Quarterly Communication
7.30pm, Wednesday 20 September, 2017
Kernot Hall, Morwell
MWBro. Don Reynolds, Grand Master welcomes you to the
September Quarterly Communication at Kernot Hall, Morwell, Victoria
Welcome to the
OPENING ODE Hail, Eternal; by whose aid May our work begun in Thee
All created things were made, Ever blest with order be,
Heaven and Earth Thy vast design, And may we when labours cease
Hear us, Architect Divine! Part in harmony and peace.
[1] Welcome to all in attendance - Grand Master
[2] Confirmation of the Minutes of the Meeting
of Grand Lodge held on 20 June 2017 - RWBro. T. Somerville JGW
[3] Apologies - Grand Secretary
[4] Communications from the Grand Master
& Sister Grand Lodges - Grand Secretary
[5] Report of the Board of General Purposes
Report of the Board of Directors of the Freemasons
Foundation Victoria Limited
Report of the Board of Directors of Royal Freemasons - Grand Secretary
[6] Brethren deceased since last Communication - Grand Secretary
[7] Motion – Constitutional Change - Grand Registrar
[8] Notice of Motion – Constitutional Change - Grand Registrar
[9] Presentation of the Annual Report - CEO
[10] Presentation of the Annual Financial Statements - Grand Treasurer
[11] Election of Grand Treasurer - Grand Master
[12] Address by the Deputy Grand Master - Deputy Grand Master
[13] Presentation of Patent of Office - Grand Master
[14] Address by the Most Worshipful Grand Master - Grand Master
[15] Closing of Grand Lodge - Grand Master
CLOSING ODE
Brother Masons, raise your voices And as brothers live together
Join in harmony and love, In the bonds of truth and love,
And with shouts of acclamation And resume those ties forever
Praise the One who rules above. In the Great Grand Lodge Above
COMMUNICATION of the UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA
Wednesday 20 September 2017 Business Agenda
Your Board has met three times since our June Communication and items of interest have included:
Board and DGM Selection Panels Review
There was discussion on the operation of the recent Deputy Grand Master Selection Panel
and the Board Selection Panel. It was agreed that the processes needed to be reviewed. As a
consequence, a committee of the Board will be formed to review all the processes in
relation to the Deputy Grand Master Selection Panel and the Board Selection Panel.
The Constitutional Work Group of the Board, charged with a holistic Review of our Book of
Constitutions, will also review procedures for the Complaints Committee and Complaints
Review Committee.
Financial Planning
The Finance Committee is reviewing Mid to Long Term Financial Planning examining and
modelling various assumptions on revenue and costs to ensure the long term financial
sustainability of the Craft.
Committees
In April 2017, the existing Committee structure and membership was approved in April for a
further three months. It was agreed that with the exception of the Finance Committee these
should continue for the remainder of the Masonic year.
2016/2017 Audited Financial Statements
The Board discussed and noted the Audited Financial Statements for 2016/17 and
congratulated our Grand Treasurer, Finance Manager, Committees and Staff in producing an
outstanding result.
I the opi io of the Board of Ge eral Purposes of The United Grand Lodge of Antient Free
and Accepted Masons of Victoria ('the chief entity'):
(a) the consolidated entity is not a reporting entity and is not publicly accountable;
(b) the financial statements and notes, set out on pages 9 to 33;
(i) prese ts fairly, i all aterial respects, the Co solidated E tity’s fi a cial position as at 30 June 2017 and its performance and its cash flows for the year then
ended in accordance with the accounting policies described in Notes 1 to 4;
(ii) comply with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian
Accounting Interpretations) to the extent described in Notes 1 to 4; and
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA QUARTERLY REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES SEPTEMBER 2017
(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Consolidated Entity will be able to
pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
AND THAT this resolution, which appears on page 34 of the Financial Report, be signed by the
President of the Board of General Purposes on behalf of the Board.
