Need a new suit?

Mention this advert and receive a 25% discount on any full price suit –includes made to measure.

I particularly thank our Grand Secretariat for the huge effort they have been putting in during a busy start to the New Year.

A struggling economy affects us all, and rising costs have had an impact on us. The Board of Management and Executive Council will continue to work with and support the Grand Secretariat, lodges and committees as we develop, refine and improve our technology to ensure that it is working for us. With constantly improving technology, the encouraging rise in the number of new initiates, and the positive change that this is having on our age demographic, there is no doubt that we will endure and flourish.

It is encouraging to see a sharp rise in Interaction Grants and combined with various other Masonicare Board initiatives the future bodes well for our Grand Charity. Masonicare board member, VW Bro Joe Corrigan, is embarking on an incredible fundraising event. Joe is flying a four­ seater aeroplane from Sydney to England by way of East Timor, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Greece and Italy. This fundraiser will support Masonicare and Little Wings, and donations can be made via Joe’s Facebook page. I thank Joe and wish him well on a momentous journey that will have a positive effect on the lives of the children and parents who need assistance.

The Masonicare board will continue to identify and deliver relief to flood effected regions and I again thank you all for the incredible generosity and support you have shown for both Masonicare and the Grand Master’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

Brethren, times are indeed changing at a more rapid pace than ever before. we will keep up with these changes and ensure that this jurisdiction remains relevant in today’s society. Thank you all for the trust and support you show our team and I congratulate you on your ability to adapt and prosper as we move into a world that is getting smaller thanks to communication and technology.

While we recognise that some changes need to be made, we will ensure that the moral lessons, tenets, and traditions of our wonderful Craft remain unchanged. They are now more necessary and relevant than ever. There is no doubt that we are starting to get the modern and traditional balance right.

Thanks to our modern thinking, we are making the Craft more attractive, resulting in an influx of young men into our ranks; 126 initiates in the second half of last year and so far this year we have welcomed a further 83 brethren and another 204 applications are currently being processed. We are seriously kicking goals, brethren. Clearly these men see the need to belong, they genuinely want to create a better world, and they see Freemasonry as the perfect vehicle for them.

This is an ongoing and significant exercise for the Grand Lodge, and I sincerely thank the staff of the Grand Secretariat and the Board of Management for their wonderful efforts.

Brethren, It is always sad when the Grand Master is called on to acknowledge the passing of a brother to the Grand Lodge above, and it is important to acknowledge special service given by such brethren.

Tonight, I ask that we all remember the outstanding service made by:

R RW Bro Neville Rupert Roy Simpson PAGM

R RW Bro Alexander George Bedwell OAM PAGM

R RW Bro Huybertus Gude PAGM

R RW Bro Norman Symon PAGM

R and RW Bro William (Bill) Martin Kelly PJGW

Right Worshipful Brothers Neville Simpson, Alex Bedwell, Bert Gude, Norm Symon and Bill Kelly ‘lived respected, and died regretted.’ They will all be sorely missed.

The masonic achievements of the above brethren can be found on the Grand Lodge website.

Brethren, I have no doubt that this year will be a good year. It will bring with it some challenges. We will meet and overcome these challenges with Humility, Kindness and Generosity.

I thank you all for your attention and support.