to the com-munity in preserving military aviation

history’, Bro. Ron Gretton was awarded the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day. Bro. Ron has just spent the last eight years restoring a Bristol Boxkite Aeroplane (last flown in 1910) at the Royal Australian Airforce Museum in Point Cook.“I worked with my colleague and friend Geoff Matthews who also received an OAM this year. We spent two years planning how to build the replica Boxkite before recre-ating the historic plane, with the help of businesses and supporters of the RAAF Muse-um”, Bro. Ron said.The pair had decided to build a replica of the first military plane to take to the skies to mark the centenary of Austra-lian military aviation (2014). This would be an eight year operation, painstakinglyresearching each part of the plane and constructing it piece by piece.On 1 March last year, their hard work paid off, with the plane taking off during the Royal Australian Air Force’scentenary celebrations, whichBro. Ron said ‘was a wonder-ful achievement’.

“No one else was doing any-thing to mark the occasion, so we thought we would. We did it because it’s something we like doing”, he said.Bro. Ron, an engineer by trade having worked in the air force until his retirement in 1997 has been volunteering his time at the RAAF Museum building replica aircraft for35 years.His work has included the res-toration of a Hawker Demon A1-8, which took six years to complete, and the restorationof a Maurice Farman Short-horn, started in 1986. Both of these aircraft are currently on display at the RAAF Museum. As a member of the Reserve Force, Bro. Ron was the Proj-ect Manager for the resto-ration of a Walrus Amphibian HD874, which was recovered from Heard Island in 1980. This project started in Febru-ary 1993 with formal han-dover to the RAAF Museum in 2002. Bro. Ron was also involved in the restoration of a Mosquito A52-600, before starting work on the Bristol Boxkite replica in 2006.“I am very humbled to have received the award. This aircraft represents the early 1900's". It allows people to see the aircraft that our first aviators learnt to fly in.” Bro. Ron said.

With the enormous support of sponsors AeroStructures Technologies Pty Ltd (now QinetiQ), Rosebank Engineer-ing Pty Ltd, MacDonald Tech-nologies International Pty Ltd, MobileNetwork Pty Ltd and BAE Systems Australia, Bro.Ron has recently written and published a book titled ‘Bristol Boxkites at Point Cook – Commemorating the Cen-tenary of Australian Military Aviation 1914-2014’.

The book is available to view at the Freemasons Victoria Library and Museum at 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne.

Years of restoration, commitment and passion has awarded Bro. Ron Gretton of Yarraville Lodge No. 164 an Order of Australia Medal this year.

The man behind the

Flying Machine


I


Order of Australia Medal for a

rene Hendel, wife of Bro. David Hendel of Middle Park Lodge No. 206 and founder of the Think Pink Living Cen-

tre has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health through can-cer support organisations.The Living Centre is a unique, state-of-the-art drop-in facility where the focus is on wellness, rather than illness, and the goal is to support and empower pa-tients and those affected by their diagnosis. Currently this is the only non-hospital based facility of its type, providing assistance, counselling and support forbreast cancer patients from any treatment centre, totally free of charge, and at any stage of their journey from diagnosis, through

treatment, and into survivorship.Irene, who is most grateful for the award, said that the OAM is great recognition of the organ-isation's work in supporting thousands of people affected by breast cancer over the last 15 years.In addition to being the founder of the Think Pink Living Cen-tre, Irene has been Chair of the Think Pink Foundation since its establishment in 2006 and was a Committee Member for the Think Pink Committee (Cancer Council Victoria - CCV) from 1998-2005.For the last 15 years Irene has raised funds to support patients and their families dealing with breast cancer and to provide 60 Breast Care Nurse scholarshipsvia Cancer Council Victoria.“I feel very humbled and proud to receive this honour which is a wonderful recognition of our work and the outcomes achieved by Think Pink. I accept this award not only on my be-half as the Patron of the Foun-dation and founder of the Living Centre but also on behalf of my husband David our Managing Director and the other mem-bers of our Board and our entire Think Pink team including ourmany volunteers and supportersover the last ten years.” Irene said.Think Pink became an indepen-dent foundation in 2006 and

proudly created the Living Cen-tre in 2010, when it was officially opened on 9 September by the then Minister for Health for Vic-toria The Hon. Daniel Andrews M.P. Past Grand Master MWBro. Vaughan Werner, Grand Sec-retary RWBro. Peter Henshall,VWBro. Frank Fordyce, RWBro. Barry Reaper and many other senior members of Freemasons Victoria were in attendance at the official opening, and on that day confirmed Freemasons Vic-toria’s sponsorship of the Think Pink Living Centre Breast Care Nurse .“Since the opening we have been working very closely with Freemasons Victoria to continue our vital work in the community, and we are delighted to say that the proud association between our organisation and with Free-masons Victoria continues to this day.”Irene spoke about the inspira-tion for all of her hard work, saying that it all came about in 2004 when she herself went through radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.“It was during my second ep-isode of breast cancer in 2004 that I had to undergo six weeks of daily radiotherapy at The William Buckland Centre in Mel-bourne’s Alfred Hospital. Sitting in the waiting room every day with women of all generations,