THAT
The Report of the Board of General Purposes to the Members of Grand Lodge, for the year
ended 30th June 2017, as detailed on pages 6 and 7 of the Special Purpose Financial Report,
be signed on behalf of the Board by RWBro R L Elkington, President of the Board of General
Purposes AND THAT the Special Purpose Financial Report for the year ended 30th June, 2017
be adopted.
Policies
The Board approved a Privacy Policy, Privacy Policy Website and E-Store and Social Media
Policy. These will be visible on the website.
The Board reviewed, discussed and endorsed a Library and Museums Policy which
demonstrated the importance of both knowledge and heritage to the culture of Freemasons
Victoria and the need to manage these activities prudently.
Freemasons Victoria and Freemasons Foundation Victoria
In order to achieve better alignment between Freemasons Victoria and the Freemasons
Foundation, a Philanthropic Liaison Committee (PLC) comprising equal representation from
Freemasons Victoria and the Foundation should be established with the role to share
information, including strategic intent and philanthropic drivers.
Member Attraction Campaign
The Board approved the conduct of a membership attraction campaign, building upon the
foundation research and member surveys conducted earlier in 2017. A brief on the
campaign itself will be contained within a future EDM.
Property
The Board approved the sale of Ascot Vale, Dromana, Koondrook and Sandringham Masonic
Centres.
Insurances
The Board ratified the placement of insurances following a comprehensive review by the
organisation and the Risk and Audit Committee.
Annual Report
The Board noted the production of our first ever Annual Report and commended the
organisation on a thoroughly professional and informative publication.
Order of Demolay
The Board discussed, at length, the potential for establishment of the Order of Demolay
within Victoria. The Board believed that a focus on establishing this organisation in Victoria
may prove to be a distraction to Freemasons Victoria at this time. Accordingly, the Board
resolved not to proceed at this stage.
IT system
Due to problems being experienced with our current IT provider, Advent One, whose
contract has expired, the Board resolved that Brennan IT replace Advent One as Freemasons
Victoria preferred supplier of IT managed services (including telephony) for an initial period
of 3 years. This will also i clude co ti ui g co sultatio to opti ise the FMV’s IT La dscape (staff & volunteer users and infrastructure) in the current temporary environment and
beyond (relocation to The Eastbourne).
Fraternal Relations
The Board approved the appointment of WBro Mike Burrell as Chairman of the Fraternal
Relations Committee. In addition, WBro Ake Akerfeldt has been appointed as a member of
that Committee and membership will be further supplemented.
The Bank Place Lodge
The Board endorsed the petition to form The Bank Place Lodge and then recommended that
the Grand Master approve the issuing of a 10 year warrant.
Commonwealth Lodge
The Board approved Commonwealth Lodge transferring from the Gippsland East District to
the Gippsland South West District from 1st
September.
Bro Reynolds, on behalf of the Board, formally congratulated RWBro Richard Elkington, PJGW, PBGP
on his election as Deputy Grand Master. He also thanked VWBro Peter Clark in also nominating for
the position.
Bro Reynolds also acknowledged the outstanding service of Bro. Bill Kee as Grand Registrar and as a
member of the Board who was stepping down as Grand Registrar following the Quarterly
Communication on the 20th
September.
RWBro. R. L. Elkington
President of the Board of General Purposes
Trustee for: Freemasons Benevolent Fund
ABN 77 505 868 957
The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation
ABN 97 577 321 065
FREEMASONS FOUNDATION VICTORIA LIMITED
A.C.N 159 528 122
W.A. Tope Building, Coppin Centre
45 Moubray Street, Melbourne, Vic 8002
PO Box 553, East Melbourne, Vic 8002
Phone: (03) 9411 0124
Email: [email protected]
www.freemasonsfoundation.org
REPORT TO THE SEPTEMBER, 2017 QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION
OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA
Last financial year has been very successful for the Foundation. A couple of highlights during the year
were the announcement of $1.8 million philanthropic grant over 6 years to Monash Children’s Hospital and the very successful Scholarship Presentation evening.
