Freemason NSW & ACT September 2016 by APM Graphics Management

THE ROCKS • PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS • WC FIELDS • HISTORY OF BREAD

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v48 n3 – SEPTEMBER 2016

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

CONTENTS

Editorial

Quarterly communication

A glorious future for your Lodge

History of The Rocks

Message from the Grand Chaplain

The origins of jaywalking

A masonic work of art

Bringing Masonry to life

Social media policy

The roll of bread through history

The Official Journal of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Grand Lodge Website: www.masons.org.au

This issue of the Freemason is produced under the direction of: Chairman: RW Bro Ted Simmons OAM Committee: RW Bro Graham Maltby (Secretary), Dr Yvonne McIntyre, VW Bro Mervyn Sinden, VW Bro Andre Fettermann, RW Bro Craig Pearce, RW Bro Richard Dawes, W Bro Stephen Dally, W Bro Steve Lourey, Bro Simon Pierce Design and Layout: Bro Simon Pierce, Megan Baumann and Pam Gill, APM Graphics Management

From the desk of the Grand Secretary 16

FREEMASON is the official journal of The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.

A long life of Masonry

Famous mason

A Dutch installation

Associated Orders

All matters for publication in the journal should be addressed to:

Taronga Zoo

Have your say

Book reviews

Masonic memories

The Secretary Freemason Editorial Committee The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT PO Box A259, Sydney South, NSW 1235 Telephone: (02) 9284 2800 Facsimile: (02) 9284 2828 Email: freemason@masons.org.au

Fromelles and Pozières

Prostate cancer

A Start in Life

Masonicare

Regional Roundup

Initiates

Crossword

Service Certificates

The journal is published in March, June, September and December. Deadline for copy is 1st of the month preceding month of issue.

Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Published articles do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of The United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Advertising enquiries:

28 THE ROCKS • PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS • WC FIELDS • HISTORY OF BREAD

V48 N3 – SEPTEMBER 2016

Bro Simon Pierce APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall, NSW 2256 Telephone: (02) 4344 5133 Email: freemason@apmgraphics.com.au Website: www.apmgraphics.com.au FREEMASON is proudly produced by APM Graphics Management 16 Springwood Street, Blackwall, NSW 2256 Printed by Offset Alpine Printing P/L, Lidcombe, NSW. Distributed to all NSW & ACT brethren and sister Grand Lodges in Australia and throughout the World.

Editorial Policy

Electronic versions of FREEMASON can be viewed or downloaded at www.masons.org.au.

Aims of the Freemason magazine q To uphold and promote those values, morals and virtues which Freemasonry believes are universal and enduring. q To foster a better understanding of Freemasonry within the general community. q To provide a forum for discussion on masonic issues. q To publicise the charitable works of Freemasonry. q To provide articles of interest and education and to disseminate masonic news and views. q To recognise masons who make significant contributions to the Craft and the wider community.

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

ISSN 1836-0475

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Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Cover Image:

A pair of giraffes at Taronga Zoo. Photo by Lorinda Taylor Insertions:

Freemason bumper sticker

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EDITORIAL

By RW BRO TED SIMMONS OAM

The magic bank account What would you do with it?

magine you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules. The set of rules: 1. Everything you didn’t spend during each day would be taken away from you. 2. You may not transfer money into some other account. 3. You may only spend it. 4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day. 5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, ‘Game Over!’ It can close the account and you will not receive a new one. What would you do? You would buy anything and every thing you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right? Actually, this game is real. Shocked??? Each of us is already a winner of this prize. We just can’t seem to see it.

The prize is Time. 1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life. 2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us. 3. What we haven’t used up that day is forever lost. 4. Yesterday is forever gone. 5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your acc ount at any time without warning. So, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same

You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love...

Interested in Freemasonry? Have you ever wondered about Freemasonry – what it is and what its members do? Do you ever think about joining but don’t know any masons or what action to take to find out more? If you are interested and would like to talk with a mason, contact Grand Lodge who will put you in touch with a member from your suburb who can give answers and advice. Grand Lodge is available Monday to Friday on (02) 9284 2800 or you can contact us by email at info@masons.org.au

amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think. So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life! Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start ‘spending’... Don’t complain about growing old – Some people don’t get the privilege.

Thank you Mervyn

ong serving Freemason maga zine committee member, VW Bro Mervyn Sinden, has decided to call it a day and step down after many years of service. His commitment in attendance, suggestions and working on articles has helped committee decisions and assisted in the smooth running of the magazine. It has been a pleasure having him as part of the team!

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION

June Quarterly Communication

fter welcoming the members, especially the EAFs, Fellowcrafts and their Mentors, the Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville said it had been a busy three months with warm receptions wherever he and Yuana attended. These included the UGL of Victoria Grand Installation with a contingent of 31 brethren and 16 ladies, the Grand Installation of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines supported by 103 brethren and nine ladies, the Debutante Ball of Lodge Gundagai, a Combined meeting of Lodge Carringtonia and Lodge Ophir at Carcoar Court House, Illawarra Associ ation of Freemasonry charity dinner which raised in excess of $20,000 for the charity Soldier On and a meeting with the Grand Master of Grande Loge Nationale Française, MW Bro Jean Pierre Servel. ‘I am delighted to announce the Open Day for all masonic centres will be on 5 November with the full support from the Board of Management. I would encourage brethren to offer their support and be involved. Information for this special event will be communicated to the mem bership in the coming months, he said. ‘The Board of Management is continu ing its support of the Young Achievers Award, which was hosted by SMC Functions in March. This event gives Free masonry a good coverage in TV advertising throughout NSW. It is also an opportunity for brethren to nominate a young person who would qualify for one of these awards. ‘The STEP Program has ongoing sup port of Marlie Accommodation Services in Maitland which operates an accommoda tion facility within the recently leased “Old Currency Hotel” for the homeless and those individuals and families in need of urgent care and support throughout the Hunter Region. The STEP team is arrang ing transportation to Maitland for a number of urgently required items in the

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

... focus on new membership, to look for new strategies, new ideas and initiatives, no matter how radical ... form of commercial fridges, a dishwasher and microwaves, the fridges kindly donated by The Cedars Lodge No 1041 and the Petersham Masonic Centre. The Charity ClothesLine is also providing new clothing and toiletries as required. ‘Brethren, a reminder about the correct procedure to apply for a Masonicare interACTION Grant has recently been distrib uted throughout the Jurisdiction. Your Grand Charity has a responsibility to every member across NSW and the ACT to abide by the regulations laid down by the ATO and the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission), so it’s very important that every lodge is aware of, and adheres to, the correct procedure. ‘Some time ago I spoke with the Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence, RW Bro Juan Alvarez PDGM who has advised he will no longer be able to serve as Chairman and has decided to step down after 31 years in office. Juan has served this Committee with great distinction, and the attention to detail he provides to the Executive Council with his reports has been most valuable. ‘Another to step down is RW Bro Alex Shaw PJGW who is retiring as the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution after 35 years. Alex

has been a Freemason for 45 years and has dedicated so much of his life for Aged Care and Freemasonry.’ In its report, the Executive Council said the Chairman of the Board of Management has charged Board members to focus on new membership, to look for new strategies, new ideas and initiatives, no matter how radical they may at first sight appear. It also said the College of Masonic Studies will soon be offering an intensive Certificate Course as part of its review of operations. The Grand Lodge approved the appoint ment of the new DGIWs for 2016–2018 and the Grand Master announced the fol lowing appointments: RW Bro John Begbie as Senior Grand Warden, RW Bro Alan Owen Junior Grand Warden, VW Bro Dimantha Goonasekera Grand Director, VW Bro Luis Reyes Assistant Grand Director. Two elections were held with VW Bro Christopher Wong elected as Deputy Grand Treasurer and W Bro Jason Cutler as Grand Pursuivant.

Agenda for the September Communication The Quarterly Communication for Grand Lodge will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on Wednesday 14 September 2016 at 7.30 pm.

Included on the agenda will be: > Grand Master’s welcome > Minutes, Correspondence, Treasurer’s report > Reports from the Executive Council, Board of Management, Grand Charity, College of Masonic Studies > Conferral of Grand Rank > General Business > There will be a short break, followed by the Grand Proclamation

A GLORIOUS FUTURE FOR YOUR LODGE

By RW BRO RICHARD DAWES

Do one thing

extremely well

Some lodges are stagnating. We all know the signs. Average numbers are dropping and the younger men start to vote with their feet.

he incentive to attend is fading. It is habit that brings the ‘old and the bold’ to lodge – not the excitement of a top masonic occasion. Such a lodge was Lodge Virtue. The Past Masters and a few of the brethren on the ‘ladder’ met to make some hard deci sions. Should we hand in our charter or should we give it all one more try? The critical opinion that made every body pay attention was, ‘It is no use doing the same things that we have always done and expecting a different result.’ Virtue decided that they would do one thing, one thing really well, and see if mat ters improved. They reviewed all aspects of their lodge and realised that they could do a number of things that would be ‘masoni cally admirable’ but would show no real benefit for, perhaps, years. An improve ment in ritual was such an example. So they decided to focus on The South. They set an objective: In three months it would be obvi ous through the district that Lodge Virtue was the place to go for a brilliant South. They succeeded. They did not spend a huge amount of money. Every month was different. The theme of the catering was different each month. The agenda of the South kept changing. Every month they had a guest speaker, a good speaker – usu ally a non-mason. They invited other clubs such as Lions, Rotary and Probus to join the South. They used their imagination! If a lodge meeting was close to some nation’s National Day they borrowed flags and bunting and featured that nation but even more: they invited the Consul for that country and guess what? The local mayor and the local politicians and the newspa pers wanted to have a part of it. The lodge was making a name for itself. Attendance increased.

... most importantly, have fun! ‘What is Virtue doing next month?’ ‘What a ripper of a meeting.’ And then something almost magical happened; the brethren of Lodge Virtue realised that if they could do something excellent in the South they could excel at other aspects of the Craft. They applied the same focus to masonic instruction. The word spread and they started to get affiliates. Within 12 months the lodge was clearly viable. More focus. Ritual this time and by now the whole district could see what was happening and again numbers grew. After four years Lodge Virtue was arguably the best lodge in the district. A sense of achievement and rampant enthu siasm had won the day. Lodges are different and the formula may not work for your lodge. But the

basic truths behind the formula still have an intrinsic value. Dare to be different. Of course, don’t change the basic landmarks of our Order but dare to change other aspects of your lodge. Some ideas ... Why not dine before the lodge meet ing? Many brethren feel that to eat at 9.00pm is too late. Why not deliver the business portion of the meeting at the very end. It will get the visitors in promptly and the brethren will be wide awake for the ritual work. Many members do not really feel they are part of that organisation until they are actually performing some sort of task. Allocate some task to every new member of the lodge. It does not have to be serving and washing up; if your lodge does not have a newsletter get one of the new men to write one each month. The list is endless. But the key is that if a brother is involved he belongs rather than sits and watches others being involved. He becomes part of the team. Get a dispensation from GL and meet somewhere unusual. Celebrate Burns Night by all means but dare to celebrate a night in recognition of another famous mason. And most importantly, have fun! Try different and entertaining things such as a Table Lodge – such as a historical presenta tion showing what a lodge room was like 250 years ago. Reverse things in the South so that the WM and the Wardens serve the meal to the EAFs and their colleagues. Do things so that when the brethren go home they will say: ‘Gosh that was instructive and it was fun, I can’t wait to see what my lodge will do next month. I’ll be there with bells on.’ • Face shaving • Beard trimming • Men’s cut and colour

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HISTORY OF THE ROCKS

By RW BRO TED SIMMONS

The birth of

The Rocks When tourists and locals come to Sydney in January to visit and help celebrate Australia Day, they generally turn their attention to the usual icons of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Domain and The Rocks.

ut how many would be aware of the history of The Rocks? On the evening of 25 January 1788, the First Fleet under Captain Arthur Phillip sailed into Port Jackson and anchored in a quiet cove. Next morning, the longboats rowed ashore and Captain Phillip hoisted the English flag over the infant colony of New South Wales. The 11 ships which made up the First Fleet landed their cargo consisting of 757 convicts and their 13 children, 200 marines along with their 28 women and 14 children, four cattle, six horses, 44 sheep and sundry poultry and pigs. Working parties of convicts were landed on the rocky peninsula on the western side of the cove, referred to as The Rocks from that time on. They began clearing the ground to make way for a prefabricated timber and canvas hospital and the tents and bark shelters that were to become their homes. The Australian nation was born on that day and The Rocks was to be an integral part of it. Although the settlement at Sydney Cove had been established as a penal colony,

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Captain Phillip clearly saw he was laying the foundations of something that would be much bigger and greater. He announced rules calling for wide streets and adequate living areas to allow for the development of a spacious city.

Photo by Craig Makepeace

But The Rocks, with its high terrain and steep slopes made it particularly difficult for the construction of proper roads and drainage, and the area was soon to become a collection of insanitary hovels and taverns catering for seafarers from all part of the world. Sydney slowly developed into a major port for whaling, sealing and shipping generally, where sailors from all nations

came ashore after long stints at sea looking for a good time. The Rocks was where they found it. Taverns, brothels and gaming houses were built to offer fast and bawdy enter tainment in return for the sailors’ cash while thugs and others lurked in the dark narrow alleys. Rum was the uni versal drink but Stringy Bark, as beer was then called, was not in fashion. The Judge Advocate in 1810 listed 50 taverns licensed in Sydney with the majority in The Rocks. Their names were typical of the times – The Mermaid, The Sheer Hulk, The Three Jolly Sailors, The Labour in Vain and many more (map 1). Traffic in The Rocks went through narrow alleys and steps barely wide enough for two people to pass, but the arrival of Governor Macquarie in 1810 marked the beginning of a new era in the growth of Sydney town and the colony in general. Although Cadman’s Cottage – built in 1815–16 (map: 2) as a barrack for gov ernment boat crews – is the only building remaining from Macquarie’s day, his efforts to bring order to the area are still recorded in the names he gave to the streets.

