The shock and grief felt by Victorians in the wake of the devastating bushfires of February 7th cannot be exaggerated. The depth of these tragic events is yet to be measured and may never be.

In response I have established The Grand Master’s Victorian Bushfires Appeal. Funds raised by this Appeal will be directly applied to significant community redevelopment and reconstruction projects in addition to providing direct assistance to seriously disadvantaged members of the Masonic and wider community. The appeal has been launched with an initial contribution from the Benevolent Fund of $400,000 and a half page announcement of the Appeal in both the Herald Sun and The Age on Friday, February 13.

A committee has been established under the chairmanship of RWBro Vaughan Werner, Deputy Grand Master, to coordinate Freemasons Victoria’s response to these events and react to the needs of communities and individuals directly affected by the fire. I am also particularly anxious that we promptly respond to the needs of Freemasons, their relatives and friends who have been affected by the fire.

Freemasons Victoria is currently liaising with Government agencies to investigate the logistics and feasibility of contributing $1000 for each bereavement in support of the grant being offered by the Commonwealth Government to supplement funeral and memorial costs.

In times of such gravity our defining characteristics as a community are most clearly demonstrated. I have no doubt that all our Brethren will practise that foremost Masonic characteristic Charity and will give generously.

The funds raised by the Grand Master’s Victorian Bushfires Appeal will be on a non-tax deductable basis in order to ensure that they may be directly applied to vital reconstruction projects being conducted in the community. It is the aim of the Appeal to generate a further $300,000 and to achieve this we need the assistance of every Freemason.

This appeal is in no way intended to replace work done by Lodges within their own immediate community. It is rather a direct appeal to every individual Freemason, Lodge, Masters Group, Past Team Associations, Fraternal Groups and other Masonic Orders in Victoria. Donations to the Grand Master’s Victorian Bushfires Appeal can be made by cheque made out to “Freemasons Victoria – Grand Master’s Fire Appeal” or by Direct Electronic Transfer into BSB 083-817, account number 86-647-2578 (NAB – United Grand Lodge of Victoria.) Anyone making a contribution via EFT should email galea@freemasonsvic.net.au with the amount, name and address in order to receive email confirmation as receipt of donation.

Freemasons Victoria has received communications from Grand Lodges throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United Grand Lodge of England all pledging tangible support.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those among us who now suddenly find themselves poor and distressed. Our support must and will be with them throughout the coming months as they come to terms with the consequences of this most terrible time.

Garry J Sebo
Grand Master.