The Vision of Freemasons Foundation Victoria is to contribute to a better Victoria through thoughtful
and purposeful charitable support and community involvement. Last financial year the Foundation
distributed over $1.9 million, with the assistance of Lodges, Freemasonry in Victoria contributed over
$2.2 million.
The Foundation supports many Lodges with their charitable works within the community, whether the
application is from an individual Lodge, district or masonic organisation. To keep up the good work in
the community we encourage all Lodges to apply for Lodge Support Grants. If you have any questions
about applying for a grant or you want a representative from the Foundation to visit your Lodge
please contact Neil Cripps.
At the August Board meeting, the Foundation approved grants totalling $70k towards Lodge
supported charitable works and $15k towards Lodge supported education awards.
Two examples of the Foundation supporting Lodges in their charitable efforts that were approved at
recent Board meetings include:
Supporting an application submitted by Goulburn Valley St.George Lodge, Mooroopna Lodge
and Rupertswood-Numurkah Lodge with a grant of $10,630 to assist in the purchase of an
educational robot for children at the local hospital; and
Supporting an application submitted by Lodge Belvoir with a grant of $1,200 to assist in the
purchase of equipment for a local scout group.
As we are approaching the third anniversary of the Foundation we are also getting close to the time of
our Annual General Meeting which will be held on Wednesday 29th November, 2017. An invitation will
go out in the next few weeks which will include details of venue and time.
Part of the Mission of the Foundation is to support the youth of Victoria. Each year the Foundation
grants over $400,000 in Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries for academic excellence or for students
requiring financial support to complete their studies. One of the successful programs is the annual
scholarship and awards. Applications for the 2018 Scholarship and Awards opened in early
September. The 3 categories of Scholarships and Awards available are:
Tertiary Entrance Scholarships and Awards (including Music) – applications close on 31st
January 2018
Secondary Scholarships and Awards (years 7 to 12) – applications close on 31st
December
2017
Mature Age Scholarship – applications close on 31st
January 2018
Further details about the scholarships and awards on offer and the application forms are available at
www.freemasonsfoundation.org
Please remember that all Grant applications need to be completed using the SmartyGrants on line
application forms available on our website at www.freemasonsfoundation.org . The next two closing
dates for Lodge Support Grants are 17th November and 19th January.
Should you wish to support Freemasons Foundation Victoria in its charitable work within Victoria
supporting Masonic and non-Masonic causes, donations of $2 or more made to The Freemasons
Public Charitable Foundation are tax deductible.
In closing I once again acknowledge the extensive and vital work which the Members, Directors and
Committee Members carry out, in a voluntary capacity, to support Freemasonry in Victoria.
Andre Clayton
Chairman of Directors
JUNE 2016 JUNE 2016 JUNE 2016
150th Anniversary
The 150th anniversary of the Homes was
celebrated at the Homes’ Open Day on Sunday 18th
June 2017.
Our commemorative Open Day was well attended
and the most successful Homes’ celebration in
recent years.
Thank you to the many brethren and their friends
and families who celebrated our 150th with us.
A number of presentations on the day celebrated
achievements including:
The Lorna Chapman Award
was awarded to two deserving employees, Shane
Lowe, Case Manager, and Magdalena Torres,
Personal Care Assistant.
The President’s Jewel was presented to Mrs Anne Patterson, for her
tireless work with the Royal Freemasons Ladies
Auxiliary.
The Lodge Award
was presented to the Lodge of Good Companions
No 647 for its fundraising efforts in aid of the
Homes.
A commemorative coffee-table book is available as
a memento of the history of the Homes. ‘Now, As Then, For You For Life’ tells the story of the Homes
from its foundation in 1860s to the present day.
Other commemorative merchandise includes lapel
pins, golf umbrellas, caps, postcards and wine and
glass sets.
An order form is available from your Homes
Ambassador.