HISTORY OF THE ROCKS

5 1

This page shows a photo of The Rocks as it appears today, overlaid with a 1901 map showing the street plan at the time the area was resumed into government ownership. Several important locations have been highlighted here as noted in the article. 1. Probable location of The Sheer Hulk Tavern – one of many such places that earned the area its poor reputation! 2. Cadman’s Cottage, built as a barracks for government boat crews. 3. Governor Macquarie renamed Sergeant Major’s Row to George Street in 1810. 4. The Argyle Cut, begun with convict labour in 1856. 5. Robert Campbell’s Wharf House. 6. Campbell’s Cove, where Robert Campbell’s tall ships came to unload their wares. 7. Probable location of David Scott Mitchell’s family home. Cumberland Street was one of the more fashion able streets, and several famous Australians once lived there. 8. Fort Phillip, begun in 1803, was never fully completed, and in 1858 it was converted into the Sydney Observatory. 9. The building of the Sydney Habour Bridge in 1923 and subsequent construction of the Cahill expressway divided The Rocks in two. 10. The site of Australia’s first general hospital.

HISTORY OF THE ROCKS

The Argyle Cut, 1870

For example, Sydney’s oldest street had been known as Sergeant Major’s Row and this he renamed as George Street (map: 3). Traffic between Millers Point and The Rocks was seriously hampered by the lack of streets running in an east-west direc tion and in 1843 convict labour began to hack out the Argyle Cut, finishing the work in 1859 (map: 4). An elegant landmark in the middle of this squalid setting was Wharf House (map: 5), the residence of Robert and Sophia Campbell which was built in 1802 on the corner of Hickson Road and George Street. Robert arrived at the end of the 18th century and established the first commercial wharf in Australia which is now called Campbell’s Cove. In the 1820s, respectable and fashion able citizens began to build large and expensive mansions on the heights above The Rocks. Among them was army sur geon David Scott Mitchell (map: 7) whose collection of books formed the basis of the library which now bears his name. Other important Rocks’ residents included Edmund Barton, the first Prime Minister of Australia, George Reid (Prime Minister), Henry Kendall (poet), Francis Greenway (the convict architect) and Young Griffo (boxer). The two most fashionable streets were Cumberland and Princes, where the houses

...this was the spot chosen by Captain Phillip to be the nation’s birthplace. were mainly of squared stone of two or three storeys with wide verandahs sup ported by columns. Some of the fine Georgian houses surrounding Argyle Place in the Millers Point neighbourhood still survive. In the 1870s and 1880s, the larrikins known as ‘the Pushes’ dominated the area. Gangs sporting names such as the Cabbage Tree Mob, the Orange or the Green fought for their own territory within The Rocks which gave them the right to rob anyone in the district after dark. The police could do very little to the mobs, but at the end of the century bubonic plague killed 113 people with the squalid slums and ware houses as the plague centre. Areas were cordoned off and fumigated, whole tracts of buildings were burnt or demolished, leaving few left in The Rocks. An area of 53 hectares embracing the

modern neighbourhood of The Rocks, Millers Point and Dawes Point was resumed into Government ownership to permit the wholesale demolitions. Following this, a limited redevelopment program com menced just before the First World War and continued into the 1920s. The building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge cut the area down the middle, sep arating The Rocks from Millers Point, and construction of the Cahill Expressway in the early 1960s again caused extensive demolition so that one third of the area was vacant land (map: 9). Advice was sought by the NSW Government on what to do and it accepted a proposal to revitalise the area and in 1968 established the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority which com menced work on 12 January 1970. The Authority recognised the history and significance of The Rocks – that for the first 110 years this neighbourhood of Sydney was a picture of Australian society and that the attitudes and independence of the inhabitants played a part in the moulding of the Australian character. It also generated a scheme allowing for the preservation of The Rocks as the site of Australia’s first prison, first hanging, first barracks, first store, first hospital and first baker. The plaque acknowledging the hospital is still on public view in George Street near Circular Quay (map: 10). Vacant land, derelict buildings and other eyesores such as parking lots showed little to remind Australians that this was the spot chosen by Captain Phillip to be the nation’s birthplace. Now, because of the work by the Authority, it is one of the three main attractions – along with the Bridge and the Opera House – for visitors from interstate and overseas to explore and see where Australia began. Campbell’s Cove

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND CHAPLAIN

By RW BRO RABBI DR SAMUEL TOV-LEV

Commonsense for self-improvement There are many interesting contradictions in life. Fire will burn yet it keeps us warm. The summer sun will tan our skin yet it will make our white clothes whiter!

umanity seeks a life of happiness but true happiness differs for every individual. For some, hap piness means the pursuit of worldly goods while others value respect, importance or domination. Yet again some wish to engage with all that is natural in life: taking all that life has to offer. The paths to happiness are legion but a study of these paths can help us to observe their relative success. The faster man pursues happiness the faster it recedes. The rich man deplores his lot and envies his richer neighbour. As King Solomon says, ‘He who loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver’. Those who seek power never limit their domination over others. The dictator experiences neither satisfaction nor happiness. He who chases the ‘good times’ but without a solid objective never reaches his target. For him all is emptiness. What positive approach can lead us to true happiness? The purpose and ideals of Freemasonry can show us how self-improvement can lead to true satisfaction and personal happiness.

1. Ritual. The attention of a lodge audi ence depends on the ability of the ritual presenter. If he knows his work and truly understands it, if he delivers his oration seriously and with heartfelt feel ing, the effect can be electric and the satisfaction and happiness of both audi ence and presenter are complete. The positive envy of the audience can instill in them a desire to emulate the presenter and through hard work and diligence, mutual happiness can ensue. 2. Charity. In Hebrew the concept of Charity (Tsedeka) is etymologically related to Justice (Tsedek). Does our response to the needs of others invoke feelings of grace and joy? Did we give with an open heart? Personal involve ment and sympathy is essential. ‘Did I not weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?’ (Job 30:25). Apart from giving, one should speak to the poor person words of consolation and sympathy because as it is said: ‘And I gladdened the heart of the widow’ (Job 29:13). We learn from here that not only the deed of giving is important but also personal involvement with the receiver.

The giving of charity will only benefit the giver if anonymity is observed. However, no brother can go far wrong if he follows and further polishes a good example of selfless charity. Thus constructive envy can bear good fruit and encourage society to practice harmony and affection and thus improve the lot of all mankind. ‘He who loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver’.

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SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

THE ORIGINS OF JAYWALKING

the streets belong to cars! Late last year a work colleague was furious about an $88 fine he got in Sydney for jaywalking. And he is not alone. Late in 2015, city police launched a crackdown on naughty pedestrians who insist on using our streets. It was called Operation Franklin.

then decided to find out more about jaywalking and why it has this name. The Oxford English Dictionary first mentions jaywalking in 1917. It is a com pound word derived from the word jay and walk. Jay in the beginning of the cen tury in North America was a very pejora tive term for a stupid, dumb and naïve country resident. The more modern term ‘red neck’ comes to mind. But it was more than that. If we had to translate to today’s English it would be a four letter word and certainly not allowed in this publication! The creation of the term coincides with the boom of the car industry and is a result of a massive lobby and propaganda cam paign by the promoters of automobiles. They successfully took up the cause of labelling and scorning jaywalkers in the 1910s and early 1920s. Later, a coun ter-campaign to create the term ‘jay drivers’ failed. Before jaywalking was manufactured and successfully ingrained in our culture, cities had a public space concept that we, modern, civilised and enlightened beings

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Think about this: a single bus or tram can carry dozens of pedestrians. simply cannot fathom: the streets belonged to the people. Yes, that’s right: people. Our streets were a public place open to every body and shared by people, trams, vintage bikes and even horses. And we also had a very effective public transport system with trams in most large cities of the world. But, then came these one ton machines and our streets had a new owner. Since then our cities have been rebuilt. All our infrastructure is done with mostly one thing in mind: cars. As a result we now have cities with large areas dedicated

A 1937 American anti-jaywalking poster.

to parking spaces and roads. But it didn’t have to be this way. In fact, cars could be described as one of the most ineffective modes of transport. Cars are very conven ient for longer trips such as intercity transport, but not for large cities prone to traffic nightmares regardless of how much money is used for motor vehicle infra structure. Think about this: a single bus or tram can carry dozens of pedestrians. If you put these people into cars, they will occupy an area much larger than the bus, creating a traffic deadlock. If half the money spent on our roads was dedicated to public transport, we wouldn’t need that many cars or roads and the space could be used for, well, us – people. But there is still hope. Some cities are taking the initiative and creating car free areas. This revolutionary concept of returning the city to the people is produc ing a greener, safer and more prosperous community. Local businesses in these areas are thriving, but most importantly their quality of life has increased. However, this article won’t help my work colleague and I would not be sur prised if the proceeds of his fine go towards building more roads for cars.

A MASONIC WORK OF ART

Lodges for

local art

Local Artist Max Streeter is the first recipient of the Emerging Artist program run in conjuction with the Freemasons on the Central Coast and the Arts Co-operative studio.

e offically presented the commis sioned art work at his exhibition held at the Co-operative art studio. The emerging artist program is designed to provide a local artist from the Central Coast with the skills and attrib utes required to run a gallery and studio while afforded an opportunity to be

mentored by established artists from var ying disciplines. The art work will be on display at the Sydney Masonic Centre until the Gosford Masonic Centre renova tions have been completed. L–R: VW Bro Graeme Ingall, Bro Scott Hinks, Max Streeter (artist) and W Bro Chris Matthews

Family Law

Artwork exhibition! Max Streeter’s Freemasonry-inspired piece is currently on display at the United Grand Lodge Museum until it can be moved to its permanent home at the Gosford Masonic Centre – drop by and have a look!

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

BRINGING MASONRY TO LIFE

By W BRO STEVE LOUREY

An opportunity for transformation

I am inspired by the Grand Master’s theme of Diversity, Unity and Mateship. Whilst Masonry’s numbers are declining, we don’t need to look for signposts – we are in uncharted territory. However, we have some spiritual signposts and roadmaps.

est of all, we have the high ideals of our masonic principles, in which we are reminded of our important duties to God, our neighbor, our family and ourselves. From such a display in our own behavior we hope to attract new members to our ancient and honourable institution. Whilst we don’t have a map to the future, we have the example of those who have gone before us to show the way. Our vision for the future as a fraternity will come by a renewal of masonic hearts and minds. The progress we need will

Calling all Liverpool brethren! We are looking to form a new lodge, to meet at the LIVERPOOL MASONIC CENTRE. The Committee is meeting on the FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH at 7pm. Liverpool is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state and its residents are showing an interest in Freemasonry. Past Masters, brethren and interested parties are all invited to contact us and express their interest.

FRANK INGERSOLE frank.ingersole6@bigpond.com 9607 7726 or PETER COURT peterc@masons.org.au 0435 839 298 12

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

come from a renewed spirit. The partici pation of our women and partners into the life of our lodges offers us a profound opportunity for change and transforma tion. This will only be possible if we look into our principles and apply them to the way we structure our work and family and strive to be better men in our private and public lives. We lead busy lives in the 21st century. Daily we are bombarded with text mes sages, phone calls, emails and a myriad of interruptions. Contemplation and reflec tion is hard. We struggle to find the time for lodge and family, yet this is perhaps most important if we are to move forward

Whilst we don’t have a map to the future, we have the example of those who have gone before us to show the way.

together. Freemasonry without reflection can easily become barren. Reflection of our masonic principles gives us an opportunity to question our identity. Who are we? To whom do we belong? Where are we going? This reflec tion gives us the opportunity to be inspir ing in our lives. Inspired people take action and it is our duty as men and masons to inspire to action. Inspiration

stems from the Latin spirare ‘breathe’, and is related to spirit, from the Latin spiritus, ‘breath’. If we want to focus on the quality and quantity of our members, we should focus on quality in everything we do as Freemasons within and without the lodge room. If we look cheap, we are going to send the message that we don’t value membership of our ancient and honoura ble institution. Clean, safe and comforta ble buildings, excellent ceremonies, memorable social activities and good charitable work within our communities are hallmarks. We were first prepared to be made a mason within our hearts, so the answer to our modern dilemma is already there inside. We as individual masons and indeed lodges need to find ways of inter preting and communicating this to our aspirants and new members. What make us unlike other organisations are our core beliefs and values. Tolerance, trust, integ rity, benevolence, diversity, unity and mateship, are central to improving our selves and improving humanity.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world.’ This rings true for Freemasonry; in our lodges, in our districts, in our regions, in our jurisdiction, in our homes, workplaces, and community, but underpinning this is the daily acquisition of masonic knowl edge and empowering ourselves, family and brethren with that knowledge. We can bring Gandhi’s words alive by giving our candidates an unforgettable masonic experience. I am heartened and encouraged when I enter a lodge and note that we as masons can sit side by side, with other good men of various faiths; and practice spreading the basic values of peace, love and har mony. We walk in the footsteps of the many brethren who have gone before us and left for us this grand legacy of peace and accord. Freemasonry is a verb, not a noun. We need to maintain our traditions as a sacred trust but also find new ways of bringing that to life and relevance in the 21st century. Practice is the basis of theory. We need both orthodoxy and orthopraxis. Let us go forward with enthusiasm and excitement to celebrate the diversity we have in our Craft.

How to:

use social media The use of social media has become nearly second nature to people, with the advances in technology giving them almost an instant public voice.

ut having a public voice and knowing how to use it can some times be difficult for people unsure of their facts or knowing what is legally liable. Two years ago, this magazine printed a Code of Conduct to be followed and believe it is worthwhile reprinting the following advice which is on the Grand Lodge website. By participating on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and others, we should strive to make that attention as positive as possible. When we repre sent ourselves as members of the frater nity, we become someone’s impression of Freemasonry. As such, it is important that we act accordingly and subscribe to the lessons we are all taught as masons in terms of how we communicate and interact with masons and non-masons. • A mason should conduct his social media activities in a way that reflects a positive image to the world of his membership in Freemasonry. • A mason’s postings are a permanent record and therefore must reflect to the world a positive opinion about himself and the organisation to which he belongs. • A mason’s actions on the various social media outlets must reflect the same high standards of morality and virtue as he would practice and experience within a masonic lodge, always remembering to moderate the ebulli tions of wrath. • A mason must advise another brother if he feels anything he has posted is improper within the framework of our Constitution, regulations and rules.