ILiving Centre Legend

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt with Irene

Hendel at a recent cheque presentation.


I became acutely aware of the dire circumstances financiallyand emotionally that many of them were facing. When I in-vestigated, it soon became clear how little support there was on offer to help these women and their families with breast cancer in practical ways. I became determined to estab-lish a non-clinical based drop-incentre for people affected by breast cancer from all treatment centres and for people from both metropolitan and coun-try locations in Victoria. Most importantly, I realised that due to their inability to work for up to a year during their treatment, most of them were financially devastated and that The Living Centre should be made avail-able without limitation, at any stage of their journey and most importantly, that all services we provide be offered totally free of charge.When I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer, 1 in 13 women would be diagnosed in their lifetime and it was regarded as an older woman’s disease. Today that figure is now 1 in 8 wom-en which means that everyone knows someone’s mother, daughter, sister or friend who is affected and detection has alsobecome much more prevalent in younger women, some of whom are in their twenties and thirties. This is why I am determined and committed to have a Living Cen-

tre in every major capital city in Australia.” Irene said.Since the Think Pink Living Centre was established it has offered support face to face, over the internet and by phone to over 1500 women on over 5000 occasions. In addition, it started the “Supporting Blokes”Program which is offered to the male partners of breast cancer patients and offers counsellingand practical advice to help them and their partners through what is often the most challeng-ing time in their lives.The Living Centre offers a com-prehensive range of unique services, not currently available elsewhere including transition-ing back to work advice, a free wig salon, and accommodation for patients travelling from the country to receive treatment in Melbourne.The Foundation has in the past, raised approximately $500,000 per annum but to maintain and expand the Living Centre and its services this amount needs to grow significantly. New spon-sors and donors are needed to join existing partners to ensure this vital work continues. There is a great need for Living Centres to be created right around the country and in the longer term, it is hoped that the Program will expand nationally.“As Think Pink receives no Gov-ernment funding, the only way we can grow sustainably is with

the financial support of phil-anthropically minded individ-uals and organisations such as Freemasons Victoria. The funds Freemasons Victoria has pro-vided for the Breast Care Nurse Program ($86,000) and raised in the recent October Think Pink activities ($26,000) has been essential to ensure our ongoing ability to provide our services”.“I hope that this award and the recognition of our Foundation’s achievements will open new opportunities and conversations for me to share the Think Pink cause and the story of the Living Centre with many more poten-tial sponsors and donors.” Irene said.For information about how you can contribute towards the Think Pink Living Centre, visit: www.thinkpink.org.au/the-liv-ing-centre or should you wishto discuss your offer of support personally please email Irene Hendel at [email protected] to make a confidential enquiry.


Irene Hendel with Think Pink colleague and

Think Pink Bug!


HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Epworth Freemasons

Scalp Cooling Machinehe machine is used for appropriately selected cancerpatients undergoing

chemotherapy to prevent hair loss as a result of the drug treatment.Temporary hair loss is one of the most distressing and traumatic effects of chemotherapy. It is visible to others and a

constant reminder that a patient is undergoing treatment for cancer. Additionally, hair loss can cause negative changes in body image, decreased social activity and altered interpersonalrelationships. These practical and emotional issues can lead patients to be reluctant or even refuse to undergo their recommended chemotherapytreatment.The scalp cooling machine has been introduced to a number of Epworth hospital facilities across the healthcare group. The results have been fantastic with many patients reporting that they have maintained all their hair followingchemotherapy and others reporting just partial hair loss.Dr Richard de Boer, medical oncologist at Epworth Freemasons, has noted that for some patients this equipment has made a significant difference to their lives during a time when they are already experiencing considerable adversity. One patient has been reported to say, “It gives you one little

layer of control. I assumed I was going to lose control and lose my hair. The scalp cooling machine offered me some dignity and self respect.” Another patient reported, “It was painful – like a ‘brain freeze’ across my head, and each chemotherapy session took a bit longer but I would still recommend this to other patients as I was really pleased with the results.”The Executive Director of Epworth Freemasons hospital extended a very warm message of thanks to Freemasons Victoria and its fraternity for the generous gift that led to the purchase of this machine. For further information on how to support Epworth Freemasonshospital please contact Vanessa Dannock in the Epworth Medical Foundation on 03 9426 6572.

