Grand Master's Newsletter – 19 January 2023

Welcome to 2023

Tickled Pink

There is no doubt that charity is in the heart of all Freemasons and we often find ourselves helping others in many different ways.

Brethren: Welcome to my January 2023 Newsletter

As we welcome another masonic year, we also reflect on the year that was. I really hope that we can put the worst of the COVID pandemic behind us and focus on all that needs to be done as we move forward with our plans, both masonically and personally.

The Year That Was

Sadly, last year we lost MW Bro Tony Lauer (past Police Commissioner and recipient of the Australian Police Medal). Tony was a wonderful man and an outstanding Grand Master; his advice and guidance will certainly be missed by all.

2022 also saw some of the most devastating floods in our state’s history, but the masonic community really stood up and we will continue to provide funding

to those that were worst affected as we move into the new masonic year. I really thank all who contributed to the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Appeal; you have (and will) make a huge difference to many of those that are still suffering.

The Grand Master’s Newsletter

An official publication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Please submit your articles and photographs to news@masons.org.au and ensure you have permission from all depicted for their image to be published in United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT publications.

Well done to our Grand Treasurer RW Bro Richard Collins and his team who, once again, attended the ‘Pink’ Test in Sydney in support of the McGrath Foundation’s Breast Cancer Appeal.

Over the years the McGrath Foundation has raised millions of dollars to provide specialist nurses to assist those suffering from this insidious disease and it is always great to see Richard and his daughter Frances out there supporting this unique charity event.

Richard and Frances make this journey every year and are pretty much part of the furniture at this event.

Another masonic family out there making a difference… WELL DONE !

THIS

Ambervale Fire

perspective,

Ambervale Masonic Centre.

he fire destroyed the building and contents and I personally thank the brethren from surrounding lodges and their building owners for the very kind offers of support that have flooded in.

I particularly thank and congratulate the Camden and Liverpool brethren who have kindly offered their buildings for the displaced lodges and other Orders to now meet in while the painstaking business of restoration takes place.

There have been many offers of support in the way of regalia and other items but, at the moment, we need to hold off while those affected take stock and sort out a

Tway forward. RW Bro John Jacobson (BOM, Chair of Operations) is working closely with the RGC and DGIW to assist, and I will keep you posted by way of this

Hands Across the Border

A reminder that the Hands Across the Border meeting is coming up on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th February at Tweed Heads Masonic Centre.

This promises to be a wonderful, masonic event. The event presents a unique opportunity for Craft Freemasons to share in and enjoy the day, simultaneously becoming Mark Master Masons by participating in the Mark Man ceremony and, of course, sharing in the all-encompassing fellowship of both Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry.

Tweed Heads Masonic Centre is at 8 Boyd Street, Tweed Heads. Dress is evening/ lounge suit and bookings can be made at: https://www.trybooking.com/CEYHJ

Please take care, enjoy your Freemasonry and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Les Hicks Grand Master Humility – Kindness – Generosity

Freemason magazine

You will have received your December edition of Freemason magazine, which can also be viewed at FreemasonNSW.com

In this issue: Improving fitness, Speaking your mind, Membership process update, A Start in Life, Keep your money safe, Test your knowledge, Laws of Succession, Farewell Queen Elizabeth, Rainbow Girls International, Grand Lodge re-installation, Beyond the Craft, Motorcycles in Wallsend, Going overseas, Helping kids’ choir, and much more

The Grand Master’s Newsletter

newsletter as to what is required moving forward. Thank you all for your very kind offers and for your patience as we sort through the minefield of insurance and other issues that are to be faced. It is times like this when we really see the masonic spirit shine.

Itinerary

Friday 3rd February

6:30pm to 9:30pm

Dinner at Twin Towns RSL At own cost

Saturday 4th February

3pm to 4pm RAM Tracing Board Restricted to Royal Ark Mariners only

4pm to 5pm Afternoon Tea

5pm to 6pm Mark Man Ceremony Restricted to Mark Men, Mark Master Masons and Master Mason candidates

7pm to 9:30pm Dinner at Tweed Heads Bowls Club

Changes

To allow us to publish a more ‘current’ Quarterly Communication, we are now publishing the Freemason in January, April, July and October.

Deadlines for submissions is one month before publication date so why not get your story in the next issue? There’s still time! All you need to do is send an email to news@masons.org.au. It doesn’t have to be perfect but if you get the facts to us with a few pictures, we can use it. We are also introducing a Classified section and some smaller/less expensive ad sizes to make it easier for smaller businesses to advertise in the Freemason More detail in your April Freemason Magazine.

www.masons.org.au

An official publication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. Please submit your articles and photographs to news@masons.org.au and please ensure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publicly published.

Freemasonsnswact 279 Castlereagh Street Sydney PO Box A259 Sydney South NSW 1235 T 02 9284 2800 • F 02 9284 2828

Unfortunately, from a masonic

2023 started out with a devastating fire out at our