• A mason should never identify any other brother to be a member of the Craft unless he has provided his con sent, or has already identified himself as such. • Lodge notice papers should not be discussed publicly, especially if details of Lodge Officers or Candidates are included. • There should never be discussion related to the application, back ground or investigation of any applicant. • There should never be discussion regarding the ballot of an applicant. • There should never be discussion related to the business of a lodge and what is discussed within the lodge. • The posting of photographs or videos of lodge or other masonic events must comply with the Constitution, regulations, rules or other directives that are in existence at any time. Prior consent must always be obtained from the subjects in a photograph or video before it is taken and/or published. • No official communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate lodges may take place online. Contact must be conducted through the office of the Grand Secretary. SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

THE ROLL OF BREAD THROUGH HISTORY

By RW BRO RICHARD DAWES

Snobbery of

bread

Bread is a staple food prepared from a dough of flour and water, usually by baking. Throughout recorded history it has been popular around the world and is one of the oldest prepared foods, having been of importance since the dawn of agriculture.

artly because of its importance as a basic foodstuff, bread has a social and emotional significance beyond its importance in nutrition; it plays essen tial roles in religious rituals and secular culture. Its prominence in daily life is reflected in language, where it appears in proverbs, colloquial expressions (‘he stole the bread from my mouth’), in prayer (‘give us this day our daily bread’) and even in the etymology of words, such as ‘companion’ and ‘company’ (from Latin com, ‘with’ plus panis, ‘bread’). Many of today’s foodies declare white bread to be anathema! If it is not artisanal bread, wholegrain and still warm from the oven, well, feed it to the horses – or the pigs even. Can we blame this attitude on an effete, latte-sipping, decadent society? Of course we can: but let’s see what history can teach us. If we wind back the clock 600–800 years we can see that bread and social class were marching in step.

The first ready-sliced bread was produced on 7 July 1928 in Chillicothe, Missouri! 14

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If you were a peasant your bread was probably ‘horse bread’. It was made from the sweepings of the medieval bakery floor... If you were a peasant your bread was probably ‘horse bread’. It was made from the sweepings of the medieval bakery floor and probably had whatever was available at the time. It was baked to be approximately six inches by four inches and an inch thick. It probably had the texture of a Bunnings door mat! This ‘loaf ’ was called a trencher and was used as a plate for the cooked meal. The word ‘trencher’ is still used. After you had finished your meal, the cooking juices would have

Mischbrot, a German rye and brown bread.

soaked into the trencher and it could be eaten if you were especially hungry. These days we could have thrown it to the cowans. Next up the social scale was ‘maslin’ which was made from a mix of rye and wheat. Perhaps it was suitable for Master Masons to complement their corn, wine and oil. ‘Cocket’ was the cheapest white wheat bread and these days it would have been suitable for Deacons and Wardens. The second best white wheat bread was ‘wastel’ and, Worshipful Master, we hope that you enjoy it! At the top of the pecking order was ‘pain demain’ (note the French!) and it was the finest white bread. These days it would have graced the tables of Grand Lodge and been surreptitiously eaten by all Stewards and caterers! Back to the modern era and major changes were foisted on the bread-eating public. In 1961 the Chorleywood Bread Process was introduced. It enables bakers to bake bread at a far faster rate by speed ing up the kneading process. It also allows the use of inferior grain but at the expense of taste and nutritional value. The mass marketing of domestic breadmaking appliances came in 1986. Householders could now bake their own bread far more easily and the use of bread bases containing chemical additives ena bles them to make reasonable imitations of traditional, artisanal breads. So everything old is new again. The burgeoning interest in ‘new artisanal’ breadmaking is generating a surge of interest in the bread types of yesteryear. Anybody for a slice of cocket?

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FROM THE DESK OF THE GRAND SECRETARY

By RW BRO STEPHEN GREEN

Messages from the

Grand Secretary The Queensland Grand Installation

Queensland Installation The Grand Installation of UGL Queensland was a fun event! Right from the start, humour was the predominant aspect of fellowship experienced by the 33 NSW & ACT brethren and 15 friends and family members who headed to Brisbane. Even the welcome to our Grand Master from MW Bro G Bacon had the normally austere Queensland GDC & GSB unable to contain their composure! Our Grand Master was extremely honoured and pleased to lead the largest delegation of brethren. One Grand Installation remains for this year, as we head to Wellington, in New Zealand, 18–20 November 2016. Registration forms are available online or from the Grand Secretariat.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls New South Wales is reactivating Assemblies in metropolitan Sydney. NSW Rainbow will be reopening Assemblies or constitut ing new Assemblies depending upon where the demand, interest and the girls reside. The first Assembly to be reactivated will be Cumberland Assembly No 2. They are delighted to be initiating six girls on Saturday 13 August. The girls have been meeting at the Blacktown Masonic Centre, First Avenue, Blacktown since 2 June. Another area where promotional craft sessions have been conducted is in Mortdale. This group is still in its infancy. The third focus area for 2016 will be the 16

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Campbelltown area. However, NSW Rainbow will accept interest from any area, metropolitan, outer metropolitan, or rural/country areas, and their team will respond to those requests. If you could recommend a hall where they could meet, please make contact with the Order. Rainbow for Girls is for 11–20 year olds. The Pledge group is for 5 year olds (provided they are at school) – 10/11 year olds. The girls/young ladies meet twice per month. They have a formal meeting one fortnight and a combined craft busi ness meeting the next fortnight. The girls/ young ladies should enjoy: • having fun • meeting new friends • building self esteem • organisational skills • craft and social activities • fundraising for Childrens Charities whilst working in the community At this time the Order does not have a NSW website, however, the Supreme Assembly website is www.gorainbow.org and we recommend that site to you, in the interim. If you would like more informa tion please contact Cheryl Brown on 0408 030 033 or by email: cherylbrowniorg@ gmail.com

Cantamus Choir On Wednesday 27 July 2016, the Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville, hosted a luncheon for the renowned Cantamus Choir welcoming them to Australia, and Sydney, at the commencement of their

The Cantamus Choir

Australian tour. The choir of girls is based in Nottinghamshire and sponsored by the Provincial Grand Lodge there. Arrange ments being made through correspondence with the United Grand Lodge of England and our Grand Lodge, the Choir was fare welled on their tour by the Provincial GM of Nottinghamshire and then welcomed by MW Bro Melville on their arrival on our shores. This is international masonic sup port and friendship in action! Following lunch and a brief tour of the Museum of Freemasonry, the Choir assem bled in the Grand Lodge room where they gave an impromptu performance of three songs. After such a long flight, prior, their combined voices were still angelic and much appreciated by the Grand Master and the others in attendance.

Lodge of Transition I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Board of Management, the appointment of RW Bro David Herring, PJGW, as Secretary of the Lodge of Transition (LoT). David is well skilled as secretary of his own lodge, and has already made contact with mem bers in LoT. Brethren should be reminded that the Lodge of Transition is available to brethren who for various reasons are displaced from a regular lodge. Whilst a member of LoT, Brother Herring will be able to assist in the repatriation process of a member back into a warranted lodge.

Training and Seminars The Board of Management has created a new portfolio entitled Training and Seminars in recognition of the need to pro vide educational material for our brethren, many of whom are saying that they are not being told enough about why we do what we do. A series of brief PowerPoint pres entations has been developed by VW Bro Ross Partridge which provide an excellent start to fill this void. Many lodges have also prepared material for similar presentations which we are eager to view and add to the

A LONG LIFE OF MASONRY

body of material to be made available for all in the jurisdiction. This material is aimed at the Practical Mason, the man with a busy job, a man on the move, to get his attention, involvement and enjoyment. All presentations need to be interactive, get the ideas and conversa tions going, and promote discussion and to satisfy the hunger for information. (This is a series of sound and visual information bites in a different arena to the academic studies of the College of Masonic Edu cation.) Each session is not long and could be done just prior to a lodge meeting or after formal business has been dealt with. We are developing a Duty Statement for Lodge Education Officers (LEOs) which will not be onerous, or require a training role, but will allow them to choose subjects from the material available to suit lodge preferences and time slots available and arrange for presentation by a brother who has skills in fronting an audience, can press buttons in a PowerPoint presentation and facilitate discussion without necessar ily being an expert. Those who wish to pursue a subject further can be directed to the appropriate sources. There are courses available for Masters and Wardens, for progressive offices, lead ership, mentoring etc. We want to bring these out of the desk and onto the table so we can all benefit. We want lodges to make this education program part of their agenda; many lodges have innovative and exciting programs going and we want to hear about these so we can share the ideas.

Ritual The Grand Master has determined the fol lowing clarification to Decision 15.12 of the Codification of Decisions of the Ritual Committee will be changed to read: ‘Master Masons may carry out a number of Charges, with the exception of Obligations, S&S, NEC, SEC, TH, Retro spect, Raising and all Addresses given at Installation Ceremonies. Any permissible Charges normally delivered, by a Past Master, from the Dais should, therefore, be delivered from an appropriate position on the Lodge Room floor. ‘The Master of the Lodge should satisfy himself of the competency of the MM des ignated to deliver a Charge.’ Please contact the Secretariat for further information on the above items.

A top bloke

Brother Alfred Benjamin Powell of Lodge Calala Tamworth No 652 has two remarkable claims to fame.

t almost 108 years of age and a mason for 88 years, he is Tamworth’s oldest man and is now also the oldest man in Australia. He has been the oldest man in Tamworth for a few years but following the passing of Central Coast resident Alfred Date at 110 in May, the great great grandfather has assumed the title of the oldest man in Australia. However, he is not the oldest person in this country but is ranked 11th behind ten women. Alf is not overawed by the milestone and said if he knew the secret to longev ity he would have bottled it and become a millionaire. Alf was born on 16 September 1908 in Brisbane, the eldest son of Joseph and Jessie Powell and the family, including younger brother George spent time in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart before settling in Summer Hill in Sydney. Masonry has always been an impor tant part of his life and he was initiated at the age of 20 on 5 December 1928. In November 2008 at the age of 100, he received a special award for 80 years membership, something he remains proud of to this day. His first job was with a company which made printer’s ink and he earned one pound a week. He then moved to Gordon and Gotch where he stayed for more than 30 years frequently working as a country traveller departing Sydney on the Sunday night train and returning on the Friday night train each week. Alf married Gwenyth Hughes in 1936 and they had two children, John and Judith. Alf served in the army for three years during which time he lost his

brother, his father a few years later and his son John in a car accident. He retired from business life in 1971. During all these years there was always a close association with the Summer Hill Methodist church where, like his father before him, Alf was Choir Master, as well as holding several other positions of leadership. Music has always been one of his pas sions, ranging from Mendelssohn to Hoagy Carmichael and Beethoven to Acker Bilk and Glenn Miller, and music can be heard coming from his room. These days his health is rather fragile but Alf will tell you that his Christian faith, his belief that life always holds something new and interesting, like buying a new car at 99, and that the glass is always half full, never half empty, have contributed to a life well lived. Today, he has his daughter Judith, four grandchildren, 12 great grandchil dren and two great, great grandchildren. Someone once said ‘the measure of life is not by its duration, but only by its donation’. Many people will say that the influence of Alf Powell on their life – that has been a donation.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

FAMOUS MASON

WC Fields famously funny! Mahatma Kane Jeeves, Otis Criblecoblis and Larsen E Pettifogger had but one thing in common… they were all WC Fields!

anuary 29, 1880 – December 25, 1946. Vaudevillian, juggler, writer and star of stage, radio, silent film and talkies, William Claude Dukenfield created a lasting American comic persona: a mis anthrope on the edge of buffoonery, an

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

egotist blind to his own failings, a charm ing drunk; and a man who hated children, dogs, and women. Although the impression that this per sona was a reflection of his real life was maintained by movie-studio publicity departments and further established by Robert Lewis Taylor’s 1949 biography, W. C. Fields, His Follies and Fortunes, the publication of Fields’ letters, photos, and personal notes in grandson Ronald Fields’ book W.C. Fields By Himself, has shown a far more caring person. Fields was a member of E.C. Mitchell Lodge No 605, PA. Usually portrayed as a rather pessimis tic, aggressive and suspicious-natured man with a great fondness for alcohol this character was at the same time dogged by his wife yet rarely man aged to speak up against her. He is remembered for his hatred of chil dren, but did in fact frequently pos sess great fatherly affection for his daughter. His grandson, Ronald J. Fields edited a biography titled W.C. Fields by Himself. The book dispelled many long standing stories about Fields, including those of him living for years on the street. Young Fields did indeed run away from home after fights with his father, but usually no

further than to his grandmother, and he would return home the next day. He stayed with his grandmother just before begin ning his professional career as a juggler. While stories of Fields’ alcohol con sumption (and the consequences thereof) were a regular part of his act, and he was rarely seen without a drink at hand, nobody could recall ever actually seeing him drunk, or out of control.

Wit and wisdom! These days WC Fields is remembered through his quotes. Among them: ‘Twas a woman drove me to drink. I never had the courtesy to thank her. I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast. [when asked why he never drank water] I’m afraid it will become habit-forming. [when asked whether he liked children] Ah, yes... boiled or fried. What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch? Ah, the patter of little feet. There’s nothing like having a midget for a butler. Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake.

A DUTCH INSTALLATION

says hello According to friends, the biggest laugh he ever got as a stage performer was when a monologue he was giving on-stage was interrupted by a long, loud crash of objects backstage. After the crashing stopped, and the audience was silent, he gave a one-word comment in a stage whisper: ‘Mice!’ Source: Philatelic Freemason, May–June 2001 Horse sense is what a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. What fiend put pineapple juice in my pineapple juice? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then give up. No use being a damned fool about it. Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water. Children should neither be seen nor heard from... ever again. I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally. Marriage is better than leprosy, because it’s easier to get rid of. Hollywood is the gold cap on a tooth that should have been pulled out years ago. The cost of living has gone up another dollar a quart. A man who loves whiskey and hates kids can’t be all that bad. I once spent a year in Philadelphia. I think it was a Sunday. If there’s a will, prosperity can’t be far behind.

Australian Masonry joined an exclusive group of members who attended the recent Installation of the Grand Master of the Grand East of the Netherlands, MW Bro Gerritt van Eyck.

W Bro Dr Donald Dezentje PAGM representing the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, extended greetings to the newly-installed Grand Master and pre sented him with a gift of cufflinks. The welcome was held at the newly purchased centre for the Grand East which consisted of an 18th century house that included administration offices, lodge room and a museum displaying a golden gavel and a drinking glass valued at $40,000. ‘The food was elaborate – champagne, nibblies and as a speciality, new herring brought in by one of the first herring fleets. The herring you might say is really still raw, but classed as a delicacy. In fact the tradition is who can get back to the Netherlands first so that the fish can be presented to the King of the Netherlands,’ said RW Bro Dezentje. ‘There were three candidates for the election of Grand Master.

