QuarterlyCommunication

welcomes you to theMarch Quarterly Communication.Tune in via live-stream.

7.30pm Wednesday 18 March 2020 Freemasons Melbourne

Bro. Keith Murray, Grand Master

COMMUNICATION of the UNITED GRAND LODGE

OF ANTIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF VICTORIA

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2020 AT 7:30PM BUSINESS MEETING

AGENDA

[1] Welcome to all in attendance and Grand Master those livestreaming to their homes. [2] Confirmation of the Minutes of the Meeting

of Grand Lodge held on 18 December 2019 PBGP

[3] Report of the Board of General Purposes PBGP Report of the Board of Directors of Royal Freemasons Report of the Freemasons Foundation [4] Constitutional Reform Update Grand Registrar [5] Presentation on Freemasons Bayside WBro. Robert Brannand

Chairman of Audit and Risk [6] Presentation on the Marketing and Communications VAT RWBro. Andrew McPhee GSuptCom [7] Appointment of District Coordinator (proclamation) Grand Master [8] Promotions Grand Master [9] Brethren deceased since last Communication Grand Master [10] Address by the MW Grand Master Grand Master [11] Close of Business Meeting

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BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES REPORT

FOR THE QUARTERLY COMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2020

As this is my last report for the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge as President of the Board of General Purposes, I am taking the time to reflect on the successes and failures that we have had over the past two years. It cannot be denied that the last two years has seen a change in Freemasonry, especially within our Constitutions; a change that I hope will continue to drive the growth of Freemasonry into the future. Our organisation has a wonderful history, one that frames our behaviours and our view on society, but we must remember that, as Freemasons, we have an obligation and duty to improve the Craft for those that follow us. We must reflect on our ritual and consider what it is saying to each of us every time we hear it. “Transmitted, pure and unsullied as you now receive it” Our role, as Freemasons is to lead the Craft into the future, to understand that our journey is only part of a rich tapestry that frames our society, but we must also understand that change is necessary. Our organisation consists of Baby Boomers as the primary demographic, but our growth will not come from that generation. Baby Boomers have different expectations to the newest generations, but they are surprisingly well-connected online. They do, however, have a rich and full offline life. To reach Boomers with our message, keep these tips in mind:

• Reach out to clubs, churches and other local groups. • Appeal to their sense of family, and newfound freedom in retirement. • Target carefully on social media, making sure to focus on platforms where this generation is

most active. However, our organisation needs to grow in a new demographic. If we want to reach Millennials, we must avoid the mistake of treating them like their parents. Baby Boomers and Millennials could not be more different. We cannot expect the next generation to behave and react in the same way Baby Boomers reacted. We cannot expect them to rally around a decision because an authority has said it is true. We cannot use language that dismisses their opinions and assumes that they will just toe the line. This is a generation of change, and one that will actively rebel against authority if it is seen to be draconian. We cannot expect our Craft to be managed as it was 10, 20 and 30 years ago. That will not work today. To reach the next generation we must:

• Appeal to their need for experiences, rather than “stuff.” • Focus advertising efforts on social media and other online channels. • Millennials are a very large and diverse generation; we must narrow our audience within this

generation for best results. • Strongly consider influencer marketing. • Remember, Millennials like to know the “why” behind what they do, and where they volunteer

their time. This change must come from within our Lodges, Districts and Grand Lodge. Our leadership, at all levels cannot dictate what they want, but must engage our membership in the experience. It must be a shared goal and ideal. This is especially difficult for our leadership. Many of our Senior Freemasons are Baby Boomers; it is how they have been brought up and they will resist the change. However, as the Board has driven change over the past two years, change must come from within and must be shared. It cannot be dictated from above and it is my hope that the change we have driven from the Board will

