Sleepout 2026
07 July 26
Beanies and benevolence
By RW Bro Tony Maiorana
As the sun set on the evening of 13 June 2026, one of the most outstanding displays of masonic brotherhood was observed across New South Wales and the ACT as brethren gathered to participate in the Grand Master’s Sleepout campaign. With the brothers about to embark on a tough night in the elements in aid of helping the less fortunate, another important job was needed.
A team of volunteers set out on one of the most amazing ‘milk-runs’ ever seen in Freemasonry, travelling by both road and air to deliver commemorative beanies as widely as possible. The size and scope of the undertaking, and the effort that went into delivering these beanies from metropolitan Sydney throughout the regions of NSW and the ACT was remarkable.
From the Sydney Masonic Centre in the heart of the CBD to Camden, Blacktown, Castle Hill, Fairfield, Oatley, Petersham, and Turramurra and out as far as Canberra, Queanbeyan, Kurri Kurri, Toronto, Kelso, Moree and Wagga Wagga, brethren came together in a spirit of oneness for the cause. The brothers made their way all night long until the break of day when those taking part received their beanies and the inspiration they needed.
Another feature of the event was the innovative way that some lodges and Masonic Centres raised funds for the event. While some members took on the challenge of sleeping outside on a cold winter’s night, other brethren created novel means of raising funds in a fun way.
Social functions were held in several venues, offering masons, their families and friends a chance to spend some quality time together while spreading awareness about the difficulties encountered by less fortunate members of our society. Another was a very successful billiards tournament organised by the United Grand Lodge of Sydney in which more than 100 brethren took part.
In a similar way, the West Epping Lodge organised a two-day basketball tournament which involved participation from 11 lodges. This tournament was also successful and profitable, promoting brotherhood among the lodges and providing an excellent opportunity for brothers to meet and work together.
While the Grand Master’s Sleepout is an effective symbol of compassion and awareness, another real value comes from the joint efforts of brethren who work for the good of others. Sleeping outdoors, organising community events, travelling long distances to help other people and conducting fundraising are all significant contributions to the successful accomplishment of the objectives set by the Grand Master. The 2026 Grand Master’s Sleepout proved that the tenets of Freemasonry – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth – will never fade away. When asked to help the needy, Freemasons responded with kindness and devotion.
Reflecting upon what has been accomplished within the framework of the Grand Master’s Sleepout 2026, we would like to convey to everybody concerned our sincere gratitude for helping to make this event so unique and meaningful. The efforts of participants show that Freemasonry is not just talk – it is action aimed in serving other people.
The beanies may have been used for keeping the participants warm during the night, but the spirit of brotherly love was the source of that warmth.