Distinguished guests were introduced with Grand Masters or their representatives from Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Albania, Belgium, Romania, France and many other coun tries along with regions such as Washington, Queensland and NSW/ACT. ‘The new Grand Master and his officers were invested and the Grand Master was presented with his golden gavel made of solid gold and valued at $120,000. The cer emony was enhanced by various items of music as music is a very important and integral part of most ceremonies in Europe.’ A letter has since been received from MW Bro van Eyck stating it was a great honour to have NSW/ACT represented at the Grand Installation and conveying his brotherly and fra ternal greetings to the brethren in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

ASSOCIATED ORDERS

AASR

welcomes leaders Eleven new leaders for the different States were admitted at the annual June meeting of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Australia.

he Supreme Council is celebrating 30 years since its formation in 1985 and one of its main events was to confer the 33rd degree on new District Commanders to replace the eleven current District Commanders who had completed their five year term of office. Six of the new officers, Ken Broomfield, Glen Chesher, Peter Goodridge, Theo Lianos, Ian McQuillan and Neil Macartney are from NSW and the ACT. A big attendance was at the meeting where the Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Powerful Bro Ian Tilbury 33°, welcomed two special visitors, Most Illustrious Bro Michel Gavanier 33°, from the Supreme Council for Mauritius, and Very Illustrious Bro Ian Hogan 33°, the Deputy for the Province of NSW, representing the Scottish Chapters in Australia under the Supreme Council for Scotland.

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More than 80 members also attended the Installation meeting of the Prince Charles Edward Stuart Council No 45 in the Sydney Masonic Centre where V Ill Bro Brian Cooper 33°, was installed as Grand Commander.

... visitors also took advantage of an organised tour of the Sydney Masonic Centre and were impressed ...

The Supreme Council annual Gala Dinner was held in Cellos Restaurant in the Sydney Masonic Club on the Friday night, to bring the week to a conclusion. The 115 members and their partners were entertained by 19-year-old Tony Sergi, a singer with a Sinatra-like voice, who per formed songs appropriate for the age of those attending. Another highlight of the week was the Sydney Vivid festival, which, because of its extended showing period, allowed both interstate visitors and locals the opportunity to view the magnificent light displays. After very positive feedback from those who visited the Petersham Royal Arch Egyptian Room and heard the talk on the Frieze presented by John Anderson PDGZ two years ago, a return visit was organised during the week, with 33 interstate visitors and partners enjoying the Frieze talk, again given by John Anderson. Many interstate visitors also took advantage of an organised tour of the Sydney Masonic Centre and were impressed with the displays on level three and the guided tour, led by RW Bro Chris Craven. During the week the ladies were not forgotten; their program included a Ladies’ High Tea Luncheon, a Ladies Dinner, Meet and Greet welcome drinks at the NSW Masonic Club and two arranged tours. There were no changes to the Supreme Council membership team, but next year will see the Sovereign Grand Commander complete his three year term and retire. Some changes in officers of Supreme Council will then be required. The Sovereign Grand Commander said the Supreme Council week was well planned and organised and praised the efforts of M Ill Bro Dominic De Candia 33°, the Grand Secretary General, Kate Schober the office administration manager, and the dedicated members who support the functions of the Grand East.

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TARONGA ZOO

By RW BRO TED SIMMONS

Roar and snore

Once upon a time, a zoo was a small collection of animals held in cages where visitors could stare and let their imagination take them to faraway places. But not today.

ydney has been rewarded with fore sight, progress and care which has turned Taronga Park Zoo in to one of the city’s major attractions and rated among the world leaders by its example. Taronga Zoo was officially opened on 7 October 1916 and next month celebrates its 100th anniversary. It is managed by the Zoological Parks Board of New South

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Wales along with its sister zoo, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Taronga is an Aboriginal word mean ing ‘beautiful view’ and visitors to the Zoo can gaze at the magnificent Sydney Harbour and skyline from its position on the north side. Divided into eight zoogeographic regions, the 21-hectare (52-acre) Taronga

Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals of 340 species. It has a zoo shop, a cafe, and an information centre. The Royal Zoological Society of NSW opened the first public zoo in New South Wales in 1884 at Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, on a site now occupied by Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Girls High School.

TARONGA ZOO

Inspired by a 1908 visit to the Hamburg Zoo, the secretary of the zoo, Albert Sherbourne Le Souef, envisioned a new zoo based on the bar-less concept. After realising that the Moore Park site was too small, the NSW Government granted 17 hectares (43 acres) of land north of Sydney Harbour and a further 3.6 hec tares (9 acres) were later granted in 1916. Albert Sherbourne Le Souef was born on 30 January 1877 at Royal Park, Melbourne. He was educated at Carlton College and the Melbourne Veterinary College and in 1897 became secretary of the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society. He was appointed assistant direc tor of the Melbourne Zoo and in April 1903 secretary of the Zoological Society in Sydney. The cramped gardens at Moore Park, dirty and noisy, were clearly inadequate and in 1907 Sherbourne and Dr Robert Todd were sent to Europe to study latest developments. Determined to develop Sydney Zoo on completely modern lines, Sherbourne opposed the government’s purchase of Wentworth Park and battled tenaciously for a more suitable site. Mosman council, disliking the society’s proposal to move the zoo to the Mosman side of the harbour, was finally persuaded when it was agreed to face the enclosure south and have high concrete walls on the suburban side ‘to effectively muffle the lions’ roar’. As first director, Sherbourne supervised the planning and development of the grounds of the Taronga Park Zoo, where all walls and fences were camou flaged. Building was not sufficiently advanced to transfer the animals from Moore Park until 1916.

The ‘Rustic Bridge’ was opened in 1915 and was one of Taronga Zoo’s earliest landscape features. It was the main way in which visitors could cross the natural gully that it spans. Early photographs show it as a romantic pathway secluded by plantings. The rustic effect was created by embedding stones in the wall and like the aquarium, its design was reminiscent of Italian grottoes. A critical review in 1967 led to a new emphasis on scientific conservation, edu cation and preservation. New exhibits were built starting with the Platypus and Nocturnal houses, waterfowl ponds and a walkthrough Rainforest Aviary. A Veterinary Quarantine Centre was built as was an Education Centre (funded by the Department of Education). Previous attractions such as elephant rides, minia ture trains, monkey circus and merry-goround gave way to educational facilities such as Friendship Farm and Seal Theatre.

Work has begun on the first project in Taronga Zoo’s $150 million Centenary Master Plan to revitalise the Zoo over the next 10 years.

A seal keeper at Hamburg Zoo, 1929 – the zoo which inspired the design of Taronga Zoo.

In the mid-1980s, a gondola lift was installed that allows visitors to view the zoo and Sydney Harbour. It runs from the bottom of the park close to the ferry wharf, and transports passengers to the top end of the zoo. In 2000, TCSA commenced a 12-year $250 million master plan, the majority to be spent at Taronga Zoo. The first major master plan item was the Backyard to Bush precinct. Under the plan, the zoo received five Asian elephants from the Thailand Zoological Park Organisation for breeding purposes, education, longterm research and involvement of conser vation programs. The plan met opposition from environmental activists in Thailand, who blockaded the trucks hauling the elephants to Bangkok International Air port for their flight on 5 June 2006. The elephants along with other Asian rainfor est specimens are housed in the ‘Wild Asia’ precinct which opened in 2006 and aims to immerse visitors in an Asian rain forest environment.

Taronga Zoo’s Chimpanzee community is internationally recognised as one of the most natural in terms of social cohesion, behaviour and breeding.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

TARONGA ZOO

Elephant rides were once a feature at Taronga Zoo, where favourites like Jessie and Jumbo carried up to 10 people at a time.

A marine section, Great Southern Oceans, opened in April 2008. Recently, the redevelopment and restoration of the historic entrance opened, further adding to the master plan. Work also began on the chimpanzee exhibit to split it into two sections, making it easier for introducing new individuals. The Zoo was always prepared to con sider new developments and the ‘Roar and Snore’ overnight stay scheme met with instant approval as visitors took the opportunity to get close to some of the Zoo’s friendliest creatures. After settling into a purpose-built tent, enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner before a walk through the Zoo on a one-and-a-half hour night safari – an opportunity to

experience the Zoo with only an intimate group of fellow Roar and Snore guests. As a Roar and Snore camper, you will rise to the warbles, rumbles, squeaks, growls and roars of the animals greeting the day. Your wildlife adventure continues Tasmanian Devils

with a continental breakfast before you are treated to two exclusive, behind-thescenes experiences. You are also welcome to spend the next day exploring the Zoo during daylight hours. Each tent is connected to electricity and equipped with a double bed and a single pop-up trundle bed. These beds are fully dressed with sheets, pillows and doonas, with additional blankets provided during colder weather. An on-site amenity block houses bath rooms with showers and additional toilets and there are disabled access facilities. The Roar and Snore program is designed to operate in all weather condi tions, including when it is raining. All tents are weather-proof and many of the animals have undercover viewing areas. Animals you will get to meet can vary from night to night. The evening animal encounters focus on some of the more amazing native Australian reptiles while the cute and furry animals are saved for the morning. On the night walk, we head for the animals that are most impressive to see at night such as the animals from the African waterhole. The behind the scenes tours also vary from morning to morning but all the tours are amazing experiences that a visi tor would never have the opportunity to do on a regular visit to the Zoo. Work has begun on the first project in Taronga Zoo’s $150 million Centenary

Feathertail Glider 24

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

HAVE YOUR SAY

Master Plan to revitalise the Zoo over the next 10 years. The program includes Taronga-funded and government co-funded projects to transform visitor experiences and create vital animal habitats over the next 10 years. The first projects will create important new exhibits for Sumatran tigers and Australian wildlife, breeding facilities to support conservation programs and opportunities for visitors to engage with wildlife. ‘This new exhibit, which will open in mid-2017, is the natural expansion of our efforts to help save the Sumatran tiger, providing a home for up to eight tigers and their cubs. It will significantly increase the tigers’ living areas and include a pur pose-built maternity den,’ said Taronga’s Director of Visitor Experience, Paul Maguire. Taronga’s tiger family, including mother Jumilah and her offspring Kembali, Sakti and Kartika, have moved temporarily to Taronga Western Plains Zoo during the construction. Taronga has also unveiled plans for the revitalisation of the Australian Habitat, which will be delivered in two phases to be completed in 2018 and 2021. ‘We are excited about the future and we are confident that together we can succeed in securing a future for wildlife and people,’ said Zoo Chief Executive Cameron Kerr.

Have your say Kincumber says thanks

Final Debts

We at Kincumber Men’s Shed would like to express our appreciation of the very generous donation of a scroll saw to our workshop by Lodge Morning Star. The scroll saw will be an invaluable addition and will be used by members and disabled visitors to the Shed as part of our community involvement. Kincumber Men’s Shed was formed in 2007 and most of the founding members are still active. As a member of the Central Coast cluster, KMS is still committed to providing for men’s mental health and well being by providing a focal point for meeting and engaging with like-minded individuals involved in personal and community projects in arts and crafts. KMS provides a social cohesion in retirement and provides a sense of worth and mateship in what can be a challenging period in life.

Consider for a moment the final debts we owe to our brethren. First, if it is the brother’s wish, participate reverently in his masonic memorial service. Just being there matters. This is the final farewell to our brother and must be viewed as a must do event. I am assuming that we have supported him and his family if a period of illness has preceded his parting, because that is what masons do. Next, one of those final debts we owe to our departed brother is to support his family. We do this as a lodge as well as individually. Keeping in contact with the widow, especially if she relocates requires constant vigilance. The Lodge Secretary can check their address and keep it updated. Individual efforts to stay in contact are just as vital. Let’s all remember that the departed brother expected us to be responsive to our obligation. I know when I go to that lodge not made with hands, I will be trusting my brothers to take these responsibilities to heart.

Robert Jones, Treasurer Kincumber Men’s Shed

Frank Struble Wisconsin,USA

Books in

braille

T An encounter with a koala on the Nura Diya Aboriginal Wildlife Experience tour.

hree folders, each containing a Masonic Degree in braille, have been found in the Grand Lodge Library. At some stage, the books had been commissioned by someone with blind brethren in mind but they were only dis covered recently during a routine check. These books are available to be bor rowed by any brother with sight problems. If any lodge has a member with such a problem and who would like to study or learn the ceremonies from them, please contact the Grand Lodge Librarian.

Magnified detail of one of the braille pages.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

BOOK REVIEWS

By W BRO STEVE DALLY

The Atlas of Secret Societies Exploring secret societies all over the world with David Barrett

ecret Societies have existed since man first moved from living in caves to a more civilised society. From childhood when children formed funny little clubs with secret passwords to adult gangs and clubs who restricted member ship to chosen members, the world has known secret societies. David V. Barrett’s The Atlas of Secret Societies is a fascinating manuscript, beau tifully illustrated and enlightening the reader of the history of some well known secret societies and some not so well known. Barrett covers the Freemasons

THE ATLAS OF SECRET SOCIETIES Author: David V. Barrett Published: Godsfield Press, a Division of Octopus Books USA ISBN: 978-I-84181-335-6 Copies available from: The book is available from selected retailers. Copies are also available to borrow from the Museum of Freemasonry Library.

(although we can hardly be called a secret society), The Templars, the truth about The Illumati, The Rosicrucians and other

influential societies, plus some lesser known societies like the Thuggees, Triads and Ninja. The Atlas of Secret Societies is really a fascinating book that is hard to put down once opened. It is a fine example of the many books and treaties held in the Museum of Freemasonry Library.

Can you help solve a

masonic mystery? Information is being sought to give some background to this card and its possible author, David Leithheads.

avid enlisted in the RAAF in 1941, serving in New Guinea as an aerial photographer. He was appointed CO of the Aerial Photo School in 1943 and later became a member of the ‘War History Unit’. He was a schoolteacher prior to and after the Second World War and was also reported to have joined Freemasonry. It is hoped some brother may be able to throw some light on the significance of the card. If you can help, please contact the editor of Freemason!

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Can you help shed some light on this mystery card?

MASONIC MEMORIES

By BRO SCOTT HINKS

A mason

remembers At many lodges there are older members who do not attend for various reasons. These brethren are often just a name on an honour board or appear on a lodge notice paper as an apology or to receive birthday wishes.

recently had the pleasure of meeting the 50th Worshipful Master in the 50th year of Lodge Morning Star and presenting a 60 year service certificate to W Bro Eric William Burgess. From the time W Bro Burgess greeted RW Bro David Leabeater PAGM and myself and gingerly took his seat, my understanding of Masonry and its significance to a man’s life began to change. It has been ten years since W Bro Burgess has been able to attend his lodge. On his table beside his favourite chair was a masonic Bible from 1972 – in all respects in the same condition as the day of its presentation. Eric must have caught me looking as he happily handed it to me and opened it. ‘I always have it handy as well as my ritual books but I guess the ritual books are out of date now. Still I reckon the meaning and principles are still the same,’ he laughed. The conversation flowed as Eric spoke of his time in the Australian Imperial Forces and his active service in New Guinea as an Infantry Medic on the front line with 2/5 Battalion. His life,

family, career and time in the Craft was astonishing. In a world that has a catch phrase of being ‘time poor’, my brother had been quite busy during his 93 years. ‘At times it gets lonely being here by myself,’ Eric whispered. ‘I really miss the brotherhood, the lodge and the laughter. I always enjoyed my time in the Craft; just being part of something special, being around the fellas that all stood and believed in the same principles! ‘I have my ritual books that I read and after 60 years I still really enjoy them. So I don’t stay lonely for too long remember ing the good times in the lodge.’

