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Published 2 December 2020 |
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Back to Basics Brethren, What a wonderful opportunity we have had this week in the Grand Lodge to actually get back to doing what we do best, sitting here at the desk in the Grand Master's suite re-visiting past minutes and preparing for last night's Board of Management meeting Together with the Board of Management, we have worked closely with extensive use of email and Zoom to enhance many lodge activities, promote infrastructure improvements across our building portfolio, and worked tirelessly to keep Freemasonry at the forefront within our local communities. We should all be very proud of our individual commitment during what has been a very stressful period. I acknowledge that this has not been without its difficulties. Many of you have been asked to extend your periods of office and I am particularly pleased that many worshipful masters and District Grand Inspectors of Workings have accepted this challenge and extended their terms. We now look forward to confirming those officers that nominated for positions earlier this year. It is my understanding that our staff in the Grand Secretariat, who had flexible working arrangements, are also returning to regularly working from the Sydney Masonic Centre and this will be of enormous assistance to lodge officers as they approach the time when their lodge meeting routines return to more regular programs. Please don't forget that the services of Masonicare are always available as you return to supporting and working with your local community. With Integrity, Loyalty and Respect, Freemasonry will be welcomed back. Finally, please continue to maintain the safety and good health of yourself, your lodge and your family. Derek Robson AM |
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Grand Lodge Communication
A Grand Lodge Communication will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre on Wednesday 9 December 2020. One of the items on the agenda will be the presentation of the Consolidated Financial Reports. Due to the current restrictions, there will be limited seating and pre bookings are essential. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, there will be no Banquet. Bookings for the Communication can be made using this link: https://grand-lodge-communication.eventbrite.com.au. |
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December Freemason is in the mail
Our next magazine has been posted and will be arriving in your mailbox very soon if it has not already. It features interesting and inspirational stories from our jurisdiction. But did you know that our magazine is also published digitally and can be downloaded from the Grand Lodge website (masons.org.au/discover-masonry/freemason-magazine) and issuu? |
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Another MM at Oorana
Bro Rosso receiving his Master Mason certificate from VW Bro Greg Lynch Congratulations Bro David Rosso on being presented with his Master Mason certificate by VW Bro Greg Lynch, the WM of Lodge Oorana No 1053, the police lodge. |
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Sydney Masonic Centre end of year closure
Please note that the Sydney Masonic Centre and Grand Secretariat will close midday, Thursday 24 December 2020 and re-open on Monday, 11 January 2021. |
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Upcoming events "The Rite Beyond the Craft" "MM Taylors Ritual" continuation "Morality & Virtue" open discussion The Masonic Education Network events will stop Wednesday 9 December and will return on Wednesday 20 January with a special event featuring an International Guest Speaker. |
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STAGE 1 - PREPARE THE BUILDING All Masonic Centres are required to register as a COVID Safe business and prepare the building in accordance with steps that will be provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: Once all buildings have been prepared we can then move on to Stage 2. |
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STAGE 2 - PREPARE YOUR LODGE Once all Masonic Centres have completed Stage 1 it will then be necessary for each lodge to prepare their meeting place (lodge room) in accordance with further steps provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: When lodges have completed Stage 2 and following further directions from the Government Health Authorities we can then move on to Stage 3. |
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STAGE 3 - RETURN TO LODGE Once lodges have completed Stage 2 requirements and after ensuring we comply with all regulations directed by the authorities, the Grand Secretary will advise those lodges that they may consider their return. NOTE: The Grand Secretary will provide further advice on any meeting restrictions that may apply as a result of further directions from the Government Health Authorities. |
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Extension of Deadline
The Freemason magazine is all about being fair. The COVID-19 situation has affected the postal service and a large proportion of magazines were received later than usual. This resulted in a short time frame to submit Stage 1 entries of their photo competition. The deadline for Stage 1 will be the same as for Stage 2: 15 January 2021. This will give everyone a little more time to be creative. The deadline for Stage 3 remains 15 April 2021. |
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Are your contact details up to date?
To continue to receive the Freemason magazine, emails and invitations to online meetings it is important your contact details are up to date. Please update your details on the Grand Lodge website or with your lodge secretary and urge your fellow brethren to do the same. |
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How is your lodge staying connected?
Write a paragraph or two, add a good large photograph and send it to news@masons.org.au. Your story will be considered for this newsletter, the next Freemason magazine and might even feature in our official facebook page. Just make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publicly published.
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The Grand Master's Newsletter Please submit your articles and photographs to news@masons.org.au and make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publically published. Download print versionUnited Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT
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