TThanks to the generous donation from Freemasons Victoria, Epworth Freemasons hospital has now purchased a new Scalp Cooling Machine for their Day Oncology Unit.

Epworth patient undergoing Chemotherapy who kept her hair.


HEALHEALTH AND WELLBEING

""TThhee sc scalpalp c coooolliinnggmmaacchhiinne oe offffeerred ed meme s someome d diigngniittyyaannd sd seellf rf resespepecctt""

Scalp Cooling Machine and caps.



Parkinson's

Support Group Update

Bro. Geoff, who has lived with Parkinson’s Diseasefor twenty years

said that a lot has happenedduring the last twelve months to build awareness of the movement disorder within the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions.“The Shepparton Parkinson’sDisease Support Group, in which I am a member, has been preparing a submission for on-going State Government Funding for the continuationof much needed support and services from a Movement Disorder Nurse”, Geoff said.Movement Disorder Nurse Sheree Ambrosini, who has been employed for a period of two

years from 2013 – 2015 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Support Group, said that the role of the Movement Disorder Nurse and the Geriatrician, Dr. Arup Bhattacharya has provided a great service to the region.“We are now better able to provide members of the community with support and access to treatments that may not otherwise have been available to them”, she said.WBro. Geoff was also pleased to announce that the Shepparton Parkinson’s Disease SupportGroup will be working with Melbourne University’s Rural Medical School Patient/PartnerProgram this year to assist in the provision of training for twenty three students who will work with a Parkinson’s Disease client, across medical appointments and a series of work-shops.Although there has not been any additional funding provided from State Government for further research into the Disease, WBro. Geoff is optimistic about the year ahead who with the help of his wife, developed a cook book in 2013, full of soup recipes. Proceeds from the sale of the book through SPC Ardmona are donated to Parkinson’s Victoria and towardsthe Shepparton Parkinson’sDisease Support Group to

contribute to future projects. “We only have about 150 copies left of our book Just Soup tosell, out of an original 2000. It has been very popular and we are really pleased with sales. We have already contributed $40,000 since 2013 to Parkinson’s Victoria.” he said.Sheree was equally excited about the progress the Support Group has made in the last year, saying that in 2014, the first Duodopa Gel Treatment option was introduced in Shepparton allowing clients to have their medication delivered by infusionas opposed to by tablet.“Infusion treatment is faster acting than tablets, andclients have better control of their symptoms. This kind of treatment has never been available in this region and saves clients having to travel to Melbourne,” she said.Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include excessive musclemovement, slurred speech,difficulty swallowing andmanaging the volume of the voice.Sheree said that last year the first Parkinson’s Disease CommunitySeminar was also conducted in Shepparton, where local Geriatrician Dr. Bhattacharya hosted four professionals to speak about research and

WShepparton resident and Freemason WBro. Geoff Alexander has recently provided Freemasons Victoria with a progress report on Parkinson’s Disease, since 'Peaches, Pears and Parkinson's' which featured in Freemasonry Victoria Magazine, Autumn Issue No. 138.

The Just Soup cook book written by WBro. Geoff Alexander.



WWororld Pld Pararkinsonkinson’’s Disease Das Disease Dayy111 APRIL 201 APRIL 201166

development into the Disease. “The Seminar was very well received with numbers attending exceeding 100. Guests were a mix of clients and health professionals,” she said.The Seminar included presentations from Prof. Horne, a neurologist from the Florey Institute, Victor Convey of Parkinsons Victoria, and Dr. Andrew Evans and Dr. Richard Blaze from St Vincent’s Hospital, who spoke about treatments, symptoms and education as well as the research being done in the area of Parkinson’s Disease. The Shepparton Parkinson’s Disease SupportGroup hosted an information table at the Shepparton Market Place on World Parkinson’sDisease Day, 11 April 2015, and distributed Parkinson’s Victoria brochures, information sheets and details about the Support Group. Volunteers were there to talk about the projects and the progress that the Support Group is making to inspire members of the public to lend support and find out more.If you would like to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease and how you can support the community of Shepparton, please contact WBro. Geoff Alexander on [email protected] orvisit www.parkinsonsvictoria.org.au.