W Bro Eric William Burgess

That night all that came to mind was the perfect ashlar: ‘It morally represents the mind of man in the decline of years after a life well spent in the acts of moral ity and virtue’. Congratulations to the 50th Worshipful Master of Lodge Morning Star 410, W Bro Eric William Burgess on your 60th year in Freemasonry.

I always enjoyed my time in the Craft; just being part of something special...

Masonic studies invitation! The College of Masonic Studies invites all Master Masons to attend a one day course on 24 September to obtain a Certificate in Masonic Studies. Master Masons who satisfactorily complete the assessment program on the day will qualify for their Certificate in Masonic Studies. However, all Master Masons may attend even if they do not wish to be assessed.

Where: The Egyptian Room at the Petersham Masonic Centre. When: Saturday 24 September, 8.45am to 5.30pm. Cost: $25 per person, to be collected on the day. Includes materials, morning tea, light lunch and afternoon tea. Dress: Neat casual – no regalia. RSVP: 14 September (include your lodge details) to: college@masons.org.au or RW Bro Andrew Brown: 0413 440 703.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

FROMELLES AND POZIÈRES

By YVONNE McINTYRE PhD

“Don’t forget me, cobber.” On 20 July 2016, the Honorable Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War Museum, gave an inspiring address to the National Press Club of Australia to commemorate those who gave their lives at Fromelles and Pozières in what has been described as Australia’s greatest military disasters. This is his abridged address.

very nation has its story. This is our story. This most tragic and heroic chapter unfolded 100 years ago this month at Fromelles and the small French village of Pozières. As two weary AIF Divisions with drew from Gallipoli to Egypt, leaving 8,700 dead, recruitment was surging in Australia with the AIF expanding to four Divisions, unaware the worst was yet to come.

Fromelles Australian and New Zealand troops of II ANZAC Corps arrived from Egypt in June 1916. Just two weeks in the ‘nursery’ sector, they were committed to a British attack against heavily forti fied German positions near the village of Fromelles. The ‘plan’ was to stop German reserves moving into the main Somme battlefield. It was a disaster. 28

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

The front of the attack was 4 kilo metres. They would advance across 80 to 400 metres of open ground in broad daylight under direct observation from waiting Germans whose defences included 700 concrete blockhouses and a strong redoubt, known as ‘Sugarloaf ’, overlooking most of the allied advance. Major Geoffrey Gordon McCrae of Hawthorn, Victoria, wrote his last letter home before leading the 60th battalion: ‘Today I lead my battalion in an assault on the German lines and I pray God that I may come through alright and bring honour to our name. If not I will at least have laid down my life for you and my country, which is the great est privilege one can ask for. Farewell dear people, the hour approacheth.’ McCrae’s 60th Battalion was annihi lated crossing open ground in full view of German machine-gunners. Geoffrey McCrae was killed leading

his men. He was 26 years old. Of the 886 officers and men of the 60th battalion who went into the attack with him, only one officer and 106 men answered the Roll Call after the attack. In less than 24 hours, Australia suf fered 5,533 casualties – 1,917 dead; 3,146 wounded; 470 taken prisoner – our nation’s worst day ever. Australia’s first official World War 1 correspondent, Charles Bean, described Fromelles as ‘One of the bravest and most hopeless assaults ever undertaken by the AIF.’ On this site today at ‘VC Corner’ is the only Australian cemetery without headstones and epitaphs. A stone wall sits in the middle of the former no man’s land inscribed with the names of 1,299 Australians with no known grave. Two mass graves nearby contain the remains of 410 unidentified Australians, casual ties of muddled planning and reckless decision making.

FROMELLES AND POZIÈRES

Infantrymen of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Australian Division, march back to their billets after a spell of duty in the front line trenches. Watching them pass are soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, who would shortly head for their second tour of duty at Pozieres. The first Australian battalions Pozières. moved into the front line of the Western Front on 7 April 1916.

Pozières Just after midnight on 23 July 1916, the Australian 1st Division attacked the village of Pozières. British and Australian artillery had pounded the German defences for days before the attack. In capturing Pozières, the Australians occupied a position that dominated the ridgeline helping neighbouring British units to take the high ground towards Thiepval. However, the capture of Pozières cruelly exposed the ANZAC troops by pushing a significant bulge into German territory. German command ers turned the guns of an entire army corps onto the Australians along with an intense three sided artillery bom bardment, rendering Pozières into dust. When the 1st Division was relieved after three days fighting, it had suffered 5,285 casualties. When finally relieved by the Canadians on 3 September, more

Australians had been lost in eight weeks of fighting in France than eight months on Gallipoli. Today the site of the windmill the Germans had concreted into their strong point is inscribed with Bean’s words: The ruin of the Pozières Windmill which lies here was the centre of the struggle on this part of the Somme battlefield in July and August 1916. It was captured on August 4 by Australian troops who fell more thickly on this ridge than on any other battlefield of the war. Having conceived and resolved to build the finest Memorial to these men of the AIF and nurses, he wrote: Many a man lying out there at Pozières and in the low scrub at Gallipoli, with his poor tired senses barely working through the fever of his brain, has thought in his last moments... well, well... it’s over. But in Australia – they will be proud of this. And we are. We are damned proud. On Sunday night 21 August 2016, ten letters a metre high will be projected onto the horizontal beam immediately below the dome above the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial. They will form one name – Margetts I. S. His name, along with almost 62,000 Australians who gave their lives is being projected on 30 occasions for thirty sec onds through the centenary of the First World War. It is being projected for two reasons. Firstly, it is tempting, human beings that we are, to settle for headlines – broad

brushstrokes of our history. Our comfort able lives breed easy indifference to indi vidual sacrifices made in our name and devotion to duty. Secondly, it is to remind us that we are Australians. In the end there are some truths by which we live – and they are worth fighting to defend; politically, dip lomatically and at times – militarily. We are Australians not only or so much because we have a constitution and the machinery of a democracy given us by the British. We are defined by our values and our beliefs, the way we relate to one another and see our place in the world. We are shaped by our heroes and vil lains, triumphs and failures; the way as a people we have faced adversity and how we will face the inevitable adversities coming and respond to emerging horizons. This is our history. But it has much more to do with our future. As the world moves from one age to another; as the tectonic plates shift with the re-emergence of China and we face a generational struggle against resurgent totalitarianism in the form of Islamic extremism, we must be clear about who we are and in what we believe. Interred within the Hall of Memory since 1993, is the Unknown Australian Soldier, sprinkled with soil from the Pozières windmill. Silent sentinels above him are fifteen stained glass windows, each a depiction of a serviceman and nurse of the First World War.

2nd Australian Division’s memorial at the Windmill, Pozières Pozieres by Will Dyson 1917 SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

FROMELLES AND POZIÈRES

Mena, Egypt. c. 1915. Captain G.G. McCrae and Lieutenant Heighway marching at the head of C Company, 7th Battalion, AIF

At the base of each window is a single word. Bean pondered the qualities, the values seen in these men and women, essential not just for victory in battle, but for depth and breadth of character. Character derives from the Greek word meaning the impression left in wax by a stone seal ring. Transcending money, rank, power, influence or talent – is character. It is informed by worthwhile, intrinsic virtues. Those fifteen values are: RESOURCE, CANDOUR, DEVOTION, CURIOSITY, INDEPENDENCE, COMRADESHIP, ANCESTRY, PATRIOTISM, CHIVALRY, LOYALTY, COOLNESS, CONTROL, AUDACITY, ENDURANCE and DECISION.

Bean concluded that what made the Australian ‘digger’ so special, “lay in the mettle of the men themselves”. To be the kind of man who would give way when his mates were trusting to his firmness... to live the rest of his life haunted by the knowledge that he had ...lacked the grit to carry it through – was the prospect these men could not face. Life was very dear, but life was not worth living unless they could be true to their idea of Australian manhood. A century later, SAS Sergeant ‘S’ reflecting on the battle of Tizak in Afghanistan said: “To fail would be worse than death. To let down your mates in combat … would be worse than death.” …that’s it – that’s the essence. You don’t let your mates down. That is the essence. The most fragile yet powerful of human emotions is hope – belief in a better future, a better world. Hope is sustained most by reaching out in support of one another – “mates who go over together” and even when gripped with fear, don’t let one another down. Their spirit is here in these commemorations. Amidst the horror, it is not about war. It is about love and friendship. Love of family, love of country. We honour lives devoted not to them selves – but to us; and their last moments to one another. They gave us greater belief in ourselves and a deeper understanding of what it

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means to be Australian. Their ultimate legacy is that a life of value is one spent in the service of others, irrespective of the cost. Like them, what we need most is one another. After the bloodbath at Fromelles, Sergeant Simon Fraser spent three back breaking days bringing in the wounded from no man’s land. A lone voice pleaded through the fog, ‘Don’t forget me, cobber’. He didn’t. We won’t. We never will. We are Australians. The entire address by Dr Nelson to the National Press Club of Australia can be viewed at www.npc.org.au. All images courtesy Australian War Memorial.

Through the saps to Pozières by Frank Crozier (1883-1948)

Charles Moschoudis Charles Moschoudis 1 O’Connell Street Sydney NSW 2000

Call Charles on (02) 9279 3333 Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved Under Professional Standards Legislation. Migration Agent Registration Number 1682766.

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

PROSTATE CANCER

By A/PROF DR MANISH PATEL

Should you worry about

prostate cancer? Rate per 100,000 men since 1975

Incidences of prostate cancer

100

140

180

220

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed male cancer and accounts for 30% of all male cancer diagnoses. The incidence has increased over the last 10 years with 6,815 new cases in NSW in 2010.

Mortality rate 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

Though prostate cancer is being diagnosed more frequently, treatments are improving.

rostate cancer is the second most common cause of male cancer death and accounts for 13% of cancer deaths in males. However the mortality has been declining since PSA screening was intro duced and 987 deaths were recorded in NSW in 2010.

What is the prostate? The prostate is a walnut sized gland that sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its only function is to produce fluid that forms part of the semen and is required for fertility. The prostate cells also produce a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA) which enters the blood stream and can be measured by a blood test. As men age the prostate gland grows in size, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In some men this increased size can cause a restriction in urine flow.

Prostate cancer grows within the pros tate gland when cells develop abnormali ties in the genes regulating various processes including growth. These cells then grow in an uncontrolled manner resulting in a tumour within the gland. Over time the cancer cells may grow to directly invade tissues surrounding the prostate or may enter the lymphatic or blood vessels and deposit more distantly in lymph nodes or bone as metastases.

What are the symptoms? Most men with early prostate cancer will not feel any symptoms. If a prostate cancer grows to a signifi cant size it may restrict the urine flow in the urethra and cause urinary symptoms, however the vast majority of men with urinary symptoms suffer from benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) which is an enlarged prostate as described above. SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

PROSTATE CANCER

If prostate cancer deposits in the bones or lymph nodes there may be pain in the back, hips and thighs or ribs. Leg swelling and kidney function can also be affected.

What are the risk factors? Age: As a man ages, his risk of develop ing prostate cancer increases. By age 85 years a man has a 1 in 5 chance of devel oping prostate cancer. Family History: The more first degree relatives and the lower their age at diagno sis, the higher the risk of developing pros tate cancer. A man with three first degree relatives may have a 11 fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer. If a man has a family history he should get tested from the age of 40 or 45 years. Genetics: Some prostate cancers are hereditary due to known abnormal genes being passed down. BRCA1 and 2 are breast cancer genes that are also associ ated with aggressive prostate cancer devel opment in men. Diet: Weak evidence suggests that high intake of animal fat, red meat and milk may increase the risk of developing pros tate cancer. Intake of soy, omega 3 fatty acids and other antioxidants such as resveratrol may be protective.

TREATMENT

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

Avoids treatment related side effects

Not suitable for anxious men

Quick physical recovery and quicker continence and erectile function recovery

Not suitable for men with extensive previous abdominal surgery

Good long term recovery of continence and erections

Slightly higher complication rate and slower physical recovery

Minimally invasive

Potential long term urinary irritation and erectile dysfunction. Limitations on prostate size.

Minimally invasive

May also require hormone therapy. 8 week treatment period and potential for long term radiation damage to bladder and rectum

Avoid treatment related side effects

A small proportion will need to start hormone therapy which can have substantial side effects

Active surveillance Only used for smaller and lower grade tumours. The tumour is monitored and if signs of growth are encountered – curative treatment offered Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Minimally invasive approach using the Da Vinci Robot to remove the prostate

Open Radical Prostatectomy Similar to the robotic procedure but performed through a small open incision

Seed Brachytherapy Placement of radioactive iodine seeds in the prostate

External Beam Radiotherapy Short daily treatments with external radiotherapy

How is it diagnosed? Early prostate cancer is diagnosed by a blood test that measures PSA. If the PSA level is elevated, referral to a urologist is organised. The urologist will then deter mine if other causes of PSA elevation can be excluded such as urine infection. If not, then further investigation may be required. Improved technology has enabled the majority of significant prostate cancers to be identified by multiparametric MRI – a type of imaging test. Suspicious areas in the prostate are identified by the MRI scan and can then be targeted by a variety of methods. The two most accurate methods are in-bore MRI targeting where a prostate biopsy is performed in the MRI scanner while imaging. An alternative is MRIUltrasound fusion where the MRI scan with lesion highlighted can be fused onto an ultrasound image during the biopsy session. There is currently much research being dedicated to improving tests to detect 32

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Watchful waiting Elderly or ill patients may be given observation until signs of distant cancer spread, at which point hormone therapy is started

prostate cancer. These include PHI and PCA3. Neither of these have proven to be as reliable as MRI in the detection of cancer to date.

Early treatment There are many treatments for early prostate cancer. The cure rate from all treatments for early prostate cancer is generally very high. Under the care of experienced prostate cancer surgeons and radiation oncolo gists, treatment side effects can be minimised.