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continue into the next Grand Master’s term. More importantly, I feel so strongly about this practice, that I will continue to use my voice, to encourage our membership to speak and to challenge our leadership if they fail to continue the practices of transparency that we all expect. The newest Freemasons must be allowed to have a voice and their voice must be heard. Instinctive as this is, it is difficult for our senior members as they are not inclined to take a new approach. Too often in Lodges we hear that this is not how we did it or that this is not my Freemasonry. We must remember that Freemasonry is universal, it will out-live all of us and we must understand that our role is to be the catalyst and supporters of change. I encourage every member, especially those with less Masonic experience to never lose their voice. To question authority with respect and make our Craft into the image of your future and not theirs. That is what I have tried to achieve over the past two years, and I hope that this change will continue into the new year. As a Board, we have had a successful two years. It has been framed around “giving our Craft back to our members” – to allow each of us to have a voice and to build our Craft’s financial future. Over the past two years we have:

• Completed the Eastbourne Project, that has had a major impact on our financial stability and will allow Freemasonry to invest in the future.

• Leasing of Freemasons Bayside to add to our portfolio of non-Masonic income. • Purchased the adjacent building in Wodonga to help drive growth in that region. • Completed a governance review of the Bayside project and have subsequently improved the

governance processes internally. • Approved a full governance review of our organisation to ensure that processes, policies and

procedures are in-line with industry standard and corporate structures. • Received advice on how to address a not-for-profit status to drive our benevolence. • Performed a detailed review of our organisational structure. • Managed change in our organisation, including planning for new venues, a move to Freemasons

Melbourne and changes in senior staff members. • Planned 40+ forums and workshops to engage with our members and commence discussions

on the constitutional review process. • Three new Lodges have been formed or approved, and we have empowered Lodges to own their

Masonic experience, including those around Filipino and Indian culture and Belgian Ritual. • Commenced changes to the District Co-ordinator program to support local management. • Invested over $2M in supporting Masonic Buildings throughout the state. • Brought our expenditure and income to a balanced budget. • Introduced Electronic Voting to give all members a voice.

I would like to thank all the Senior Grand Officers that managed Volunteer Action Teams (VAT). This was a concept introduced under Bro. Richard Elkington which has tried to frame the outcomes of volunteers to the aims, principles and strategic objectives of the organisation. These volunteer teams are designed to drive programs that are then executed by our office staff and additional volunteers. Each of the VATs has worked to build a program of work and I hope that the new administration supports their implementation. I would also like to congratulate Bro. Peter Clarke on his appointment as Senior Grand Warden and congratulate him for the service he has provided to the Craft over many years. As a Board member, Bro. Peter has served tirelessly for 7 years and this promotion back into the Ceremonial Team is a testament to changes that he has been actively involved in.

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Finally, I would like to congratulate Bro. Keith Murray for his efforts for Freemasonry. Bro. Keith has served as a Senior Grand Officer and Board member for over 11 years. The financial position that Freemasons Victoria is in today has been positively impacted due to his efforts and expertise. We can all consider our legacy when we move on, but Bro. Keith’s legacy will remain with the Craft for generations. His influence and impact is immeasurable and our international and national reputation has been driven by his passion for the Craft. I am proud to have served in Bro. Keith’s team and wish him and Fiona all the best for the future. Brethren, we cannot operate any longer as a fraternity alone in the wilderness. The environment that we operate in does not permit that. We cannot rely on a few individuals to achieve greatness as we all need to be working for the betterment of the Craft. When we see successful programs, we must celebrate them; emulate them and drive positivity into our membership, our Lodges and our Districts. We must act professionally and meet our obligations as a fraternity, as a business and as custodians of our Craft. We must also call out bad behaviour and not tolerate those Brethren that seek to undermine the voice of our membership, our Lodge leaders and our elected members. Those men are not practicing the tenets of our Craft and must be held to account; in extreme cases, they should be removed from our organisation. On a personal note, I wish that I could say that I have achieved all that I set out to accomplish but that is not the case. However, the Board will continue to support activities pertaining to constitutional change and the membership experience. I am proud of the accomplishments that have been completed, the most important of which is empowering our membership. By changing the voting methodology, every one of us has moved from being an observer of our journey to an active participant. I leave this role with a sense of regret, having not completed all I wanted to, but with a sense of pride in the journey we have taken. I leave my role with two quotes, driven from the Suffragette movement and give my vow that whilst I have a voice in Freemasonry, I will continue to work for the betterment of our Craft, regardless of any personal impact.

