Staying Connected
4 January 2022
GRAND MASTER’S NEWSLETTER
Happy New Year Welcome to 2022 and the January edition of the Grand Master’s Newsletter.
O
ver the past three years this Newsletter has given us greater insight as to what was happening both out in the wider jurisdiction and here at UGL. We have gleaned ideas, and learnt from each other, we were inspired to upgrade our wonderful buildings, and this newsletter gave us great assistance when the COVID19 pandemic first reached our shores. Indeed, the absence of the Newsletter over the past few months, though necessary, has been noted by many who really looked forward to the publication and I am honoured to continue it during my term as Grand Master. It is my intention to publish a Grand Master’s Newsletter on a monthly basis except for March, June, September, and December (when we all receive our Freemason Magazine). The Grand Master’s Newsletter will complement our wonderful Magazine by keeping us up to date with the monthto-month happenings within our jurisdiction and it will also provide timely advice on the COVID-19 pandemic as it is needed.
The Grand Master’s Newsletter An official publication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT.
www.masons.org.au Freemasonsnswact
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.
279 Castlereagh Street Sydney PO Box A259 Sydney South NSW 1235 T 02 9284 2800 • F 02 9284 2828
COVID 19 and the OMICRON variant Just as we thought we were getting some “clear air” on the COVID front along comes another variant, here we go again with restrictions, and I urge you to closely follow all local, state, and federal health guidelines and rules. We masons have done a marvellous job over the past two years, we are well skilled in keeping each other safe and our meeting places are compliant. If restrictions force you to change meeting dates, times, or venues, please advise both the Grand Secretary and your RGC of those changes and we will be happy to provide the appropriate dispensation.
What is YOUR Lodge doing ?
Where to from here ?
I am really interested in what you and your lodge are doing, and I am happy to consider any positive, good news / feel good stories that you may like to contribute. Please send your stories and High-Resolution photos by way of your District Grand Inspector of Workings or your Regional Grand Counsellor.
In my address at the recent Grand Installation, I outlined some of my thoughts and plans. There is no doubt that society is going through many changes and as an organisation, we must also recognise that some change on our part is also necessary. I believe that we should always be recognised as a modern thinking, community minded organisation with traditional values, and our Board of
Our jurisdiction is very diverse and there are some wonderful things being done out there by masons in both City and Country communities. I am really looking forward to hearing about what is happening in your Lodge or within your District, I see this as an important way for us to not only provide ideas and thoughts but also to encourage membership. I am happy to support your stories both in this publication and in our Freemason Magazine.
WHY WE LOVE THE PHANTOM R A CHRISTMAS STORY R WEARY DUNLOP
v53 n4 December 2021
Humility – Kindness – Generosity
Management will always work hard to put the necessary processes in place to ensure that we are always “ahead of the game”. I ask you to support us in our endeavours as we continue to nurture our wonderful traditions and, at the same time, strengthen, grow, and continue to develop this most essential organisation. Technology will play an important role as we move forward, up to date technology will help to encourage and support our new younger members as they begin their journey in our wonderful craft. There is no doubt that, under my leadership, your Grand Lodge will continue to work hard in this vein, but we must remember that our new members are attracted not just by what we do but by what we are. Freemasons are well recognised as being Humble, Kind and Generous people who act with Integrity, Loyalty and Respect, it is these important masonic traits that stand us out from the crowd and will ensure our ultimate longevity. Please brethren spend your time reinforcing these important traits and I encourage you to perhaps visit a lodge that you may not have been to for a while, rekindle old friendships, offer some support, and enjoy the real essence of FREEMASONRY.
Moving forward, Narelle and I look forward to supporting our jurisdiction and we extend our wishes for a happy and successful New Year to you and your loved ones. Humility – Kindness – Generosity Les Hicks Grand Master
Freemason, December – Out Now You should already have received your December edition of the Freemason magazine, which you can also view online at FreemasonNSW.com. In this issue: Why we love The Phantom; Masonic Studies; Remembrance Day 2021; Bourke fire damage; Oberon snow damage; Fires can’t destroy enthusiasm; Christmas traditions; Banned jewels; Grand Installation 2021; Teamwork in action; Famous mason; Improve your writing; Hot air in the lodge; A boat afraid of the water; plus all of the regular columns. What did you think of the magazine?
Our new leadership
team
Your Freemason magazine is always looking for interesting articles, masonic news, letters to the editor as well as comments about the magazine. Have your say by emailing freemason@masons.org.au.
The Grand Master’s Newsletter An official publication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT.
www.masons.org.au Freemasonsnswact
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.
279 Castlereagh Street Sydney PO Box A259 Sydney South NSW 1235 T 02 9284 2800 • F 02 9284 2828