Freemasons of South East NSW

Eden-Monaro covers an area of approximately 29,499 sq km from Queanbeyan to South Durras in the north, south to the Victorian border, extending to the southern and eastern borders of the Australian Capital Territory.

Products / industries of the area include timber, beef cattle, sheep and wool, dairy farming, dairy products and mixed farming. The Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme, snowfields and tourism are important industries for this division. It is one of the largest electoral regions in New South Wales stretching from the snowfields of Kosciusko to the sapphire waters of the Far South Coast. It also home to 7 Masonic Lodges which meet at Masonic Centres in Cooma, Bombala, Bateman's Bay, Moruya, Bega and Pambula in what is known as District 49 from 10th September 2014. These Lodges were formerly contained in two districts, 105 and 114 under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT. See "Regions and Districts" in the main menu to the left. At the June 2016 Grand Communication it was announced that District 49 would split into two areas each with a DGIW in view of the geographical size of the total area and the time and risks taken visiting distant Lodges especially at night. The new districts are 49A in the North with 3 Lodges and 49B with 4 Lodges in the South. This change came into effect at the September 2016 Grand Communication and Proclamation. At the March 2019 Communication, Lodge Milton was added to 49A.

Fraternal Notices:- 

Congratulations to our newly appointed DGIW's for District 49:-

VW Bro Peter Harris DGIW D49A, and

VW Bro Alf Gallina DGIW D49B

Both appointments take effect from 1 January but their term of office runs from August 2020-August 2022. Congratulations and gratitude to VW Bro Bob O'Callaghan and VW Bro Ron Jaajaa for a job well done during difficult times.

From the Grand Secretary 5 December 2020:-

Dear Brethren,

The Grand Master takes this opportunity to remind Brethren that nominations for the office of Grand Master must be received by the Grand Secretary, in writing, and not by any electronic means by no later than 4pm, 1 February 2021.

The Grand Master has indicated that the Grand Communication for the election of Grand Master will be held at Sydney Masonic Centre on 10 March 2021.

Yours fraternally,

Stephen Green PDGM   

GRAND SECRETARY

(Ed: the election will be live streamed to regional voting centres as in the recent past.)

From our Grand Master:-

Our Treasured Obligations

There is something special about becoming a Freemason.

From our first exposure to the words of the First Degree, and of our own free will and accord, it becomes very clear that we have entered a principled body of men who have readily accepted exposure to the wonderful Tenets and Principles of the Craft.

Importantly, we committed to devoting ourselves to such further pursuits as will enable us to continue respectability in our station, usefulness to our fellow beings, and acting as an ornament to the society of which we have become members.

There should be no complacency when it comes to meeting the Objects of Freemasonry.

Doubtless among men, there will always be occasions when we are at variance over one issue or another, but we are expected to resolve those issues amicably. It is never appropriate, and neither should there be any place in Freemasonry, for any open and derogatory discussion, intimidation, or the spreading of wild and inaccurate assumptions.

The Grand Master's Obligation in part, states that, 'It is not by strong arm, iron will, or threatening tone, that obedience is best obtained, but by holding the key to the hearts of men.'

I hope that we can all appreciate the purpose and meaning of these words.

And finally, from the final words of the First Degree, 'I hope you will duly appreciate the excellence of Freemasonry, and indelibly imprint upon your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, Honour and Virtue.'

Please continue to take care of your community, your lodge, and yourself.

Derek Robson AM
Grand Master