"The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls. Every truth we see is ours to give the world, not to keep for ourselves alone, for in so doing we cheat humanity out of their rights and check our own development." - Elizabeth Cady Stanton "Deeds, not Words” - Emmeline Pankhurst

Fraternally,

Bro. Justin Stark President of the Board of General Purposes

A message from Bro. Keith Murray, Grand Master Brethren all,

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we Freemasons must continue to uphold our tenets and remember those who may require some extra support. Make sure to keep in touch with one another, either on the phone or at a safe social distance, especially with the elderly Brethren who may be feeling the burden of all this. We each have a responsibility to uphold benevolence, and while it is difficult to maintain at a distance, we must think about our Brothers who need help, especially those who cannot complete their groceries. We must all act as Almoners now and truly embody what it is to be a Freemason.

Paul Keating once said that “in a two horse race, always back self-interest, because at least you know it’s trying!”

I may have an idealistic approach to Freemasonry, but from my visits to various Lodges in all different parts of Victoria, what I can see in our Brethren is a similar passion for our teachings. You are putting the interests of others before yourselves and in the process, bringing a renewed strength and vitality to your Lodges. Many Lodges are now experiencing more men wanting to join our ranks. This is not limited to metropolitan Lodges, for I know of Lodges in Horsham, Ballarat, Wodonga and Sale, all having new members joining, more so now than in previous years. Most importantly more Brethren are retaining their membership than in years past, because in their Lodges they are finding Freemasonry truly being practised. Remember a lodge is a group of freemasons, with a heart, not a building.

It is also evident in the generous support for the Disaster Relief Fund; with a total now approaching $800,000 this is a fantastic achievement in itself.

However, to my mind, it is not the amount of money raised which is the most impressive part of this effort; it is the selflessness of so many Brethren and their families in working together, in so many ways. Some of the efforts have been packing food parcels, delivering clothes and toiletries. Others worked with other groups such as the Sikh, Muslim and Thai communities all while building cross-cultural bridges. Others have used their imagination to bring families and friends together for various fund raising efforts, both small and large.

That same spirit and belief we are part of something worthwhile is what will get us through this current crisis. We need to use our imagination to keep our brethren together. No-one must be left behind.

Some may well be right; Freemasonry is not what it was a few decades ago. Frankly, past glories are of no consequence right now!

Our future is bright if we keep on pushing the boundaries and truly practice Freemasonry in ways suited to the 21st Century. By these steps, we will restore our pride of place in the community. We have the best organisation in the world and all of what I have outlined above should give us all some satisfaction in that we are on the right track.

So Mr Keating, in the race of life, we can now back Freemasonry to win!

Fraternally,

Bro. Keith Murray

Grand Master

Report to the Communication

M A R C H 2 0 2 0

Royal Freemasons helping communities in need

Over recent months Victoria and New South Wales has seen some devastating fires that have impacted a large portion of the east of the state. These fires have devastated wildlife and properties and affected the lives of our local communities here and gained international attention.

In January this year, Royal Freemasons was so pleased we could play our part, by providing assistance to aged care residents who were evacuated from their homes in areas under threat.

Benalla’s Facility Manager, David Gullick, said Benalla was approached by nearby aged care homes located in Bright and Corryong, and welcomed 27 residents into the Royal Freemasons family while dedicated firefighters and communities provided assistance on the front line.

Fires raging along East Gippsland called on our Homes in Moe and Sale, who welcomed with open arms more than 30 evacuees.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those who lost homes and businesses in effected areas, and we are very pleased to have been able to open our doors to assist our local communities during this time.

Bushfire Bingo Fundraisers

A huge thank you to our CFA, SES and emergency service volunteers

The residents of a number of Royal Freemasons Homes arranged ‘Bushfire Bingo’ to raise funds in support and recognition of the wonderful community spirit and dedication of our CFA, SES and emergency service volunteers. Money raised will go directly to those affected via the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

On behalf of the Royal Freemasons we welcome all fundraising efforts across our facilities, and encourage those that can volunteer time, goods or services, to please make contact and support those that need our help.

