Ballina Masons Donate $65,000
24 October 22
On Saturday 22nd October 2022, Lodge Ballina United No 112 hosted a District 11 combined district meeting at the Ballina Masonic Centre.
In the Presence of our MW Grand Master MW Bro Les Hicks, supported by a substantial Grand Lodge delegation and a full Lodge Room of Brethren, flight 112-11 from the Northern Rivers was given permission to taxi and the in-inflight entertainment followed.
Firstly, the ceremony of the exchange of patent of DGIW of District 11 was undertaken, VW Bro Joe Corrigan was presented his Patent of Office and Jewel of DGIW by retiring DGIW VW Bro Todd Shadbolt, who was then presented with his PDGIW jewel and warmly thanked for his tireless service to the district.
Without giving too much away the lodge went from labour to refreshment and the ‘Flight of the winding stair’ was presented, with our Grand Master assuming the chair for the presentation.
The Flight of the Widing Stair, is a beautiful presentation that has been formed and perfected over many years. We must thank RW Bro Don Pandes RGC 2, W Bro Jay Tayag JGD, RW Bro Arnel Landicho SGW, VW Bro Joe Corrigan DGIW 11, VW Bro Stuart Gibson PDGDC, VW Bro Edgar Dela Cruz PDGDC, W Bro Jono Toussounian GSTW, W Bro Ross Binay PM, W Bro Alex Hezari WM The Elysian Lodge, Bro Erwin Landero JW and Bro Josh Co, for all their hard work in continuing to evolve and present ‘The Flight of the Winding Stair’. If you have an opportunity to witness this presentation, please ensure you do, you will not be disappointed.
Following the meeting, brethren joined Partners, Ladies and Guests who travelled from as far away as Bulli, Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle, Tweed Heads, Gold Coast and Sydney for a celebratory banquet. RW Bro Colin Lee invited the Grand Master to present several cheques to local organisations. These funds having been raised in conjunction with Masonicare Interaction Grants.
Those recipients were :
BALLINA HOT MEAL CENTRE: Represented by Manager Beatrice Gray and Head Cook Sarah Gent.
BHMC is a volunteer organisation privately funded, providing up to 250 wholesome meals Tuesdays and Fridays for homeless, elderly, sick and disabled people working out of the Ballina Masonic Centre. Donation $20,000.
HEALTHY MINDS CLUB : Represented by: Jackson Connellan and Noah Bush.
The Healthy Minds Club is a non-for-profit mental health organisation based in the Northern Rivers region. The charity raises awareness and funding for mental health issues and provides a range of free services to the Northern Rivers Community. Donation $15,000
Batyr: Represented by Sheree Webber.
Batr was launched in 2011, after founder Sebastian Robertson experienced the frustration and isolation of living silently with mental ill-health, whilst attending university. Sebastian recognised that it was time to open honest conversations about mental health with young people and founded the organisation naming it after “Batyr (hero) “The talking Elephant. Donation $15,000
Human Nature Adventure Therapy: Represented by CEO Sharon White.
Based in the Northern Rivers region, Human Nature Adventure Therapy works with young people from the ages of 14 to 24 years with experiences of complex trauma and significant health issues, offering in-depth mental health programs set in nature. Donation $15,000
The recipients were overwhelmed by the donations and ensured these funds would be put straight into community projects. Mrs Sharon Cadwallader, Lord Mayor of Ballina spoke positively about the work of the brethren of District 11 and encouraged this vital work to continue. And thanked the Grand Master for his support through the Grand Masters Disaster Relief Fund, especially the Northern Rivers.
Most definitely on show was the Grand Masters's theme of Humility, Kindness and Generosity.
