Masonic Charities in Adelaide, South Australia | Charitable organisation

Masonic Charities

Locality: Adelaide, South Australia

Address: 254 North Terrace 5000 Adelaide, SA, Australia

Website: https://masoniccharities.com.au

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25.01.2022 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grand-installation-2021-ant

25.01.2022 Hear the full story of how our wheelchair access bus donation to the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network is giving aged care residents new freedom! As broadcast this morning on ABC Riverland

24.01.2022 Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Malcolm Schluter's address to the Brethren at Port Darwin Lodge #41 - 12 November 2020 following a Second Degree Ceremony for the passing of four candidates. Worshipful Master, I thank you for your good work by way of livening our great organisation and also to thank you and your team for what has been a wonderful meal, and to share in the friendship, which is the essence of why we are here, by seeking to do good in the world, and to improve the br...Continue reading

24.01.2022 A terrific article by The Murray Pioneer. Masonic Charities is so proud to give to the local community and contribute to changing lives for the better. #community #philanthropy

24.01.2022 Masonic Charities Cheque presentation to The Starlight Children’s Foundation Botanic Park, Adelaide Thursday 17 September 2020 In celebration of the partnership and the reopening of Starlight's Healthier Futures Initiative program in regional and remote Aboriginal communities, Dr Neil Jensen presented a cheque at Botanic Park on September 17, marking the first instalment of Masonic Charities’ $900,000 donation to Starlight.... The celebration was attended by representatives from local health clinics, Masonic Charities, Starlight and Masonic Charities’ Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia. Thanks to the $900,000 grant the Starlight Children’s Foundation will help bridge the health gap for Indigenous children throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory. Starlight’s Healthier Futures Initiative (HFI) uses entertainment featuring Starlight’s superhero, Captain Starlight to help focus on detection and early treatment of chronic conditions for Indigenous children in rural and remote communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. John Behenna, Chairman of Masonic Charities, said the partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation was part of Freemasonry’s substantial contribution to "advancing the human condition". "There is much good in the world and we are delighted to be part of it," Mr Behenna said. "The Masonic Charities Board, as the vanguard of Freemason philanthropy, seeks an ambitious agenda in benevolence, in South Australia and the Northern Territory, of which this magnificent project is a part." Neil Jensen, who sits on the Board of Directors for Masonic Charities as the Grand Master of the Freemasons of South Australia and the Northern Territory, said it was an honour to help promote and develop the continuing positive work of the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Dr Jensen said helping children who were fearful of medical treatment to be more relaxed and comfortable aligned with the core values of Freemasonry. "Freemasons invest in people," Dr Jensen said. Picture 1 - Pictured in front (L-R) Grand Master, Freemasons SA & NT & Director, Masonic Charities, Dr Neil Jensen, Chairman, Masonic Charities, John Behenna, Chairman, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Mark Watson, Governor of South Australia, His Excellency, the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC and Starlight Children’s Foundation, State Partnerships Manager, Monique Littlejohn Picture 2 - Captain Starlight entertaining the guests. Picture 3 - Governor of South Australia, His Excellency, the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Mrs Norma Jensen and Starlight Children’s Foundation, Chairman, Mark Watson. Picture 4 - Grand Master, Freemasons SA & NT & Director, Masonic Charities Dr Neil Jensen addressing the guests. Picture 4 - Chairman, Masonic Charities, John Behenna addressing the guests.

22.01.2022 We're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with Masonic Charities SA/NT to help provide our Healthier Futures Initiative to kids in rural South Australia a...nd the Northern Territory Masonic Charities have committed an incredible $900,000 over the next 3 years to help us bridge the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We can't wait to see what we can achieve together over the next 3 years

22.01.2022 Terrific Installation ceremony at Renmark on Saturday. SGW Marcin Stankiewicz conducted his first Installation, and WBro Gary Moate, his first as Assistant Gran...d Director. WB Allan Smith OAM, PGJD, MSA, a great townsman, who epitomises all of the virtues of an outstanding Freemason, was honoured by MWGM Neil Jensen on taking the chair once again. PAGM Robert Clyne OAM and I were most impressed with the six Filipino brethren who have recently joined Renmark Lodge, including Bro Pernito, a recent immigrant who became a Master Mason in the Philippines, and now Junior Warden of Renmark Lodge. See more