Become an integral part of the Royal Freemasons team

At the heart of our community, our valued volunteers provide regular companionship, conversation and friendship to our residents. We offer a range of activities to suit people of all ages and backgrounds.

Volunteer opportunities:

• Minibus driving at our residential aged care facilities across Melbourne

• Lifestyle activities supporting our residents in art, craft, men’s groups, reading groups, music therapy, church services, bocce, bingo, live entertainment, pet therapy, shopping trips, wheelchair walks and day outings

• Supporting our home care customers We welcome volunteers who have time to stop by for a cup of tea or coffee to chat, provide support or companionship to our residents and clients who may be feeling socially isolated or need a friendly face.

• Wellness services, supporting our therapy staff during the exercise groups and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in the gym

• Fundraising

If you are interested in volunteering, please call 1300 1 ROYAL (1300 176 925) to discuss our volunteer opportunities that best match your skills and interests.

We have a vibrant calendar full of activities, entertainment and assistance, along with wonderful friendly residents who would welcome you with open arms.

On behalf of the homes, thank you for your continued support.

Yours fraternally,

WBro Ian Wollermann, PGIW Chairman of the Board

W.A Tope Building, 45 Moubray Street Melbourne Vic 3004, PO Box 553 East Melbourne Vic 8002 T: (03) 8535 4780 www.freemasonsfoundation.org Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited ACN 159 528 122 Trustee for: Freemasons Benevolent Fund ABN 77 505 868 957 and The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation ABN 97 577 321 065

REPORT TO THE MARCH 2020 QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA

Freemasons Foundation Victoria Disaster Relief Fund In January, we launched the Freemasons Foundation Victoria Disaster Relief Fund which was aimed toward the recovery, reconstruction and prevention projects for the communities in Victoria. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund are now in excess of $760k and thank you to all the individuals, Lodges and Masonic organisations that have contributed to the fund. At the February Board meeting, the Board agreed to initially distribute $220k to charitable organisations who are assisting people directly impacted by the recent bushfires. We are also working with Lodges in fire areas who are identifying charitable organisations and any Freemasons, former members or spouses of former Freemasons who require immediate assistance. Whilst we can assist in the short term, research has indicated that we should also provide support in the medium and longer term as people affected by disasters will still need support long after the event and publicity has disappeared. 2020 Scholarship Program Applications for Freemasons Foundations scholarships closed in February. All applications have been reviewed and letters have been sent to all applicants advising them of the outcome. Lodge Supported Grants To ensure Lodges are maximising their contributions in the community we encourage all Craft Lodges to apply for a Lodge Support Grant. The Foundation will support Victorian Craft Lodges when they join with not-for-profit organisations for charitable purpose in their local areas. Please contact the Foundation Executive Officer, Neil Cripps if you have any questions regarding the application process, or if you would like a Foundation representative to visit your Lodge. Donations & Bequests Donations can be made to support Freemasons Foundation Victoria in achieving our charitable work across Victoria in support Masonic and non-Masonic causes. Donations of $2 or more can be made to The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation and are tax deductible. You may also wish to consider leaving a bequest in your Will to the Foundation to further support Masonic programs and the communities Freemasonry assists. In closing I acknowledge and thank all Freemasons, the Foundation Members, Directors and Committee Members for the extensive vital work we undertake. You are inspiring and the true essence of Freemasonry.

Myles King Chairman of Directors

Grand Treasurer’s Report

Attached is the analysis of the actual Financial Performance for six months from 1 July 2019

to 31 December 2019 and the Financial Position as at 31 December 2019.

In terms of Financial Performance, the YTD consolidated net loss of $723k is below the YTD

budgeted net loss of $972k, but excluding one-off transactions such as budgeted building

sales of $487k, Depreciation ($473k) and Interest ($168k), the actual EBITDA [Operating

Profit/(Loss) before Interest, Tax and Depreciation] of ($82k) compares to the budget for the

same period of ($772k); a favourable budgeted variance of $690k.

Much of this variance is related to timing differences, particularly expenditure in the General

Fund (membership, marketing and image projects) and grants to Masonic Centres in the

Building Fund. All of these differences will continue to be reviewed in conjunction with the

Membership VAT/Works VAT throughout the remainder of the 2019/2020 financial year to

drive commercial outcomes whilst ensuring improved Member services.