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hen WBro. Gary Edwards of United Ararat Lodge No. 935 and Vietnam

Veterans Memorial Lodge No.921 suggested that his thirty year collection of ‘trench art’ be featured in an upcoming issue of Freemasonry Victoria Magazine, CommunicationsManager Gabrielle Formanassumed he was referring to paintings that had been discovered and retrieved from the European trenches of World War I and II. When Gabrielle visited WBro. Gary at his home in Landsborough she soonrealised what his collection really consisted of. At least fifty hand-crafted, beautifully engraved brass shell casings lined the back wall of WBro. Gary’s shed, all with a history and a date which WBro.

Gary had no trouble recalling. This incredible display was interspersed with shell casings and coins that had been crafted into smaller objects; slouch hats, military caps, trench lighters and letter openers.“This,” Gary said, “is trench art”.Gary said that much of his collection has been found over the years at local markets,garage sales and in small private collections.“It’s always a thrill when you stumble across a rare piece. The next issue then is the price, and it can vary depending on the knowledge of the vendor.“The highest price I’ve ever paid for a piece is between $100-$150”, WBro. Gary said.He explained that these unique pieces of art are as a result of boredom.“The soldiers would spend so much time in the trenches that they’d amuse themselves by carving and engraving these images onto the used shell casings. The casings are brass, so take to engraving quite well. Some of the pieces are so intricate”, WBro. Gary said.A few of WBro. Gary’s favourite pieces are a shell that has been converted into a clock and a shell that has St. George killing the dragon on one side and King

Solomon’s Temple on the other.“This representation of the Temple also shows the square pavement and porch way entrance”, WBro. Gary said.Another prized piece is a naval shell that has ‘FIRED ON ‘D DAY 6 JUNE 1944’ engraved into it.This kind of trench art was very popular in World War I and II with the British but was also adopted by the German, Dutch and CommonwealthForces. Some of the cases have very specific badges soldered on to them, representing the regiment.Gary’s wife, Janeane said that she has also taken an interest in the collection, particularly the ‘thrill of the find’, but cleaning all of the brass is never fun!“My interest in the collectiondiminished somewhat whenGary and I went to an expo, and spent hours polishing each andevery piece before the show”, she said.WBro. Gary, now retired, was Founder and FoundationMaster of the Vietnam VeteransMemorial Lodge No. 921, and served in the Vietnam War for twelve months as an Armourer.

Beautiful Art

In a time o� BloodshedWBro. Gary Edwards of United Ararat Lodge No. 935 and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lodge No. 921 shows off his thirty year collection of ‘trench art.’

AMAZING COLLECTIONS

W


In a time o� Bloodshed

AROUND THE WORLD

Grand Master MWBro. Hillel Benedykt and his wife Sue, joined by some of the members

of the 2014 Grand Team, journeyed to Israel in January, to attend the re-installation of the Grand Master of Israel, MWBro. Avi Baranes and his Grand Officer's of the Grand Lodge of the State of Israel.The group included RWBro. Peter Henshall and his wife Sharon, RWBro. David Thompson and his wife Kate, WBro. Peter Fuchs and his wife Anne, WBro. Doug Susic and his wife Dana and their two children Natalie and Alex, and WBro. Allen Gibson and his wife Judy.On arrival in Tel-Aviv the gentlemen of the group visited the Raanana Lodge where they witnessed a second degree conducted according to the

Netherlandic ritual (in English), before beginning their tour of Israel the next day.On the first night we were all together in Israel, the men attended a Lodge in Raanana which meets in a bomb shelter. When I arrived at the shelter, I noticed someone standing outside who greeted me. It turned out to be the Grand Master of the State of Israel, who lives hours away. He had flown in especially to meet the Victorian delegation. We were so pleased to meet him ahead of the Grand Installation" Grand MasterHillel said.The tour over the next three days covered the Old City of Jerusalem, Nazareth and theSea of Galilee, Caesara and the Coastal Plain in a mini-bus hosted by a very knowledgeable tour guide.