I would recommend all men with a family history of prostate cancer or those between the ages of 50 and 70 years talk to their GP to see if prostate cancer testing is right for them. (A/Prof Manish Patel is a Urological Cancer Surgeon working at Westmead and Macquarie University Hospitals. He specialises in the treatment of prostate cancer. He also conducts a research pro gram in prostate cancer at the University of Sydney, which aims to study better ways of improving cancer and quality of life outcomes for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.)

A START IN LIFE

Giving disadvantaged young The masonic community has been busy hosting fundraising activities in their local communities, and in doing so, supporting Australian children to access all aspects of an education as an equal with their peers through the charitable work of A Start in Life.

odge members have been showing their creativity through the range of fundraising activities being hosted – from comedy nights, fun runs, sausage sizzles, and handwritten letters to their members, to Christmas in July events. It’s great to see the passion the Freemason community has towards creating a brighter future for disadvantaged young Australians. Along with the fundraising activity, A Start in Life has been the recipient of some charitable donations from lodges, both regular and new givers, who want to help disadvantaged Australian youth. There has also been an increase in donations from individual Freemasons, some of whom have also had their contributions matched by their respective lodges. Some lodges have chosen to band together and make a donation as a district. A great team effort!

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

We are thrilled with the response from the Freemason community to our request for assistance. As a charity that receives no government funding, our organisation is heavily reliant on income from fundrais ing to achieve our mission of assisting young Australians in necessitous circum stances to overcome the barriers to their education, enabling them to reach their potential. To be eligible for support, all students and their families have been through a comprehensive assessment process which has identified them as having critical financial needs. Additionally, students typically present us with other barriers to their education. These include housing and location (i.e. living in unsafe accommodation, living in a remote location, homelessness); family barriers (i.e. cared for by grandparents on a pension, single parent family with multiple

children); social support barriers (i.e. com plete absence of or limited social support from extended family, friends or welfare agencies); health barriers (i.e. long term illness of student or carer, chronic sensory, intellectual, physical or developmental condition). The donations by the lodges and the masonic community will go to benefit the 200 primary, secondary and tertiary stu dents currently supported by the organi sation in the following ways: • Providing financial aid for educational essentials, including any necessary clothing, textbooks and equipment. • Offering opportunities to access other aspects of a well-rounded education, such as extra-curricular activities, access to technology, • Ensuring remedial tuition in areas of underperformance. • Providing financial aid to address health and medical conditions which impede a student’s school performance and/or attendance. • Recognising scholastic attainments and encouraging the vocational or profes sional ambitions or aptitudes of the students assisted. Here is a quote from one of the parents whose child has been the recipient of support: ‘My son doesn’t have to worry about not fitting in or being “The poor kid”. The assistance has brought our family so much happiness and dignity. Just to see how much small things can change a child’s outlook on life is amazing.’ – Susan, mum of Jackson (8 years old). If you would like further information on how your lodge can help disadvan taged young Australians to have a brighter future, please contact Monique on 02 9264 3017 or email monique.binstead@ astartinlife.org.au.

The Grand Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Golf Challenge Thursday 6 October, Manly Golf Club

Ambrose Shotgun start 1:15pm Pre-game sausage sizzle 12 noon Post-game drinks and refreshments Over $2,000 in prizes, including $1,400 of Piranha clubs Ladies and non-members welcome $195 per player

To register, logon to www.piranhagolfclub.com PROUDLY SUPPORTING PRAESTARE CONTENDEMUS

MASONICARE

MASONICARE – YOUR GRAND CHARITY

Chairman’s interACTION Grants Message Soldier On May I welcome to the Masonicare Board, RW Bro Peter Ratcliff and I thank him for putting himself forward for this role. I am sure his input will be invaluable to the Board. As members noted from the last communication, the Grand Master outlined the requirements for Interaction Grants and it is pleasing to see that lodges are complying with these procedures and constitutional requirements. However, I would ask that as the Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month, that lodges wishing to apply for Interaction Grants ensure that their applications are with the Board a minimum of 7 days prior to the Board meeting. This will allow the Sub-Committee of the Board to make all the needed enquiries and put a recommendation to the Board at its meeting. I would also reiterate that whilst Inter action Grants are available for all lodges, many district committees hold funds in their accounts which are unable to be utilised for Interaction Grants. For example, interest earned from money invested, money raised through charitable fundraisers, but not identified for a specific charity at the time of raising the funds, (ie, from Bunnings BBQs, etc) and I would urge lodges to consider that these funds be donated to local charities even though they don’t meet the requirement of fundraising under an Interaction Grant. I would also urge lodges to plan their fundraising events throughout the year in such a way that local charities can benefit and that these fundraisers would meet the protocol of procedures for Interaction Grants. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Masons for their ongoing support of Masonicare.

RW Bro Andrew Fraser MP PDGM Chairman

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Thank you for the generous donation to Soldier On which will be used to further our services through our National Reintegration and Recovery Network. The money supporters raise assists affected servicemen and servicewomen and their families, and this donation will be a huge help. The support from organisations, such as Masonicare, provides a future opportunity to invite you to one of our centres to see the work we are doing. This shows Recovery Network can pro vide the best care for these brave men and women when they need it the most.

L–R: VW Bro Ray Vickers, Mrs Sarah Bowe, and RW Bro Brian Willis

Thank you again for the donation and continued support and we look forward at a future time to meeting and thank you for your generosity. Kind regards, John Bale CEO and Co-Founder, Soldier On

SIDS and Kids District 15 masons and Masonicare com bined to present a cheque for $10,000 in their fundraising efforts to assist SIDS and Kids with special thanks to Daryl and Toni Heard for organising the activities. In July the brethren, ladies and friends of the nine lodges in District 15, cele brated with a Combined District meeting at the East Maitland Masonic Centre. The night was a special event which provided an opportunity to include a ladies night, the passing of a brother from the neighbouring District 14 lodge, Lodge Novacastria 765, and the presentation of a donation to the CEO of the Sids and Kids Hunter branch, Mrs Kate Middleton, by the District 15 DGIW VW Bro Darrel Heard, his wife and District 15 secretary, Mrs Toni Heard, and the District 15 DMR, W Bro Sean Leavey. The function raised $5,000 which was matched by Masonicare and included a trivia night/auction to cut off the long hair and beard of the DGIW, (the hair went to Ascot wig makers at Crow’s Nest Sydney who create wigs for those undergoing cancer treatment). A previous donation of $3,200 was given to the same organisation in February this year, the proceeds of a dinner/auction, held and organised by the

VW Bro Daryl Heard presenting the cheque to Mrs Kate Middleton

members of Lodge Cessnock No 252 and attended by masons from throughout the district. SIDS and Kids in its Hunter newsletter acknowledged the commitment and char ity demonstrated by Masonry, Masons, and in particular Masonicare in the sup port of community organisations to ben efit those in need.

MASONICARE – YOUR GRAND CHARITY

Wildlife care donation Lodge Balgowlah’s June meeting was attended by representatives of Southern Cross Wildlife Care and Transplant Australia NSW Branch who gave an over view of their organisation. Dr Antony Harding, a liver transplant recipient, spoke on the need for organ and tissue donations and how to register to be a donor. The chances of requiring an organ transplant are greater than being a suitable donor. To be a donor you have to die in hospi tal where doctors, not the transplant team, declare the patient is brain dead. The family of the patient have to agree to the donor’s request being honoured before the transplant retrieval team can take the patient to surgery and retrieve the organs. Last year was the best year for organ dona tions and transplants in Australia. Previous recipients include Heather who received a kidney approximately 37 years ago, Clayton who received a kidney approx imately five years ago, Michael a double lung approximately 21 years ago and myself (John Purdy PJGW) a liver transplant approximately 19 years ago. All are compet itors at both national and world games. Transplant Australia NSW Branch will use the donation to further the awareness and need for organ and tissue donors. Some of the money will also be used to assist less fortunate members attend the games. Dr Howard Ralph, who has many med ical qualifications from vet to medical practitioner and attends the emergency department of a local hospital, spoke about

Dr Howard Ralph receives the donation cheque from RW Bro John Purdy

his work as a vet and said everyone worked on a voluntary basis. Dr Ralph has a wild life practice on the Northern Beaches and another at Braidwood as well as shifts at the hospital. He showed a DVD of animals brought for help and said that while there are many practising vets there are not many who specialise in wildlife. He is also a teacher in wildlife treatment and rehabilitation. Both organisations thanked the lodge as well as Bunnings for their support and the opportunity to participate in the com munity BBQ program. Dr Ralph said it was the second time Lodge Balgowlah has made a donation to assist his work and it was a great pleasure to attend the June meeting and present information about Southern Cross Wildlife Care and the work done to care for the wildlife community. He said they were very appreciative of the interest and generous donation and such help allowed them to continue in an environment of increasing costs for med ications and other needs.

$6,000 from Ballina Lodge Ballina United No 250, together with Masonicare, was recently able to pres ent a cheque for $6,000 to the local Branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA). W Bro Allan Ridgewell made the pres entation to Beatrice Gray, President of the local RDA at the official opening cere mony of the new RDA facility outside Ballina in May, attended by patrons and local dignitaries. A sum of $3,000 was raised by mem bers conducting sausage sizzles outside

Bunnings Warehouse over several months and Masonicare matched the amount. An appreciative Beatrice Gray said the donation would be used to purchase addi tional equipment. Over the last 18 months, with the help of Masonicare Interactions grants, Lodge Ballina United has contributed more than $23,000 to local charities, including the local Rural Fire Service, Heartfelt Homes, Summerland LADS (Learn about Driving Skills) and others.

Representitives from Transplant Australia, NSW branch

Transplant Games A generous donation from Lodge Balgowlah No 392 will support NSW transplant athletes to attend the Australian Transplant Games. In September, Transplant Australia will run the country’s largest awareness activ ity for organ and tissue donation, bringing together up to 1,000 people touched by organ and tissue donation from across Australia and the world. Held every two years, the Australian Transplant Games provide proof of the success of transplants and encourage all Australians to register their donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Recipients are also able to show case their renewed health and wellbeing through a week-long celebration of sports and activities. ‘For recipients, participation is a way of saying “thanks” to their donor families; for donor families, it’s a way to honour their loved one’s gift of life. Transplant recipients come from all over the country to take part,’ said NSW team manager Margaret Hill. In 2016, the 15th Australian Transplant Games will be held in Western Sydney, utilising numerous multi-sport venues surrounding the Penrith and Blacktown Council areas. Transplant Australia is determined to get people talking about donation deci sions, which are crucial to increasing organ donations and helping save the lives of many Australians.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

Whiddonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chat, Stories & Tea sessions are fun, supportive and social.

Improving quality of life for people with dementia The prevalence of dementia amongst older Australians is rising exponentially. In 2015, 352,800 people were diagnosed with dementia and according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) this is estimated to rise to 900,000 by 2050. As an aged care provider, Whiddon has seen first hand the increase in dementia amongst people coming into aged care. Around 70% of our residents, for example, have some form of short term memory loss or cognitive impairment. Our purpose is to support a rich and valued lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey for people with care needs and improving quality of life for people with dementia has become a particular focus of our wellbeing programs. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) was developed in the UK by Professor Martin Orrell and Dr Aimee Spector for use in the community and aged care settings. Whiddon became aware of a trial of the therapy in Australia by the Prince of Wales Hospital Aged Care Psychiatry team. We were attracted by the fact that CST is a social group based therapy, proven to be at least as effective as dementia medication and with strong secondary benefits that improve quality of life. We collaborated with the Prince of Wales team, trialled the therapy across 8 of our residential and in-home care services across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW and were surprised at the amazing results. Benefits varied from individual to individual, but looking at the participants as a whole, mean scores showed an improvement in cognitive function from beginning to end of the trial.

whiddon.com.au Life is a journey

Whiddon staff are trained in a variety of Cognitive Stimulation Techniques

52% of our cohort saw a significant improvement over the 6 months of the trial, and of this group, 40% had such big improvements in cognitive function that some of them came within normal range. This is very impressive given that current medication can delay or stabilise decline but not improve cognitive function. Almost everyone who participated experienced improved self confidence and self esteem particularly around communication and social skills. This is so important for people with dementia, who typically lose self confidence rapidly as their cognitive skills deteriorate. We adapted the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy into our own program, Chat, Stories & Tea. We run regular social groups across our residential and in-home care services for 4 months at a time. This includes an intensive stage of groups twice a week, and maintenance of once a week. We aim to structure the groups so that our residents and clients living in the community are able to develop new friendships. There are no right or wrong answers in Chat, Stories & Tea and the groups are a highly enjoyable and successful mix of structure and free flow conversation and fun. There are multiple themes, which mean that the groups always start in the same way but then are always different introducing games, creative tasks, discussions around travel, history, music and much more. We train up our staff in CST techniques and they run the groups to ensure that they are fun, inclusive, supportive and stimulating. They use a variety of multisensory techniques and materials to help stimulate conversation and bring gardening, cooking, pictures, things to pick up, handle and play with along various themes. The skill is in guiding the group to interact and enjoy the group without leading the discussion too much. Based on the success of the trial Whiddon is now rolling the program out across all our care services.

To find out more about Chat, Stories & Tea and how you can support our research, trials and new programs visit whiddon.com.au or phone 1300 738 388.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

MASONIC NEWS FROM NSW & ACT

Regional Roundup

NSW S ACT

L odge C helmsford T echnology No 261

A student gets help

WHAT’S ON? Your guide to upcoming events from lodges and districts. D istrict 21 Saturday 10 December 2016

Christmas cruise Depart Gosford Wharf 9.30am, return 4pm. Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea included. $70 per person (includes donation). RSVP geoff.bown@hotmail.com. All welcome.

T he Sydney L odge No 1020 T hursday 6 O ctober 2016

Grand Master’s Golf Challenge Sausage sizzle begins at noon, 1:15pm start. Post-game drinks and refreshments, $2,000 in prizes. $195 entry, ladies and non-members welcome. Visit www.piranhagolfclub.com to enter.

scholarship from Lodge Chelmsford Technology has played a big role in assisting student-in-need Madeline Hickey at Charles Sturt University. The presentation was made at the recent Bathurst Scholarships with W Bro Keith Sheldrick representing the lodge. Madeleine Hickey and her family expressed their thanks for the scholarship which will also allow her to continue her studies. ‘As I have been struggling to find a job, this scholarship helps me to get onto my feet and support myself with less of a struggle,’ she said. ‘Financially I will be in less of a strug gling situation which is a relief, as being tight on money can be stressful on your self and can impact your studies. By receiving this scholarship I am able to focus on my studies and not be so stressed on how I will be able to afford to stay. ‘This scholarship helps me to reach my personal aspirations by allowing more

W Bro Keith Sheldrick and Madeline Hickey, who received a scholarship that will assist her further her education.