Royal Freemasons Sale
Royal Freemasons Sale is our brand new 144-bed
residential facility with the latest in aged care, as
part of our service program offering for regional
Victoria.
The Official Opening of Royal Freemasons Sale was
held on Sunday 20th August 2017 at 28 Surkitt
Boulevard, Sale.
We wish to thank the brethren, their families and
friends who celebrated with us on the day.
Over three hundred guests attended to witness
the official opening by Councillor Ian Bye of
Wellington Shire Council.
Royal Freemasons Sale will employ approximately
190 staff, providing significant employment
opportunities for Gippsland. Personal tours of our facility at Sale are available.
Please contact the Manager, Robyn English at
[email protected] or via phone:
03 5149 3100.
Masonic Charity Golf Day
The 38th Annual Masonic Charity Golf Day is
being held on Monday 23rd October at the
Huntingdale Golf Club.
The Golf Day raises funds to provide additional
resources for the Homes.
For further enquiries please contact Sean Bowley
on 03 9452 2453.
Seniors Festival 2017
The Seniors Festival is organised by the Victorian
Government and celebrated throughout October
each year.
The Homes is a premier partner with the
Victorian Government for this state-wide
community event.
The event honours seniors and is held at various
locations around the Melbourne CBD. This week-
long festival includes an array of events,
activities and entertainment for all.
The Festival will officially open at Federation
Square on Celebration Day, Sunday 8th October.
The Program is available free from Coles
Supermarkets, local councils, neighbourhood
houses and online at: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au.
On behalf of the Homes, I sincerely thank each of
you for your past support and I look forward to your
continued support in the future.
Yours fraternally
RWBro Denis Henry PSGW
Chairman of the Board
SEPTEMBER 2017
I move that the Laws, Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Craft be amended as follows:
Part 1
Rule e a e ded y deleti g the ords the Supre e Degree of Royal Ar h Maso s i the fifth dot poi t a d su stituti g therefor the ords the Supre e Order of the Holy Royal Ar h .
Rule 11 be amended by deleting paragraphs 19 and 20 and substituting therefor the following
paragraphs-
19. Grand Almoner
20. Past Grand Almoner
Rule 11 be amended by inserting after paragraph 75 the following paragraphs-
75A. Grand Chaplains (MM)
75B. Past Grand Chaplains (MM)
Rule e a e ded y i serti g the follo i g ords after the ord of i the first li e thereof the
following words:-
Grand Chaplain (MM), Past Grand Chaplain (MM),
Rule e a e ded y deleti g the se o d last paragraph o e i g ith the ords The Gra d Master…. A d su stituti g therefor the follo i g paragraph:-
The Gra d Master for the time being shall be the Chairman of any such entities and in each case
the Board of General Purposes shall appoint the Company Secretary who shall also be the Public
Offi er.
Rule 178 be amended by deleting all words and substituting therefor the following words :-
No rother ay e ele ted or appoi ted to a offi e ithi a Lodge other tha that of Ste ard, Organist or Choirmaster) until he has been a Master Mason for at least eeks.
Rule 391 be amended by inserting after the words (as defined by Rule 2) the following words:-
the Degree of the Mark Master Maso a d the Supre e Order of the Holy Royal Ar h
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA MOTION – CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
SEPTEMBER 2017
Part 2
Rule 167 be amended by deleting the following words :-
for a period of at least fi e years prior to his I stallatio u less a dispe satio shall ha e ee o tai ed fro the Gra d Master,
Part 3
Rule 387 be deleted and the following Rule substituted therefor:-
. Ea h arra ted Lodge shall have the authority to choose the attire to be worn by Freemasons
atte di g their eeti gs a d fu tio s. Their hoi e shall e et ee for al a d usi ess attire.
Part 4
Rule 217 be amended as follows:-
Sub paragraph d) be deleted and the following sub paragraph substituted therefor:-
d) he has submitted to the Lodge Secretary, before the Lodge considers his application the
following:-
i a fully o pleted opy of For A , ei g part of the Se o d S hedule appe ded to these Rules. This form must be signed by the applicant as well as by his proposer and seconder;
(ii) a copy of a completed Victoria Police Check conducted on the applicant; and
(iii) a copy of the Freemasons Victoria Code of Conduct signed by the applicant.