The visit to the Old City of Jerusalem included the Mount of Olives which boasts a spectacular view of Jerusalem. A short walk down the Palm Sunday Road led to the Church of All Nations at the Garden of Gethsemane and further on, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Wailing Wall.The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, is a 187-foot-high section of the ancient wall of Herod’s Temple, the second temple built on that spot. The wall extends for 1600 feet, but houses built against it obscure most of its length. Today the exposed portion of the Wailing Wall faces a large plaza in the Jewish Quarter, which has been a venue for pilgrimage and prayer for Jews since the 16th Century.Day two saw the group travel through the lush Galilee

G

Re-Installation

MWBro. Avi Baranes

MWBro. Hillel Benedykt with MWBro. Doug Susic at the Wailing Wall.


landscape to Nazareth and visit the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph, and day three included a visit to the Roman Theatre and the Crusader Fortress with its unique dry moat.After a day of leisure and a chance to let the amazing tour sink in, the group took off again to the archaeological ruins of Masada and the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea, known for its mineral and healing qualities, is 400m (1,312 ft) below sea level and is the world's richest source of natural salts.Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. Masada was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001. Visitors can choose to hike up the two very steep hiking paths – one that gains approximately 300 metres (980 ft) in elevation, or take a cable car to the top. Surprisingly, despite being quite ill the night before, RWBro. David Thompson raced up the hiking trail and watched everyone else who had taken the cable car, arrive. He was accompanied on the arduous snake path by the Grand Master, the Grand Secretary and the Susic family, all of whom successfully made it to the top.Following on from Masada, RWBro. Peter Henshall plus several others bathed in the Dead Sea, floating on it and absorbing all of the mineral qualities the water is known for. It was a truly

memorable experience, Peter said.RWBro. Peter Henshall said that visiting the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem (Yad Vashem) was one of the more ‘moving’ parts of the trip and a great highlight for him.On Tuesday 20 January, the day of the re-installation of MWBro. Avi Baranes, MWBro.Hillel and the crew assembled at Beit Hachayal, a function venue in Tel Aviv where the ceremony and banquet were held. Also in attendance were the Grand Masters of France (GLNF), Turkey, Albania, Serbia, representatives from several other European Grand Lodges along with 450 guests. Of course, the delegation from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in their tails and whites were clearly the best dressed of all of the delegations.“It was a melting pot of cultures,” Grand Master Hillel said, “and it really showed the diversity and tolerance within Freemasonry.”“The Grand Installation was very different to one the team might have been familiar with back home, and was spoken entirely in Hebrew. When leaders and brethren made their remarks they spoke in many different languages, and greetings, protocols and investitures were handled differently. After the installation, a banquet followed which was a little less formal and a lot noisier than what we’re used to! What unified us all throughout this Grand Installation experience was brotherhood, fraternity and friendship”, he said.Reflecting on the entire trip Grand Master said that he and Sue had a magnificent time, and would definitely go back. Two of the experiences he enjoyed most (apart from catching up with family) were the Western Wall tunnel tour where you travel back in time through thousands of years of history and of course the visit to Zedekiah’s Cave in Jerusalem. The cave’s dramatic lighting reveals signs of quarrying. In 1868, the first meeting of Freemasons in Ottoman Palestine was held by candlelight in Zedekiah’s Cave. Its impressive dimensions have bestowed another traditional name: “King Solomon’s Quarries.” “This was a tremendous experience. Sue and I have travelled to Israel before to visit family, but there are still some parts of Israel that we will definitely go back to see. To have the support of the Grand Officers from Victoria that accompanied us on this visit, made it an extraordinary time, we express our heartfelt appreciation to them."

AROUND THE WORLD

You are invited to theFreemasons Victoria

Eshcol Lodge

6:30pm Wednesday 22nd July 2015 Goulburn Valley Hotel - High Street, Shepparton

Two course meal - $50pp Tables of ten available

Live entertainment | Special celebrity guest!

Proceeds to the Goulburn Valley Health Breast Cancer Support Group Nurse

For more information and bookings: contact Allan Thomson on 0402 284 797

AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE: Apple iPad | Parklake Lunch | Family portrait by Occasion Studios | Travel Luggage | Wine | Fernwood Fitness Membership | 2 x Introductory Flights with Shepparton Airport Flying School | Car Service | B&B with Club Mulwala Resort and MUCH MORE!

A bequest in your Will to the Victorian Scout Foundation helps make sure young Australians

will continue to learn the values and principles of good citizenship well into the 21st century.

The Scout Foundation can assist in the writing of your bequest. We also welcome direct donations

and new members to the Foundation.

For more information:Reply Paid 1240 (no stamp required)The Secretary, The Victorian Scout FoundationPO BOX 774 Mt Waverley 3149

Phone: 8543 9800 orFreecall: 1800 640 454

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freemasonry victoria magazine #142

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