22.01.2022 Clare Installation Response by Grand Master - 5 Sept 2020 Thank you to .WBro Neil Fisher . For your toast and you Brethren for the manner in which you honoured it. Worshipful Master, Distinguished Guests, DGM, AGM, DGS, Ladies Gentlemen and Brethren, it is very satisfying to be present in an area where Freemasonry has been practiced since 1860. Its presence has had a positive impact on the development of this town and this district. ...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Bulletin: Do NOT be lured into CONTEMPT for this Covid-19 Virus Date: 5/10/20 From: The Grand Master Freemasons of SA & NT, MWBro Dr Neil Jensen ...Continue reading

21.01.2022 10 September 2020 World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and Australia’s R U OK? Day Freemasons embracing community concerns...Continue reading

20.01.2022 The Grand Master, Dr Neil Jensen and the Board of Masonic Charities, congratulate fellow VWBro Joe Ienco OAM, Director of Masonic Charities and President of the Board of Management, AF&AM Inc. on winning these internationally recognised awards.

19.01.2022 Introducing "The Freemason"

19.01.2022 The official christening of the 'Freemason' search & rescue vessel was a great success >>> Thanks for support from SA Governor Hieu Van Le and Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia >>> Courtesy of a $312,000 donation from Masonic Charities the Lower Lakes & beyond will be safer.

18.01.2022 MW Bro. Honourable Sir Eric Neal AC CVO is a former Governor of South Australia who's much admired for his immense contribution to the corporate world. He’s directed Coca-Cola Amatil and John Fairfax and been chair of Westpac and BHP as well as CEO of Boral to name a few... He's also lived 75 years as a Freemason. In this in-depth conversation Eric and his son Peter share an intimate insight into Freemasonry detailing how it works, dispelling some of the myths and explaining why it could be the right fit for men aspiring to be the best versions of themselves.

18.01.2022 January 24, 2021 FREEMASONS CENTRE FOR MALE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IVF FOR FEMALE FACTOR INFERTILITY (MALE FERTILE) IS SUPERIOR... FCMHW Article link: https://www.fcmhw.org.au/news/ivfvsics Scientific article link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33409756/

17.01.2022 Starlight Children’s Foundation: presentation of support ceremony Healthier Futures Initiative Reception: Grand Master - 17 Sept 2020 Please let me acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today; I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present....Continue reading

14.01.2022 If you'd like to join the live stream, please join Adelaide Haunted Horizons Ghost Tour Page. The stream commences at 8pm (ish) CST - Monday 30 November 2020

13.01.2022 Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation by MicroRNA-194 Promotes Neuroendocrine Transdifferentiation in Prostate Cancer. FCMHW Article link: https://www.fcmhw.org.au/news/mirna194-nepc Scientific article link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33406413/

12.01.2022 Secret masonic handshakes are the original method used by Freemasons to verify their identity. The tradition dates back many centuries to when stone masons would use this method as a way of proving their level of qualification to a new employer.