Sub paragraph e) be amended by deleting all the words therein and substituting the following words
therefor :-
he is perso ally k o to his proposer for a period of at least t el e o ths pre edi g the election or ballot he must have been a resident of the State of Victoria at least twelve months
preceding the election or ballot (unless this provision has been waived by a dispensation of the
Gra d Master
Sub paragraph f) be amended by deleting all the words therein and substituting the following words
therefor:-
he has ee regularly proposed, se o ded a d either ele ted or alloted for at a regular eeti g.
Sub paragraph h) be deleted.
Rule e a e ded y deleti g the ord The at the o e e e t of the Paragraph a d substituting therefor the following words:-
Su je t to the pro isio s o tai ed i Rule hereof the…..
Rule e a e ded y deleti g the ord No at the o e e e t of the Rule a d su stituti g therefor the following words :-
Sa e that e ery i di idual arra ted Lodge shall ha e the optio to a ept the advice of its
Membership Committee relating to the character and fitness of any candidate and proceed directly
to elect the candidate to be made a Freemason without the necessity for a ballot, then otherwise,
o….
Rule 242 be deleted.
Rule 247 be deleted and the following rule substituted therefor:-
247. When a Lodge receives a proposition for initiation a copy together with a copy of the completed
Victoria Police Check conducted on the applicant and a copy of the Freemasons Victoria Code of
Conduct signed by the applicant shall be immediately forwarded to the Grand Secretary who shall as
soon as practicable :-
a) post details of the application on the password protected section of the Freemasons Victoria
Me ers’ e site. The details so posted shall be in the form of notice in the Fourth Schedule
appended to these Rules; and
b) upon the expiration of 30 days from the date of so posting the details of the application, pursuant
to sub paragraph a) above, advise the Lodge whether or not it may proceed to admit the applicant.
The Second Schedule be amended by deleting the following :-
Gi e the a es a d addresses of four referees apart fro those e tio ed i your propositio form from whom enquiries may be made
1) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The Fourth Schedule shall be deleted and the following schedule substituted therefor:-
THE FOURTH SCHEDULE
The Lodge, No.
(Address)
(Date)
Dear Brethren,
I give notice that Mr.
Age:
Address: Business:
Private:
Occupation:
Is an applicant for initiation in the Lodge, No.
If any member or Lodge is aware of any objection to the initiation of the applicant, it is requested
that the member or Lodge should communicate it to the Grand Secretary for the information of the
M.W. Grand Master, within thirty days from the date of this notice.
Any communications will be treated as confidential.
Yours fraternally,
Grand Secretary.
The Ni th S hedule shall e a e ded y deleti g the ord The at the commencement of Rule 17
and substituting therefor the following words:-
Sa e as pro ided i Rule of the Book of Co stitutio s the……
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The amendment to Rule 2 is necessary to correctly refer to the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal
Arch.
The Board of General Purposes decided the amendments to paragraphs 19 and 20 of Rule 11 were
required so as to fit with the objectives of the Strategic Plan. These amendments will enable the
implementation of the operational aspects of the Strategic Plan for Freemasons Victoria to enhance
its capacity for compassion.
The amendments relating to paragraphs 75A and 75B of Rule 11 and Rule 14 will enable the
appointment of Master Masons to the offices of Grand Chaplain and Past Grand Chaplain,
respectively.
The amendment to Rule 115 enables the Board of General Purposes to appoint the Company
Secretary, who shall also be the Public Officer, for each entity.
The amendment to Rule 167 removes the necessity for a nominee for the position of Master to have
been a Master Mason in a Craft Lodge in Victoria for a period of at least five (5) years prior to his
Installation.