The Finance Committee completed its half-year review of operations and reforecast to 30

June 2020, based on financial results to 31 December 2019. Full settlement of Eastbourne

has yet to be completed and a decision to adopt a more conservative approach to phasing

our investments over a longer period has been taken and which will have an impact on our

anticipated investment income this year.

It has also been decided to retire debt in the short term and which has provided multiple

positive outcomes – to reduce costs (Line Fees) and also released a tied Term Deposit of

$2.3 million back to the General/Investment Fund. Investment income has been reforecast

down to reflect this situation ($638k), but Interest expense has also been reforecast

favourably for the full year from ($432k) to ($176k).

Transfers to the JB Were investment portfolio totalling $10 million have been made in two

tranches with the first $5 million [Tranche 1] invested into International Equities to assist

with the goal of asset diversification. In early 2020 JB Were invested a further $5 million

[Tranche 2] across three major asset classes (Fixed Interest, Australian Equities and

International Equities). It is anticipated that future tranches will be further allocated to high

grade Fixed Interest bonds and International Equities which will move us closer towards an

overall target asset allocation of 30% defensive / 70% growth positions.

The effects of the current economic situation are dynamic and we will continue to carefully

monitor advice and assess the market implications prudently. At this point our advice is that

it is a health related, temporary (albeit sharp) economic shock that will be followed by a

gradual recovery over time, rather than a GFC type systemic breakdown or the start of a

long-term structural decline in economies or markets. Our equities portfolio is invested in

quality Australian and international companies with strong balance sheets and these

companies will recover as stimulus starts to take effect and the worst of the health impacts

starts to subside.

Preparation of the 2020/2021 financial budget has commenced and key items are to be

discussed at the March and April meetings of the Board of General Purposes. Final budget

approval is scheduled for the May Board Meeting.

Fraternally,

Bro. Craig Head

Grand Treasurer

2019/20 Financial Performance

1 July to 31 December 2019Actual$000s

Budget$000s

Actual$000s

Budget$000s

Actual$000s

Budget$000s

Actual$000s

Budget$000s

Full Year Budget$000s

Full Year Forecast

$000sIncome 1,118 1,193 124 60 1,045 1,026 2,287 2,279 5,356 4,563

Expenses (1,342) (1,511) (271) (439) (549) (628) (2,162) (2,578) (5,010) (4,943)

Grants to Masonic Centres (205) (473) (205) (473) (945) (957)

Sales - Masonic Centres (2) 487 (2) 487 613 613

EBITDA (224) (318) (147) (379) 289 412 (82) (285) 14 (724)

Depreciation (52) (51) - (421) (420) (473) (471) (946) (946)

Interest (168) (216) (168) (216) (432) (176)

Profit (Loss) before income tax (276) (369) (147) (379) (300) (224) (723) (972) (1,365) (1,846)

Revenue - Membership 416 457 71 68 487 525 1,047 1,002

Net gain on Masonic properties (2) 487 (2) 487 613 613

Rental Income 10 10 5 - 923 908 938 918 1,844 1,956

Other Income 10 14 20 60 28 26 58 86 444 375

Income 436 481 25 60 1,020 1,489 1,481 2,030 3,950 3,579

Expenses - Membership (307) (402) (307) (402) (955) (906)

Employee expenses (695) (703) (695) (703) (1,396) (1,377)

Repairs, maintenance & centre expenses (inc. Grants)

(4) - (342) (473) (346) (473) (2,085) (962)

Professional fee expenses (115) (118) (4) - (68) (84) (187) (202) (366) (444)

Other expenses (225) (288) (263) (439) (139) (71) (1,461) (1,687) (1,150) (3,537)

Results from operations 458 394 (48) (379) 312 436 722 451 2,033 638

Depreciation (52) (51) - - (421) (420) (473) (471) (946) (664)

Investment income 682 712 99 - 23 24 804 736 2,019 1,362

Interest expense - - - - (168) (216) (168) (216) (432) (176)

Net finance income (expense) 682 712 99 - (145) (192) 636 520 1,586 1,186

Profit (Loss) before income tax (276) (369) (147) (379) (300) (224) (723) (972) (1,365) (1,846)

General Fund Eastbourne Building Fund Consolidated Financal Year 2019/20

Current Assets

Non-Current Assets Total Assets Current Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Current Assets

• Cash

Receivables

• Other

Total

Current Liabilities

• Cash

• Payables

• Other

Total

1 July to 31 December 2019

General fund $0005

15,273

34,954

50,227

{2,074)

22,978

20,904

71,131

$0005

18,233 . ..