12.01.2022 OCCASIONAL REPORT FROM THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Dear Respected Brethren, In this newsletter I wish to keep you abreast of some of the projects currently underway... within the fraternity, and which by necessity is most important that you are fully aware. GRAND MASTER’S MEMBERSHIP DRIVE For the first time in years our membership is growing! We are on the cusp of a 5% increase unheard of anywhere in Australia. It has not just happened but it is the result of a sustained effort by the Membership Committee group of talented men who have marketed Freemasonry to the wider community using various medium, including the enhanced web-page, Facebook, radio ads on Cruise 1323, and publicity via the great work by Masonic Charities. While most of the new applicants have been drawn from the city, there have been some from country areas and hopefully the new buses provided to the Riverland and to Port Lincoln will contribute to more enquiries from young men. I understand the Port Lincoln bus is currently in Adelaide being fitted out and embellished with our emblems and signs. GRANDVIEW MEMBERSHIP DATABASE After considerable research and investigation Grand Lodge has introduced an American membership database known as ‘Grandview’, which will transform the way lodges undertake much of the tedious bookwork moving away from ‘pen and quill’ to a fully automated system. Lodge secretaries will update the membership data of their respective lodges, input lodge reports and a myriad of other opportunities which will enhance our operations and bring the fraternity into modern day operations. This will be complemented by the installation of a new telephone system at Grand Lodge this month, which will be a great step forward in the work to further improve our office management. The new system will also incorporate the other Orders Mark, Mariners and Chapter and training for the new system will begin soon. Additionally, Freemasons Hall is currently being connected to the ‘Ten Gigabit Adelaide’ revolutionary high-performance fibre optic data network which will enable GL and tenants to share and receive high volumes of data at phenomenal high speed. STREAMLINING OUR RITUALS VIDE COVID RESTRICTIONS The Rituals and Procedures Committee has undertaken the long task of interrogating our rituals to enable degree work and installation ceremonies to occur within the COVID stipulations. It is possible with some agility and thought and to follow the guidelines which have been distributed to happily conduct our ceremonies. While we cannot shake hands for example, I do not consider that the transmission of that ancient symbol of our teachings is vitally crucial to our way of life. I ask you when was the last time you needed to test whether a man was indeed a brother, by the handshake. It is the spirit of the meaning and understanding of our ceremonies which are the prime importance. Over the last two Sundays the GL Ceremonial Team has been rehearsing Installation ceremonies to be ready for the forthcoming batch and despite COVID restrictions, ways and means have been found to perform the ceremony quite adequately and smoothly. OVERHAUL OF THE REGULATIONS Over time the Regulations of our fraternity have been amended piecemeal and as a result now embrace corporate as well as the guidelines for lodge administration into what is a rather unwieldy document. It is also undertaking the objective of the Grand Master to enable postal/electronic voting of major decisions which will enable the entire membership to participate in the decision-making rather than say the 70 members who physically attend a Communication and for the first time enable country brethren to participate. The Regulations Review Committee is well advanced in its review and will bring to the April 2021 Grand Communication a raft of amendments which again will advance our management towards modern corporate management to which we should all aspire. While our organisation is the most ancient of men’s fraternities, we should not manage it in an arcane manner or abiding by outmoded management processes. RECEPTION FOR SIR ERIC NEAL On Friday last I was present with the Grand Master and others to welcome Sir Eric Neal to the Grand Master’s suite to honour a highly distinguished Freemason and to recognise his 75 years’ service to our Craft. Sir Eric was accompanied by his son WB Peter and recalled the various lodges he joined over the years in SA and interstate. He is of course a former Governor of our State, former chairman of Westpac and Boral and rightly considered one of South Australia’s greatest ‘sons’ and a Captain of Industry. Following the reception Sir Eric was taken to a recording studio where he participated in a Podcast concerning his life as a Freemason and what Freemasonry meant to him. The Podcast will be linked to the GL website, Facebook Page and on to YouTube. It is expected that the Podcast will be the first of many interviews of prominent Freemasons, and as such is part of the current programme to ‘take the light from under the bushel’. CAFÉ TO OPEN AT GRAND LODGE Given the extraordinary work undertaken to restore our Craft to financial stability and to ‘break even’ after many years of rolling deficits, the body blow of COVID has been very damaging owing to the inability to hire out the Freemasons Hall. In order to compensate for this unfortunate circumstance a café is about to open in the basement area. A well known and successful entrepreneur Greg Hobby is about to open the café and it will be complemented with a second-hand bookshop in the same area of the basement. LIVENING OF LODGE MEETINGS With the influx of record levels of new brethren entering our membership, it is crucial that we do everything in our power to make sure these new brethren gain a positive experience within the Lodge. This is characterised by collegiality and an aura of joy and happiness abounding. Cast aside all matters of negativity and make sure you always embrace the principles and tenets contained within our little blue book. And whether it is the first, second or third degree, make sure explanations are extended either during or after the delivery of set pieces of ritual. Don’t follow the old way of rapidly delivering ritual so that the poor candidate stands there on the floor of the Lodge wondering what he has got himself into! We must make sure our meetings are interesting and not lose new members after a year or so as so often happens. Another suggestion used by some lodges is to have the Entered Apprentice give a presentation on a simple matter associated with something from the ceremony soon after his initiation. MULTI-FAITH MEETING In an endeavour to reach out to men of other faiths, several meetings have recently been held with representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Bahai, and other groups under the All Faiths Association of SA in the hope that by building relationships with these groups a better understanding of Freemasonry will take place and lead to more interest from adherents to those faiths. It is worth noting that Australia is now home to a wide range of nationalities and we can no longer claim to be Anglo-Australian as we were from time immemorial. Our nation has undergone a significant demographic change but we have failed to make an impact among those groupings, by way of targeting men especially those from nations where Freemasonry is particularly strong. REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY For the past year or two the Grand Master has stressed the importance of remembering the fallen on Remembrance Day, 11 November. On ANZAC Day in 2018 and 2019 brethren marched along in regalia, from Freemasons Hall to the State War Memorial. The significant YouTube presentation of Freemasons SA&NT shown extensively on ANZAC Day this year has attracted widespread acknowledgement. At Port Lincoln of course two wreaths are laid by our Lodge, one from our brothers from Lincolnshire and the other from our own Lodge. To commemorate Remembrance Day this year the Grand Master has arranged for another video presentation to be created, which again strengthens our fraternity’s close association to the Great Wars of the 20th Century. MASONIC CHARITIES The great work performed by Masonic Charities continues to attract wide media coverage and contributes I believe to the growing interest in Freemasonry. As a Director of the company I can attest that a lot of work goes into the decision making of the large corpus ($64M) held by the Trust. Morgan Stanley Investment Management is responsible for the ‘wealth management’ of our fund, and despite COVID and the downturn of the economy our investments in Australian and international stocks are faring very well indeed. I noticed that Morgan Stanley held the No. 1 position in The Australian newspaper’s list of best performing wealth managers which augers well for the future. While the work of Masonic Charities extends across all of our Districts, I note there has been an absence of projects from Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie and this must be addressed. FUTURE OF FREEMASONS HALL Without being critical of past administrations, it must be said however that our iconic Freemasons Hall has been neglected since our centenary year of 1984. Without regular repair and upgrading it has seriously deteriorated and now requiring several millions of dollars to restore it. Over the last couple of years through cutting of staff, careful management of GL budget, throwing open the building for hiring of functions and the like, we are slowly breaking even. The Grand Master’s Task Force No.1 is responsible for the restoration of the building, in line with the Dilapidation Report. Work is being currently undertaken in relation to replacing the guttering, electrical work, replacing fire and security alarms. Much of this work goes unseen of course, but is vital nonetheless. Work is continuing regarding opportunities for development of the rear block and several options are under investigation. Bookings for social functions, weddings and other activities are now being received with the relaxation of COVID restrictions. MY IMPRESSIONS As I move around the Lodges and Masonic events, I am impressed by the renewed confidence expressed by so many brethren concerning the reawakening of Freemasonry in the wider community, and the exciting projects underway. Long may this continue Brethren Malcolm Schluter Deputy Grand Master