The amendment to Rule 178 will allow any member with a willingness to participate or who has an
aptitude in music to be involved notwithstanding he does not hold the rank of Master Mason.
The amendments to Rule 217 and the Second Schedule will streamline the process for every
applicant to become a Freemason. The amendment to Rule 217 d) requires the applicant to provide
with his application a copy of a completed Victoria Police Check and to have also signed the
Freemasons Victoria Code of Conduct. The amendment to Rule 217 e) will allow an application to
proceed if the applicant is personally known to his proposer, notwithstanding he has not been a
resident of the State of Victoria for at least twelve months preceding his election or ballot. The
amendment to Rule 217 f) provides that the applicant can be proposed, seconded and either elected
or balloted at the same meeting. The amendment to Rule 217 h) and the Second Schedule removes
the necessity for the applicant to provide written testimony as to his good character from at least
four referees who have known him for at least twelve months.
The amendment to Rule 219 is as a consequence to the amendment to Rule 247.
The amendment to Rule 225, Rule 242 and the Ninth Schedule is designed to streamline the process
of admission, it provides every Lodge the option to accept the advice of its Membership Committee
and proceed to make the applicant a Freemason or, otherwise, proceed to a ballot. The Lodge has
the option.
The amendment to Rule 247 and the Fourth Schedule is also designed to streamline the process for
admission to Freemasonry. It removes the necessity for the Lodge, who receives an application for
admission to Freemasonry, to circulate information to other Lodges in the neighbourhood. It
provides for information in the form of the Fourth Schedule to be provided to the Grand Secretary
who shall post the information on the password protected section of the Freemasons Victoria
Members website.
RWBro. J W KEE
GRAND REGISTRAR
Take note that at the Quarterly Communication to be held on 13
th December 2017, The President of
the Board will move that the Laws, Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Craft be
amended as follows:
That Rule 12 e) be amended by deleting 76 and substituting therefor: 75A
and
Rule 48 be amended by inserting after the word “than in the first line Grand Chaplains MM , Past Grand Chaplains MM ,
EXPLANATORY NOTE
At the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on 20th
September amendments will be voted on for
Constitutional change which, amongst other amendments, provided for the appointment of Grand
Chaplains (MM). At the time of drafting the changes to the Book of Constitutions, these rule changes
were omitted.
RWBro. J W KEE
GRAND REGISTRAR
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA NOTICE OF MOTION – CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
SEPTEMBER 2017
In compliance with the Book of Constitutions, it is my pleasure to present the special purpose
financial report of the United Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria for the
year ended 30 June 2017.
This report has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and has been reviewed by
both the Finance Committee and the Risk & Audit Committee, adopted by the Board of General
Purposes, and independently audited by chartered accountants, KPMG.
The consolidated net result for the United Grand Lodge of Victoria was an after-tax profit of
$1.646m.
Key i flue es o the yea s esult a e highlighted elo .
When referring to the consolidated result, we are including the activities of not only UGLV (the Chief
Entity), but also a number of controlled and fully-owned entities through which we operate. These
are listed in Appendix 1 to this presentation.
In the 2016-17 year there were notable changes, including adoption of the 2017-25 Strategic Plan.
As communicated previously, the Board of General Purposes resolved to allocate $1m from the
settlement of the Victoria Street hospital site to fund a range of strategic initiatives linked to
achieving the outcomes of the Plan, and under the control of the Chief Executive Officer. At 30 June,
$0.44m has been expended on market research, branding and communications, member retention
and strengthening the capacity for change. The balance of $ 0.56m is included in Reserves for
incremental expenditure on these and emerging initiatives in 2017/18. Through the Chief Executive
Officer, the Board continues to be informed of progress made across all aspects of the Strategic Plan.
The 2016/17 result recognises the final outcome of the Belle, Box Hill project with net income of
$9.29m. In prior years, development costs of $1.99m., which could not be capitalised, were
expensed as incurred. At 30 June, the last 4 apartments remained to be sold and continue to be
actively marketed.