307,159

325,490

$0005

{277,730)

(12,213)

(136)

(290,079}

Eastbourne $0005

299,676

0

299,676

(269,923)

(20,603)

(290,526)

9,150

Building Fund $0005

10,540

45,198

55,738

(18,082)

(11,157)

(29,239)

26,499

Non-Current Assets

• Property

• Receivables

• Investments

Total

I Non-Current Liabilities

• Borrowings

• Deferred Tax

• Employee Benefits

Total

Total

325,489

80,152

405,641

(290,079)

(8,782)

(298,861)

106,780

$0005

43,344

7,684

29,124

80,152

$0005

0

(8,753)

(29)

(8,782}

A Sprig of Acacia

Notification of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of the following members has been received since the last communication

RWBro. Frank Charles David Fordyce OAM PDGM North Melbourne Lodge 41 RWBro. Wesley Arthur Jolley PSGW GLOrg Carisbrook Lodge 405 RWBro. Kenneth James Bowran PJGW Lodge Belvoir 727 RWBro. Colin Bruce McLaren PJGW Canterbury Lodge 312 RWBro. John O'Reilly ED PJGW Lodge of Rapport 920 RWBro. William Thomson PJGW Kensington Lodge 77 RWBro. Arthur Edward Young PJGW Cohuna Lodge 227 VWBro. Reginald John Keech PGIWkgs Samaritan Lodge 380 VWBro. Robert Arthur Kinsey PGIWkgs Lodge of Transition 0 VWBro. John David Mansfield PGIWkgs Hand of Friendship Fellowship Lodge 932 VWBro. Maxwell Ewald Nuske PGIWkgs The Derrimut Daylight Lodge 905 WBro. Robert John Melbourne Plowright PJGD The Old Melburnians' Lodge 317 WBro. Harry Stevens PJGD Antient York Lodge 80 WBro. Dominic Ceravolo PGStdB Seavic Lodge 8 WBro. John Peter Davison PGStdB Samaritan Lodge 380 WBro. John Francis Murphy PGStdB Tresco Lodge 289 WBro. Michael John Bennett PM Lodge of Welcome 510 WBro. John Milton Butterworth PM Arlington Lodge 182 WBro. Kenneth Percival Day PM Samaritan Lodge 380 WBro. Hilton James Jupp PM Powlett Lodge 661 WBro. Alan Maxwell Leonard Lay PM Lodge of Concentration 753 WBro. Leon Victor Leigh PM The United Press Lodge 281 WBro. Jack Robert Regan PM Allara Lodge 855 WBro. Neil Robert Smith JP PM The Derrimut Daylight Lodge 905 WBro. Ronald Gordon Webster PM Woolamai Daylight Lodge 277 Bro. David Doig Chalmers MM Whittlesea Lodge 256 Bro. Ronald Thomas Daniels MM Antient York Lodge 80 Bro. Evan Osmond Davies MM Weston Street United Lodge 94 Bro. Edwin Andrew Ditchfield MM Rutherglen Lodge 188 Bro. John Graham Heap MM Southern Cross Lodge 24 Bro. Frederick Thomas John MM Union Lodge of North Gippsland 62 Bro. Peter Begg Lawrence MM Gippsland Lakes Lodge 715 Bro. Ronald Percy Reed MM Lodge Killara 259 Bro. Kenneth George Robinson MM Essendon Daylight Lodge 861 Bro. William George Sinclair MM Warrnambool Lodge 34

Bro. Geoffrey Waters MM The United Memorial & Merbein Lodge 327

Making the world a better place, one man at a time.