12.01.2022 St John Ambulance SA Free CPR Program Following the receipt of a $600,000 grant from Masonic Charities SA & NT, St John Ambulance SA has begun its three-year program that will see 6,000 people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)* in South Australia and the Northern Territory, in conjunction with St John Ambulance NT. The first of many CPR courses was held Friday, 13 November 2020, at the Masonic Grand Lodge on North Terrace, Adelaide. 18 participants took part i...n the first course and were trained in the lifesaving skills of CPR. The commencement of this first aid training was a landmark occasion, signifying the beginning of a three-year program that will benefit thousands of South Australians and no doubt help to save lives in the community, said St John Ambulance SA Chief Executive Officer, Mark Groote. Administering CPR can often be the difference between life and death in the crucial minutes before help arrives, which is why it is so important that everyone is trained in this lifesaving skill Mr Groote said. The CPR training is available to Freemason Lodge members, as well as to members of the general public in both metropolitan and regional areas of South Australia and some parts of the Northern Territory. The courses are being delivered at both Freemason Lodges and St John first aid training centres. We are excited to see St John’s CPR training commence at The Grand Lodge and various other venues this week. These positive training sessions adhere to our age old dictum: ‘we invest in people’, said Dr Neil Jensen, Grand Master of Freemasonry SA &NT. Each participant that is funded by the grant will receive a St John and Masonic Charities co-branded first aid kit to equip them with the necessary supplies to remain first aid ready at home. To find out more or book into one of these free courses, call 1300 78 5646 or email [email protected]

11.01.2022 Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network Wheelchair Access Bus-14 Seater Presentation by Grand Master Thursday 20 August at Renmark, SA I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present....Continue reading