Lodges and Districts – Publicise your upcoming events in our new ‘WHAT’S ON’ guide. For only $50 you get four entries in the listing. One per issue? Call Bro Simon Pierce on (02) 4344 5133 for more details.

L odge H arold H erman Unity No 428

time to focus on my future such as getting into the police force, instead of working tirelessly and restricting my study time. ‘I would like Lodge Chelmsford to know that I am really grateful for this scholarship. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity.’ Justin Williams, the Faculty Advance ment Officer at the University said the difference the Lodge Chelmsford Scholar ship has made to the lives of students in the sentiment above is quite apparent. ‘The CSU Foundation Trust thanks you for your outstanding support and for the positive impact you make directly on their lives,’ he said.

A special honour for Frank M

embers of Lodge Harold Herman Unity were delighted to have a surprise visit in March by the Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville for the conferral of Honorary life membership to RW Bro Dr Frank Radcliff. The Grand Master remained at the meeting to witness the Initiation of Mr Anthony Nicita which followed the Life Membership presentation. SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

MASONIC NEWS FROM NSW & ACT

L odge H astings No 69

L odge K ensington No 270

Lodge Hastings bears alms A

Brother Masters T

local soup kitchen in the Port Macquarie area which had been operating for the local poor and homeless for over 15 years recently found itself without premises from which to deliver its services. The service run by Sister Marjorie OAM, June Crook and a host of volunteers searched unsuccessfully for new premises to continue their much needed operation until the WM of Lodge Hastings, RW Bro Robert Battle and the IPM W Bro Paul Bonk became aware of their plight. Negotiations resulted in members of Lodge Hastings overwhelmingly agreeing to ‘lend a hand to someone in need’. The soup kitchen reopened in the Masonic Hall in Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie on 19 April 2016, and now operates every Tuesday. Early numbers attending for lunch were lower due to the

L–R: Robert Battle, WM Lodge Hastings; Sister Marjorie, Paul Bonk, IPM Lodge Hastings

difficulty in advertising details of the new accommodation but have continued to increase as word is passed to those in need. Thanks to the ‘goodness of the institu tion’, RW Bro Robert Battle, W Bro Paul Bonk and the members of Lodge Hastings, the poor and needy of Port Macquarie have been thrown a much needed lifeline.

L odge A rmy and Navy No 517

Army and Navy Install O

n Saturday 16 July, Lodge Army and Navy met at the Kensington Masonic Centre to mark the Installation of Bro Robert Price as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year by the Master, W Bro Jon Green. The Grand Master’s Representative was RW Bro John Sunman PDGM, who is regularly the lodge’s organist. The Grand Director of Ceremonies on this occasion was VW Bro Luis Reyes AGDC. Following the ceremony, RW Bro Sunman addressed the brethren and spoke

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

wo brothers have become Masters of their lodges on two continents in the same year. W Bro Rishi Ketkar was installed as the leader of Lodge Kensington in February while his brother Subodh was similarly installed in May as the new WM of Maimonides-Marshall Lodge in New York. It is an unusual occurrence for two brothers from the same family to be raised in the same year (2011) and installed in different countries almost at the same time. W Bro Subodh Ketkar had an open installation which was attended by 21 master masons representing four lodges of their district and about nine candidates in waiting. Also present were newly elected Deputy District Grand Master RW Bro Samuel Lloyd Kinsey and the Grand Steward RW Bro Christopher Winnicki.

T he Sir Walter Scott L odge No 123

Service rewarded T

he Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville, recently visited The Sir Walter Scott Lodge and presented three long serving and valued members of the lodge with Masonicare certificates and jewels, in recognition of their long service and dedication to the lodge.

L–R: RW Bro John Sunman, VW Bro Michael Price, W Bro Robert Price, W Bro Jon Green

of the importance of maintaining lodge membership and the necessity of seeing the lodge as a community. W Bro Price was congratulated by his father, VW Bro Michael Price PDGDC.

L–R: W Bro Glenn Holdstock, W Bro David Eglon, VW Bro Colin Barr PDGDC, VW Bro Ken Neville PDGDC, the Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

MASONIC NEWS FROM NSW & ACT

T he Royal E mpire L odge No 613

Robert reaches 50 T

he June meeting of The Royal Empire Lodge had a pleasant duty when VW Bro Robert (Bob) Hurndell was presented with a Jewel and Certificate for 50 years in Masonry by RGC RW Bro Glen Green.

I nverell A d Lucem C hapter No 141

A second chance T he Inverell Ad Lucem Chapter of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Australia hosted a 2nd Chance Ball in Inverell in March where nine lovely ladies took the opportunity to be part of the night. This was the first time a Ball for mature age ladies and their partners has been held in Northern NSW. They were accompa nied by 80 family and friends who joined them at the Inverell RSM Club. The Princes of the Ad Lucem Chapter and nearby New England Chapter No 68 formed an Arch of Steel for the ladies as they were presented to the District Com mander of Region 6 Northern Tablelands, V Ill Bro John McMaster, his wife Carol, the WM of Lodge Glen Innes W Bro Simon Kerry and Inverell Mayor Mr Paul Harmon.

L–R: V Ill Bro John McMaster, Carol McMaster. Ill Bro Wayne Jones, Vincene Jones, Ill. Bro Simon Kerry

The idea for the evening came from District Recorder Ill Bro Wayne Jones who knew there were a number of ladies who never had the chance to make their debut when they were younger so it was decided to hold a 2nd Chance Ball and give them the opportunity to do so. It was also a wonderful opportunity to show Masonry still working in the Inverell community with Bro McMaster presenting on behalf of Lodge Inverell a cheque for $1,000 to the chairperson and debutante Mrs Di Baker of the local hospital support group Operation Operating Room.

L–R: RW Glen Green, VW Robert Hurndell, W Bro Julian Ochoa Sanchez

L odge Forster Great L akes United No 994

A double for Forster

L odge Greater Taree No 66

Seventy years a Freemason T

he WM of Lodge Greater Taree, W Bro Steve Taylor recently presented W Bro Ted Baldwin with a seventy year service certificate and jewel. Ted joined Freemasonry in Newcastle in April 1946 and shortly after moved to Taree to join Lodge Taree where he served as Master of the Lodge in 1968/69. Ted

L–R: DGIW, VW Bro Alan Williams, DGIW, Bro Linhart, Bro Smith and W Bro Kevin Crowther.

W Bro Ted Baldwin receiving his certificate

turned 93 in June and attends meetings of the lodge whenever he is able. What is it about Freemasonry that keeps a man maintaining membership for 70 years?

odge Forster Great Lakes United cel ebrated a special meeting on Monday, 6 June, a double initiation, welcoming Bro Mick Linhart and Bro Lance Smith as newly initiated members of the lodge. The meeting was well supported by the District, with more than 40 brethren, coming from Taree, Wingham, Laurieton and Port Macquarie, in attendance.

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

MASONIC NEWS FROM NSW & ACT

C apital C hapter No 52

T he I nner C ity Lunchers

A long Masonic lunch

he Inner City Lunchers are a group of convivial masons who meet each Thursday at the Minh Hai Restaurant, 615 George Street, Sydney, at around 12.30 pm. These gatherings have been a regular occurrence for over ten years and started as a casual meeting of a handful of breth ren from Lodge University of Sydney No 544, notably W Bros John Nathan, Max Brown and VW Bro Bob Lions. It was soon realised that this event was too good not to share, so other members of the lodge were invited ... then members

Brethren and visitors enjoying good fare in good company.

of other lodges ... then non-members of the Craft who were looking to meet some Freemasons, and of course ladies were invited. Now all are welcome; there is no need to pre-book. BYO wine is available and a glass or two can be enjoyed in good company. Generally it is red wine but, at Christmas, bubbles have been known to appear. To last over ten years, something good must be going on!

Coffs Coast F reemasons

Music in the Gardens C

offs Coast Freemasons and the Coffs Coast and Clarence CanDo Cancer Trust presented their third Music In The Gardens at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. Musicians from local orchestras and bands supplied a great day of enter tainment. All the proceeds from the day go directly to assist patients attending the North Coast Cancer Institute. RW Bro Phil Robertson presented Chairperson Ms Julie Jardine with a cheque for $29,744.40 which included an

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

RW Bro Phil Robertson presenting the donation to Julie Jardine.

Interaction Grant from Masonicare. Ms Jardine was again very lavish with her praise for the Coffs Coast Freemasons and for the amount of support given to the organisation by Masonicare.

A new Chapter for ACT S

aturday 26 November will spell a new beginning for the Order of the Eastern Star in Canberra with the amalgamation of Canberra Chapter No 52 and Fraser Chapter No 192. The ceremony will be held at the Majura Community Centre Hall at 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson at 3pm with the banquet to follow at the Yowani Country Club at Lyneham. The new Chapter will be known as Capital Chapter No 52 and new office bearers will be installed for the term 2016–17. ‘This amalgamation is a commitment our members have made to ensure the Order of the Eastern Star remains within the Canberra and Queanbeyan Region. It is an opportunity to come along and see why we are looking forward to a new beginning which we hope will lead to a successful and long future in this region,’ said Sister Angela Sweeney, Past Worthy District Grand Matron. A decline in numbers led the members to contemplate the future of the Order for the Region and it was quickly evident they wanted to ensure there was always a pres ence in Canberra and the ACT. The Order of the Eastern Star was origi nally conceived about the middle of the 19th century by MW Bro Dr Robert Morris, a lawyer, masonic lecturer and poet laureate of Freemasonry. His objective was to associate in one common bond the wives, widows, daughters and sisters of Freemasons and to provide them with a similar outlet from which they could take advantage from a moral, social and charita ble point of view. It is one of many parts of the wider masonic family and has a presence across the world including the USA, Scotland, New Zealand, Canada, South America, Germany, Italy, Japan and Mexico. For bookings and further inquiries contact amsweeney@gmail.com.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

MASONIC NEWS FROM NSW & ACT

L odge T hespian No 256

District 37

There’s no business like show business... A

District 37 2nd Degree

nd definitely no masonic lodge like Lodge Thespian! Chartered in 1908, the lodge has boasted some of the biggest names in the theatrical profession as members. Music and entertainment therefore have been a part of this famous lodge since its conception. On Saturday, 7 May, the lodge held a special biennial Re-Installation Meeting and banquet as they played host to a

L–R: Bro Damien Donavan (Dee’s son), The Grand Master RW Bro Dee Donavan and IPM W Bro Christopher Ross.

visitation of Thespian lodges from around Australia. Held at the Egyptian Room, Petersham, it was a day to remember for members and visitors alike A packed house witnessed the Re-Installation of RW Bro John O’Connor OAM, PSGW, better known in the theatrical profession as ‘Dee Donavan’, who celebrated a special historical mile stone by becoming the first member of Lodge Thespian to occupy the Chair of King Solomon for the 10th time. ‘The Grand Master of the UGL of NSW & ACT, MW Bro Jamie Melville, honoured the lodge with his presence, as did the Deputy and Assistant Grand Masters, and a number of other distinguished brethren including two past Grand Masters, MW Bro Ron Johnson AM and MW Bro Noel Dunn OAM. Lodge Thespian meets on the first Saturday of each month and tyles at 10 am. Call Secretary RW Bro Ross McAlpine PJGW on (02) 9389 3191.

early 70 masons attended the Combined District 37 meeting at Kensington in July to support two candi dates taking their Second Degree. The evening was enhanced by the attendance of the Grand Master, MW Bro Jamie Melville who was pleased to see representatives from all nine District lodges at the meeting. Lodge John Williams No 148 was the host lodge and the WM, W Bro David Anderson welcomed the Grand Master before W Bro Jeff Carey took over to con duct the ceremony on Bro Michael Liew of Lodge John Williams and Bro Rene Ferris from Lodge Woollahra No 341 with seven Fellowcrafts lining up to meet the Grand Master. An evening of good quality ritual was supported by a musical item featuring the magnificent tenor voice of RW Bro Alex Parker accompanied by RW Bro John Sunman on the organ.

District 21

A memorable ANZAC service M ore than 90 people, including 60 masons attended the annual District 21 ANZAC Service last April hosted by Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes No 247. Attendance at this annual event has grown substantially over the years with the privilege of hosting rotated through the lodges of the District and conducted either at the Gosford or Wyong Masonic centres. The District 21 DGIW, VW Bro Graeme Ingall presided over the Service with the assistance of W Bro Major Andrew Kfoury. In attendance were the Installed Masters of the District, accom panied by fraternals. The ANZAC Service was made even more memorable with the attendance of the National Service 1951–72 Re- Enactment Unit who provided the catafalque party and

guard. A didgeridoo solo was performed by Bro Ron Arnott from Lodge Saratoga No 937 and the piper was VW Bro Ron Becker.

