Freemasonry can be a bridge
02 February 26
From military service to the Master’s Chair, W Bro Kane Hall reflects on brotherhood, service, and the quiet influence Freemasonry has had on his life. In this candid conversation, he shares how the Craft helped him find purpose, leadership, and balance.
By W Bro Kane Hall and RW Bro Owen Sandry
W Bro Kane Hall was initiated into Freemasonry in 2014, joining Glenelg Lodge No 117 under the SA/NT Constitution. He recalls his introduction to the Craft as overwhelmingly positive, shaped largely by the care and effort of those who welcomed him.
‘I had a wonderful first experience with the lodge,’ he says. ‘The team of officers that initiated me did a stand-out job, and I could tell they had put a lot of effort into preparing their ritual.’ That attention to detail, combined with the warmth of the members, made a lasting impression. ‘The members of Glenelg Lodge were very welcoming, and that was why I joined that lodge in particular.’
The decision itself came about in a characteristically masonic way – through fraternity, humour, and opportunity. A friend had joined another lodge meeting in the same Masonic Centre, and Kane had been attending their Festive Boards. It was there that members of Glenelg Lodge began encouraging him, with what he describes as ‘some friendly membership poaching,’ to join them instead. ‘There was a bit of a line-up to join the other lodge, and Glenelg had not had a new candidate for some time, so it was a perfect opportunity for both Glenelg Lodge and myself.’
Kane was 25 years old when he became a Freemason. Now 36, he reflects on how profoundly different his life was at that time. ‘When I joined, I was still trying to find my feet in society after discharging from the Army and returning from Afghanistan.’ Like many veterans, he found the transition challenging. ‘I had been having a rough time of it and had looked to replace that sense of brotherhood in various ways without success.’
Freemasonry changed that. ‘Joining the Craft changed it for me. I now have that brotherhood, and I have met some incredible men who have helped guide and mentor me through my journey.’ Over the years, that support has helped him establish stability and direction. ‘Today, I have found my feet in society. I am now a husband and a father, and my focus is on my family life and trying to be the best man I can be for them.’
His interest in Freemasonry, however, predates his initiation by many years. Kane has always had a strong interest in history and historical figures. ‘Many of the great men throughout history have been Freemasons, and so it has been present in many of my readings in some way or another. I wanted to be a part of that same society of men.’
One particularly striking encounter occurred not in Australia, but overseas, while Kane was serving in Afghanistan. ‘My first real-life encounter with Freemasonry was actually in Afghanistan,’ he explains. ‘There was an American lodge having an open night on their side of the base.’ Although he was unable to attend, the moment stayed with him. ‘I was disappointed to be heading out to another base that afternoon.’ Two years later, when he joined Glenelg Lodge, the memory of that simple advertisement still lingered in his mind.
Kane’s masonic journey has since taken him well beyond his mother lodge. He currently serves as Worshipful Master of Lodge Nowra Unity, a role he has held for six months. ‘It has been a challenging and yet very rewarding role that I am quite enjoying,’ he says.
Among the highlights of his time in the Chair are moments both ceremonial, and charitable. He recalls attending the Grand Proclamation with a large group of brethren and their partners from Nowra, as well as raising three brethren whom he had previously invested with their aprons as Senior Warden. He is also particularly proud of the lodge’s charitable efforts. ‘We raised $6,000 in conjunction with MasoniCare for the Nowra Legacy Group, who support our local war widows and orphans.’
When reflecting on what he has contributed to Freemasonry, Kane points first to the men he has brought into the Craft. ‘I have proposed a number of mates to join that I have been close with outside of the Craft. So far, they are all still practising masons, and I am proud to call them my brothers.’ He has also progressed steadily through the officers’ chairs, learning ritual and developing skills along the way.
What he has received in return, he says, has been significant. ‘I have been blessed with lifelong friendships, public speaking skills, and picked up some leadership experience too.’ These skills have extended well beyond the lodge room. ‘Being able to talk about my experiences confidently has helped me successfully raise awareness of veterans’ issues in the broader community and has given me purpose outside of my family and work life.’
Visiting other lodges has been another source of enjoyment and connection. Kane speaks fondly of a memorable road trip undertaken by Glenelg Lodge. ‘We hired a bus and took a road trip and a ferry to get across to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Lodge Parndana hosted us, and together we passed a good friend who I had proposed into the Craft, and I was the Senior Deacon for the evening.’
Another highlight came after affiliating with Lodge Nowra Unity, when he joined the brethren on a fraternal visit to the Egyptian Room for Lodge Woronora’s Installation. ‘It was a great opportunity for my wife and I to mingle with my new brethren and their partners. We had a fantastic evening.’
Professionally, Kane is currently a full-time father and an ad hoc professional keynote speaker. Prior to this, he worked in a range of roles supporting veterans and their families. While his professional life and Freemasonry have not directly intersected, his advocacy has certainly benefited from masonic support. Through his volunteering, he previously advocated for masonic fundraising support for veteran causes, including Operation K9, which provides assistance dogs to veterans with PTSD. ‘They ended up donating $300,000, which blew my mind,’ he says. ‘I am very proud of Masonic Charities, and I thank them for their extremely generous support to veterans – and others – in need.’
Family plays a central role in Kane’s life. He is married to his wife, Annastasia, and together they have two young children. ‘We met after I was already a mason, and she has supported me in my masonic journey, as she can see the positive impact it has on my life.’ He is conscious of maintaining balance, something reinforced by advice from older brethren over the years. ‘They have advised the importance of that balance, lest it impact negatively on my family.’ Annastasia, he says, has been unwavering in her support. ‘She will push me to attend lodge events, and I am very grateful to have that support from her.’
Outside of Freemasonry, Kane enjoys reading – or audiobooks when time is short – and has a particular love for scuba diving. He also volunteers with RSL NSW, where he serves as the Past Chair of the Young Veterans Committee, providing advice to the Board on issues affecting younger veterans. ‘In particular, the volunteering complements my masonic values of service to others,’ he notes.
Asked what advice he would give his younger self; Kane’s answer is immediate. ‘I would advise my younger self to join the Craft earlier – the sooner the better.’ The reason is simple. ‘It gives you more time earlier in life to learn and develop. You will meet many good brethren who will mentor you and give you guidance, which is so important for young men as they’re finding their feet in society.’
Finally, when asked how he would explain Freemasonry to someone entirely unfamiliar with it, Kane admits it is not an easy task. ‘I find it hard to truly convey the significance of the Craft to non-members and to truly do it justice.’ Still, there are key truths he returns to. ‘It constantly makes me – and everyone who actively participates – better men.’ He emphasises the brotherhood, the personal and professional growth, and points to his own journey as evidence.
He also recalls advice once shared with him by MW Bro Stephen Michalak, PGM of SA/NT: ‘That Freemasonry can be a bridge between your faith and your duties to the community. It is the vessel we can use to serve, engage with, and mentor others.’
For Kane Hall, that bridge has proven not only enduring, but life-shaping.