11.01.2022 FREEMASONS TO THE RESCUE

10.01.2022 Wine Sales Fundraising Initiative - Masonic Charities As a Fundraising Initiative for Masonic Charities we are pleased to offer you a select Red Wine. This handcrafted Single Vineyard Shiraz from the Barossa Valley has had extended time in barrel with the use of different aged oak allowing the wines natural essences to infiltrate, without... overpowering the natural tannin structure of the wine. Blackberry essences combined with a background of licorice and chocolate give this 95-point rated wine its deep ruby red colour. This Shiraz would complement any dining experience or indeed make a statement at a Festive Board! We are offering you this high-quality wine at $180.00 per dozen or $90.00 per half dozen. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your support and assistance in keeping Freemasonry alive. The window of opportunity is limited, with purchases only available between 1st December and 20th December 2020. Get your orders in before Christmas! Please contact Kerrell to place your order: [email protected] or Ph 0428 326 66

09.01.2022 Researchers at the new Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing NT chapter are leading the way in the study of Indigenous men's health. Here's an example of some of the great work being done by the team from Menzies School of Health Research. With Masonic Charities contributing 1.8 million in funding to the FCMHW over 3 years, it's only the beginning. https://www.croakey.org/understanding-health-literacy-amon/

07.01.2022 The Grand Master, MW Bro Dr Neil Jensen, together with Junior Grand Warden, RW Bro The Hon David Tollner met with the Leader of Government Business, Minister for Health in the Northern Territory The Hon Natasha Fyles, during a recent visit to Darwin. Dr Jensen took the opportunity to inform the Minister on the various benevolent contributions Freemasonry has provided to health initiatives in the Northern Territory, including refugee integration, free CPR training, the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing NT Research Centre and supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation with its Healthier Futures Program.

06.01.2022 Masonic Charities donation boosts disability sailing program https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au//masonic-charities-d/

05.01.2022 Darwin Lodge of Remembrance.- August 2020 RW Bro Rob Clyne OAM PAGM and his wife Leonie made time to travel to Darwin to be with our new Junior Grand Warden RW Bro The Hon Dave Tollner as he conducted his first Installation. This special event was in his own Lodge as he Installed Bro Steven Doherty into the Chair as Master of Darwin Lodge of Remembrance No 182. It was a wonderful celebration of Freemasonry and RW Bro Tollner, ably assisted by a GL Installing Team led by W Br...o Gene Truran as the AGDC, gave a memorable performance. It was a privilege to be present and I appreciate being invited to deliver the Address to the Master said Rob. It was 12 months since my last visit he said. Bro Clyne also used the occasion to present the Lodge with its revised By-Laws, which brought spontaneous applause from those present. As well, he also presented W Bro Doherty and the Installing Officer with a new Grand Lodge tie on behalf of Masonic Charities and RW Bro Les Moody PAGM with an AGM’s neck jewel on behalf of the Grand Master MW Bro Dr Neil Jensen. Pictured above is RW Bro Clyne OAM PAGM with the new revised Lodge By-Laws with the Installing Officer RW Bro Dave Tollner JGW, the new WM W Bro Steven Doherty and members of Darwin Lodge of Remembrance.

05.01.2022 We're very excited to share our first vodcast episode with the former Governor of South Australia and proud Freemason of 75 years, Sir Eric Neal. Here's a snippet from the conversation with Eric and his son Peter. Keep an eye out for the full interview coming soon.

02.01.2022 We're very proud to be launching the NT division of the new Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing in Darwin today. The centre is the evolution of the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health and will lead Australia into the future of male health research.

02.01.2022 HUGH MACKAY AO Friday 11 September, 6pm, ACST An Online Event, presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre... Hugh Mackay AO will be in-conversation with The Honourable Reverend Dr Lynn Arnold AO FAICD Hear one of Australia’s most respected social psychologists, Hugh Mackay AO, talk about his new book The Inner Self. He explains the differences between our ‘inner’ and ‘social’ selves and, in the process, takes us to the heart of what it means to be human. Hugh will also draw on his new novel, The Question of Love, to add a more intimate dimension to his exploration of the mysteries of human love. Please register your interest for this FREE event. https://www.unisa.edu.au//Haw/Events-calendar/hugh_mackay/

01.01.2022 A big thank you to those who gave up their time today to participate in our vessel familiarisation sessions and complete further on water training... Another 8 people up-skilled today, all super competent operators and great blokes to be around!