A most agreeable South followed with deli cious fare provided by the wives of the host lodge. SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

INITIATES

WELCOME TO THE CRAFT

Freemason Welcomes New Members To The Craft Name

Lodge

ABDALLAH, Max AL RUBY, Sam

The Cedars Lodge 1041 Bankstown Daylight Lodge 996

ALLEN, Geoff

Lodge Nowra Unity 60

AQUINO, Jeff

Lodge Education 814

ARABI-JALLAD, Hasan

Lodge Antiquity 1

Lodge

IGDECI, Ugur

The Cedars Lodge 1041

INTERINO, Alberto

Lodge Celebration of Fairfield 345

PALENZUELA, Joel Bundaleeah Daylight Lodge 992 PIERCEY, Joe

Lodge Ionic 65

QASIM, Haider

Lodge Wagga Wagga 22

JACOB, Edward

Lodge Toxteth 1052

RIBERIRO, Ueuller

JAMHOUR, George

Lodge Kilwinning 13

ROBERT, Ben

Lodge Morning Star 410

RODGERS, James

Australian Lodge of Fidelity 101

KAGELARIS, Nick

Lodge Hellenic Arcadia 177

ROQUE, Gothem

BEVES, Steve

Lodge Eastern Suburbs 1050

BOCK, Oskar

Lodge Toxteth 1052 Lodge Novacastria 765

BRUNO, Francesco

Lodge Toxteth 1052

KENT, Dan

Lodge Wahroonga 674

Lodge Horizons 1032 Lodge Liverpool 197

JAMIESON, Chris

BROUSEK, Shaunus

Lodge Condobolin 185 Lodge Jose Rizal 1045

ROYLE, Shane

Lodge Richard Coley 152 The Builders Lodge 1048

KILZI, George

Lodge Kirrawee 903

RYAN, Nicholas

KORN, Ricky

Lodge Wyvern 813

SAVARA, Karan

KORN, Michael

Lodge Wyvern 813

SCHRADER, Justin

Lodge Horizons 1032 Lodge St Andrews 281

BURGOYNE, John Lodge Harold Herman Unity 428

KRIARIS, Stan

Lodge Horizons 1032

SCOTT, Eric

Lodge Courallie 235

BURROWS, Brian

Lodge Camden 217

LABATUT, Nicolas

Lodge Castlereagh 72

SEKULOSKI, Vasko

Lodge Liverpool 197

Lodge Camden 217

LANDER, Phil

CAHILL, Brendan CAP, Daniel

Lodge Horizons 1032

Lodge Richard Coley 152

SHIELDS, Richard

Lodge Education 814

SLEIMAN, Khudr

LANDERO, Manny LANDERS, Joel

The Queen’s Lodge 229

CARRASCO, Sebastian

Lodge Liverpool 197

CATALANOTTO, Micky

The Cedars Lodge 1041

LANG, Billy

Lodge of Truth 26

Lodge Nowra Unity 60

LEE, Justin

Lodge Kilwinning 13

CLARKE, Tim

Lodge Canoblas Lewis 806 Lodge Liverpool 197

SMITH, Lance

Forster Great Lakes United 994

SOLDANI, Alfonso

Lodge Galileo 1019

STEFAN, Jim

Lodge Liverpool 197

CLOTHIER, Rob

Lodge Silver City 141

LEGASPI, Willy

Lodge Merrylands 479

SULLIVAN, Steve

Lodge Morning Star 410

DAY, Steven

Lodge Macquarie 53

LESTER, Darren

Lodge of Peace 120

SZOKALSKI, Alex

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715

DEWAR, Bernard DIMOV, Stefan DING, Matt DRAGON, Luke

Lodge Eltham 272

LIEW, Michael

Lodge John Williams 148

The Queen’s Lodge 229

LIMPIADO, Roy

Lodge Education 814

Lodge Wyvern 813

LINHART, Mick

Forster Great Lakes United 994

The Hills Lodge 1025

LOSURDO, Sam

Lodge Galileo 1019

DUNNE, Phil Lodge United St Andrew Singleton 34

LOVELL, John

Macarthur Daylight Lodge 1009

ESENKURT, Eyyup

LOWE, Mark

Lodge Central Australia 88

Lodge Alpha 970

ESPENIDA, Edwin

Lodge Education 814

FLYNN, John

The Royal Empire Lodge 613

MAAMER, Mohamed

Lodge Guildford 321

MACQUARIE, Mitchell

Lodge Wahroonga 674

TABOSA PEREIRA, Thales TAHER, George

Lodge Artarmon United 285 The Leichhardt Lodge 133

TAINISH, Richard

Balmain Lodge 23

TOHME, Charlie

Lodge Sutherland 585

TOHME, Adam

Lodge Sutherland 585

TOLENTINO, Manny

Lodge Jose Rizal 1045

TOLENTINO, Paul

Lodge Jose Rizal 1045

FRANCIS, Ray

Lodge Nepean 29

MAHFOUD, Tony

Lodge Panania 845

VASI, David

FRETWELL, Scott

Lodge Epping 390

MAILLOLS, Philippe

Lodge France 1021

VERRAN, Justin The Australian Lodge of Harmony 5

GALERA-HOLLISS, Blake

Lodge Kiama 35

GARDELIS, Dio

Lodge Hellenic Arcadia 177

GENTILE, Nick

Lodge Sir James Hardy 1046

GEORGES, Franko

The Leichhardt Lodge 133

GERGES, Michael

Lodge Sutherland 585

GONZALEZ, Peter

Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393

GRAHAM, Ben HANCOCK, Andrew

MALLAM, John MANALAC, Allan MATTI, Dany

VOUTOS, Gregory

Lodge Castlereagh 72

Lodge Gowrie of Canberra 715

WALDRON, Kevin

The Australian Lodge of Harmony 5

The Leichhardt Lodge 133

McGUIRK, Tom

Lodge Horizons 1032

MEETH, Jason

Lodge Wahroonga 674

MEKHAEL, Frank

The Leichhardt Lodge 133

Lodge Unity 6

MILNE, Jamie

City of Newcastle Lodge 170

Lodge Blacktown Kildare 393

MOSS, Adam

Lodge Blaxland Temperance 346

HOPE, Darren

Lodge Macquarie 53

IBRAHIM, Ibbi

Lodge Antiquity 1

MURRAY, Malcolm OAKLEY, Ben

Lodge Dubbo 906 The Builders Lodge 1048

A frustrated husband in front of his laptop: Dear google, please do not to behave like my wife. Please allow me complete my sentence before you start guessing and suggesting. You are never childless when you have a husband. g it If at first you don’t succeed, try doin the way your wife told you.

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

Lodge Nambucca Heads 922

Lodge Ionic 65

Words of wisdom!

Name

Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033

ASH, Russell BELIGAN, Ben

Name

WARR, Brad

The Hills Lodge 1025

WARREN, Kenneth WILLIAMS, Simon WONG, Sam WRIGHT, Patrick ZHOU, Ned ZOHIOS, Spyro

Lodge Port Stephens 522 Lodge Courallie 235 Lodge Ethos 963 Lodge Gymea 796

The Australian Lodge of Harmony 5 Lodge Horizons 1032

Sometimes I drink a glass of water just to surprise my liver. Do not wake up Mum. The re are at least seven animals which eat their young. Your mother may be one of them. Common sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in everyone’s garden . Ever look back at some of the people you dated or wanted to dat e in High School, see them on Facebo ok and think, ‘Whew! I dodged a bullet on that one!’

SEPT 2016 THE ROCKS • PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS • WC FIELDS • HISTORY OF BREAD

CROSSWORD

V48 N3 – SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVELS IN INDIA • A GREAT FRATERNITY • AUSTRALIA’S DECIMAL CURRENCY V48 N2 – JUNE 2016 DEATH RAILWAY • SECRETS OF THE ARCHIVES • IRVING BERLIN • PRUDENCE

V48 N1 – MARCH 2016

Sydney’s Royal Engineers BotanicWithout Garden Borders Sydney’s Celebrating 200 years of history

Taronga Zoo

Engineering a better quality of life

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Solution June 2016 A N C N

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A N

8 I’ve left Ivanhoe in shambles to find the arkwright (4) 9 & 12 down Where did 35 across see the plans (5,5) 10 Inca violated relative of Abel (4) 11 The virtue Charity is found in such as we, when earth is cultivated (9,1, 5) 12 Jumbled words given to the tyler (5) 17 Take it from trimmed hirsute characters to find a deacon of a type (5) 20 Shore up characters who look back somehow at this bloke form the underworld (7) 21 N.W. African flower discovered when ending beer evenly (5) 22 Distinguishing badge found in open air that is shortly missing (5) 23 Giving out, from a cavern for example, sounds of deep lamentation (7) 24 & 14 down. Celebrated noble orders of wisdom and strength without beauty (5,5) 27 What happens to one’s ‘study nerve’ condition is found oddly enough when exams cease (5) 33 Not necessarily free and accepted to find one in action followed by agitated Samson (9,6) 34 Narrative fictitiously told by some smart aleck (4) 35 Faithful servant pitched a tent in the wilderness with problems in some direction (5) 36 Tom’s mixed up about the superlative handle well earned by this retired cop (4)

DOWN 1 Cherish his memory in such lodge (6) 2 Resultant from bashed up heater found in 13 down for instance (3,3)

3 Write reams about Stipendiary Magistrate initially, preceding 2 down with a slander (4) 4 Henry Vll style of architecture found in some Bantu dormer (5) 5 A cache somehow hidden in Ash street (5) 6 Compositions for cetain number of voices or instruments found initially in Opportunity Class test (6) 7 Certifies it’s missing and becomes vehemently aggressive about the remains (6) 12 See 9 across 13 A body part played within church? (5) 14 See 24 across 15 Assistant Station Master initially came after bookmaker with a sudden involuntary muscular contraction (5) 16 Different being to start (5) 17 Some time after Uncle Sam initially established this habitual custom (5) 18 Procures for payment in strange shires (5) 19 Tears up garment for tenants’ payments (5) 25 An aspirant letter on apron hides this parentless one (6) 26 Serial about Middle Eastern country (6) 28 To accept as true without proof amuses one somehow (6) 29 Resent change when Hemingway enters upset (6) 30 Bring down ones foot heavily on an adhesive paper? (5) 31 Stop! on a huge expanse, (of water for instance ) (5) 32 One of the daughters of Zeus, perhaps to cause a smile (5)

SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

SERVICE CERTIFICATES

CONGRATULATIONS

Years Service

GOODCHILD, John

Lodge Epping 390

LANHAM, Doyne

The Peninsula Lodge

LOUDON, Alfred

Lodge Carringtonia 187

MACKINNON, Archibald

Lodge Broughton 131

Lodge Port Macquarie 991

McDONALD, Arthur

Lodge Gymea 796

SHARPE, Colin

Lodge Broughton 131

McQUILKIN, Richard

Lodge Broughton 131

FOGARTY, Edward

Lodge Hunter Hiram 246

SINCLAIR, Alan

Lodge Rudyard Kipling 143

OWENS, John

Lodge Burns Wentworth Tuscan 21

FRASER, Malcolm

Lodge Central Australia 88

THOMPSON, Alan

Lodge Central Australia 88

REKO, Thomas

Lodge Ibis 361

MERCER, Oswald

TREBLE, William

Lodge Frenchs Forest 249

RUTLEDGE, Raymond SEE, John

Lodge Baulkham Hills 958

TAYLOR, Sydney

Years Service

CASLEY, William COWLEY, Aubrey ENGLERT, Kenneth FERRIS, Ernest

Lodge Woronora 414 Lodge Unity 6 Lodge Hornsby 262 Lodge Ku-Ring-Gai 1033

FLETCHER, Mervyn

The Yass Lodge of Concord 27

GOODFELLOW, Leo

Lodge The Raleigh 241

HILL, Lawrence JOHNSTON, Brian KINNY, Bryan

Forster Great Lakes United 994 Lodge Nambucca 271 Lodge Toukley 933

Lodge Broughton 131

WOLFE, Peter

Lodge Kiama 35 Lodge Kirrawee 903

Years Service

BAKER, Charles

Lodge Wagga Wagga 22

GRANT, John

Lodge Broughton 131

HARRIS, Frank

Lodge Broughton 131

HERRING, Edward

Lodge Broughton 131

HOLLEY, Kenneth

The Lodge Federation 196

LA-REEN, Peter

Twin Towns Daylight Lodge 981

LAYCOCK, Clyde

The United Lodge of Sydney 11

LOCKWOOD, John

Lodge Livingstone 71

McGRATH, Robert

Parramatta City Daylight 1014

McLOUGHLIN, Robert MORRISON, Ronald

Lodge Glen Innes 44 Lodge Scone 183

Lodge Riverina Thompson 104

ROGERS, Charles

CROW, Robert

Lodge St David & St John 180

ROWLAND, Leslie

Lodge Merrylands 479

DIXON, Brian

Lodge Laurieton Haven 1031

TAYLOR, Robert

Lodge Merrylands 479

WHITEHEAD, Russell

Lodge Gloucester 291

CARDWELL, Noel

EDMONDS, Peter EYB, Donald

The Hills Lodge 1025 Lodge Kngsford Smith 1028

WILLIAMS, Norman

Lodge St David & St John 180

Lodge Guyra 325

Lodge Axiom

CODE D

oes your lodge have a Code of Conduct, or does it assume members will abide by the prin ciples of the Craft? The following code is presented to members of Lodge Axiom.

To my brethren, in the presence of the GAOTU: I solemnly promise to always strive for the highest standard of excellence in all things; To give support to our lodge, or any brother therein when reasonably called upon to do so; To be known to all as a man of exemplary conduct, kindly manners and the humblest charity; To always be mindful that all of my actions reflect on our fraternity; And that I accept that I am accountable for upholding its honour.’ 46

FREEMASON SEPTEMBER 2016

A light in the

darkness

ellingen SES volunteers are now the proud owners of a Portable Emergency Light Tower which will enable them to work easily at night. Previously volunteers had struggled when replacing storm damaged roofs at night time or when performing dangerous rescue operations in dark or foggy conditions on narrow roads. The Light Tower, funded by the Coffs Coast Freemasons Association and a Masonicare Interaction Grant, was

Freemasons present the new light tower to SES members at the Bellingen Show.

officially handed over at the Bellingen Show by Masonicare Chairman RW Bro Andrew Fraser MP and VW Bro Colin Fitzgerald representing the CCFA. SES Controller Tim Leader said that local SES volunteers were full of praise for the Light Tower which would make their job much safer.

Join us in

†

WELLINGTON NOVEMBER 2016

The Grand Master of New Zealand Freemasons, Most Worshipful Brother John Litton cordially invites you to join him in Wellington later this year to attend the Installation of his successor Right Worshipful Brother Mark Winger, Deputy Grand Master. “Mark and I have enjoyed Grand Installations around Australia. We now join in extending a very warm welcome to the Freemasons of New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory to our triennial celebration Grand Installation meeting. We can assure you and your ladies of a convivial and entertaining stay in our exciting capital city amongst good friends.” Fraternally John Litton

MW Bro John Litton

RW Bro Mark Winger

All details of the programme including registration form, accommodation Presented byare on our website: www.freemasonsnz.org packages and costs

NSW

Wellington – Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November 2016

RFBI Welcomes new CEO, Frank Price On 1 July 2016, RFBI welcomed our new Chief Executive Officer, Frank Price. Frank has been a valued member of the RFBI Executive Team since 2007 and is keen to carry on our legacy of helping those in need. Thank you for your ongoing support. Every donation is gratefully received and is used to positively impact people’s lives.

For all enquiries, donations or to organise Speakers for Lodge meetings, please contact our head office on 02 8031 3200 or email admin@rfbi.com.au

Masonic Villages: It’s how to live... SEPTEMBER 2016 FREEMASON

Baby Elephant at Taronga Zoo c.1925

Far West Boy feeds Swan c.1935

Meercats

Red Kangaroo Red Panda

Koala and Joey Taronga Zoo Main Entrance