GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

Good evening brethren and thank you for showing your support to Freemasonry by your attendance this evening. I extend a particular welcome to those brethren who have travelled great distances to be with us tonight, not only from within South Australia, but the Northern Territory. A special welcome to the Fellowcraft Freemasons who are with us tonight.

Brethren would be aware that in recent times either myself, my Deputy Grand Master or the Grand Superintendent have attended each District Meeting, with the exception of Northern Territory Top End and V.W. Bro. Greenwood District Grand Superintendent, used the same reference material in communicating with brethren in that District. This practice of accessibility at leadership level will continue and the various issues raised are addressed on the spot or will result in further activity,

There has been some activity in relation to this building. The new owners have commissioned soil samples and an electronic survey both inside and outside has been completed. We will keep our membership informed as events take place. When the development is completed a concerted effort will be made to ensure that our building is used to its capacity. It is our intention to invite the Masonic Foundation to relocate to the Masonic Centre and this strategy has the support of the Board of the Foundation.

The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Grand Lodge and the Duke of Edinburgh Lodge at Moonta. This Memorandum allows for the transfer of the title to Grand Lodge and, because of the historic significance of the building, the Asset Fund will refurbish and maintain the building. Once the refurbishment is complete lodges will be advised and the building will be available for use to all lodges that may wish to hold meetings in this unique building.

I am delighted and proud of the support given by Freemasons to our recent Appeals, firstly the Tsunami Appeal and then the Bushfire Appeal.

No sooner had the Tsunami Appeal been launched when we had our own disaster with the bushfire on Eyre Peninsula.

It was always intended that the Tsunami Appeal would be a ‘national’ endeavour. At the recent Grand Masters’ Conference in Melbourne it was agreed that the Australasian Grand Lodges would combine their fund raising efforts and enter into an agreement with the Salesian Brothers of Don Bosco, (a Catholic charitable organisation) and build a hostel in Sri Lanka adjacent to a school. This will allow homeless or orphaned young people to receive an education and contribute to the future of their devastated areas. The Salesion Brothers do not skim any money for administrative purposes and ALL of the money contributed will go towards the hostel. A National Press Release will take place when the mechanisms are in place. This endeavour has the approval of the Board of the Masonic Foundation.

In South Australia and the Northern Territory over $71,000 was raised for the Tsunami Appeal. Final national figures are not yet available but are expected to be in the vicinity of $350,000.

The Bush Fire Appeal has received even greater support, in excess of $82,000. Without any solicitation we have also received donations from Interstate lodges and individuals.

The Executive Director and Chairman of the Masonic Foundation have already visited the bush fire area twice and will be taking advice from the local Freemasons on the best possible way to provide support from these funds.

It is not always easy to get seven Grand Masters to agree on one particular strategy, but we have achieved success with the Tsunami Appeal and further progress was made re an endeavour commenced by M.W. Bro Tucker in regard to a national project for Freemasons throughout Australasia. During September/October of next year all Freemasons in Australasia will be invited to commit to a National Mens’ Health Week. This Health Week will have a particular emphasis on Prostate Cancer. I look forward to providing further information to you.

Can I take this opportunity to compliment all brethren and ladies who were involved with the planning that resulted in the success of our Inaugural Art Exhibition. What wonderful exposure Freemasonry received as a result of this event. I believe in excess of 1,000 people attended over the three days and approximately 100 took advantage of the tours of our building. I give special thanks to W.Bro Ray Nicholson and his group of willing helpers who worked extremely hard to make this function the outstanding success that it was. I believe it is intended to hold the event again next year in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival of Arts.

You have already heard from Bro. Doug Strain informing us of the activities of the Masonic Homes. I commend the Board of the Homes in their aggressive and confident approach to the future.

Likewise to the Masonic Foundation, to Chairman R.W. Bro. Geoff Benny and your Board and the Executive Director V.W. Bro Robert Clyne your ongoing dedication to the charitable works of Freemasonry is much appreciated.

Can I take this opportunity to thank those brethren who accompanied Adele and I to New Zealand, Tasmania and Melbourne for their Grand Installations.

Information is forthcoming about the Grand Installation in New South Wales to be held in early August and of course, in November of this Year the Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will be hosting the World Conference of Freemasons in Sydney. Again information will be provided when it becomes available.

Tonight we have invested a number of new Officers into their various positions in Grand Lodge. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to those ‘retiring’ brethren. In particular our Grand Director, V.W. Bro. Tony Wilson. Thank you Tony for your efforts over the previous year.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our Grand Organist, V.W. Bro Peter Fraser for his dedication to his duty as Grand Organist. V.W. Bro Peter came to our rescue in 1993 when the incumbent Grand Organist became ill and was unable to attend the Grand Installation of M.W. Bro David Fewster. With just two weeks notice V.W. Bro. Peter filled the role with great distinction and has been our Grand Organist to this time. Our grateful thanks go to Peter Fraser and we wish him well in his retirement.

I also thank the Grand Lodge Stewards for their support.

Finally, to my Deputy Grand Master, thank you Graham for your support and endeavour, and to my Assistant Grand Master, its not always easy working out of Melbourne, but I thank you Paul in particular with your special task relating to buildings.

To the Grand Secretary and his office staff thank you Max for your contribution to our organisation.

Rob Casson

Grand Master

COMMUNICATION ADDRESS  April 2005                                    Back to Biography