Construction of the Bayside Masonic Centre is progressing as planned. Based on achieving practical
completion in December, the first key tenant will commence operations in early 2018. The full
financial impact as a mixed commercial and Masonic Centre will not be recognised until 2018/19.
The 2016/17 result has, however, been favourably impacted by an uplift in the value of the land of
$1.885m, reflecting the consolidation of the former Gardenvale Masonic Centre site. Property
holding costs have been expensed as incurred.
The Eastbourne, 300 Albert Street project has progressed significantly in 2016/17 and the current
financial report reflects an uplift in value from $24m (2016) to $51m., representing the expected net
result on completion. Accounting standards require this value to be reported as a Receivable rather
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF VICTORIA PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017
than as a Property Asset and be recorded at its discounted present value at balance date (30 June
2017 $47.893m). In future years the discount will be progressively wound back through the
Statement of Comprehensive Income, so as to increase the Receivable to $ 51m. by mid-2020.
This reclassification has also meant a change in disclosure of the property from a current asset in
2016 to a non-current receivable in 2017).
Property ownership costs related to 300 Albert Street, such as land tax, are expensed as incurred in
the General Fund, and are seen as strategic rather an operational costs.
I a o da e ith UGLV s fai alue a ou ti g poli y, p ope ties held e e i depe de tly alued at Ju e . The fai alue a ou ti g sta da d e ui es dis losu e ased o the assessed sale
alue , he eas the i use alue is typi ally highe afte o side atio of a ou ts spe t to eet e e eeds a d Maso i pu poses. The fai alue de e e ts i the / State e t of
Comprehensive Income amounted to $ $3.09m. (Box Hill and Ballarat). Increments of $1.86m were
recorded in the Asset Revaluation Reserve.
The net assets of the consolidated entity have increased from $ 85.126m. in 2016 to $ 105.253m. in
2017. This increase is principally due to the accounting treatment of 300 Albert Street as I referred
to above. The consolidated Financial Position at 30 June is summarised as follows –
2016 -17
$ s 2015 -16
$ s
Current Assets 17,117 55,652
Non-current Assets 110,745 49,600
Total Assets 128,462 105,252
Current Liabilities 16,088 20,001
Non-Current Liabilities 7,121 125
Total Liabilities 23,209 20,126
Net Assets 105,253 85,126
The Constitution requires that separate funds be kept in the books of Grand Lodge, which are:
The General Fund – which receives funds from members, earnings from investments and, through
the FMV Office, provides services to members.
The Building Fund – which is responsible for all Masonic buildings (except the Albert Street site).
The results include Eastern Freemasonry, Southern Freemasonry and Ringwood.
General
$ s
Building
$ s
Total
$ s
Operating Income (Expense) (673.4) (277.1) (950.5)
Development income – net 9,286.2 9,286.2
Works – Masonic Centres (3,105.0) (3,105.0)
Strategic – 300 Albert Street 668.8 668.8
Strategic – BGP approved initiatives (462.7) (462.7)
Gain on receipt of Masonic Centres 421.0 421.0
Revaluation – Land 1,885.0 1,885.0
Fair Value increments (decrements) (3,087.6) (3,087.6)
EBIT (467.3) 5,122.5 4,655.2
Depreciation (86.4) (356.2) (442.5)
Interest income (expense) 325.8 (483.8) (158.0)
(227.9) 4,282.5 4,054.6
Income tax (Expense)/Benefit (705.6) (1,703.0) (2,408.6)
Net Surplus (Loss) (933.4) 2,579.4 1,646.0
Looking to the year ahead, at the June Communication I advised that the Board had adopted a deficit
operating budget for the 2017/18 financial year of $ 3.806m.
This included expenditure of $2.9m for the continuing support to Masonic Centres, drawing on the
surpluses achieved in the Building Fund over the past 2-3 years.
Changes in accounting for the Eastbourne Project require the winding back of the present value
discount that had been applied to the revaluation of 300 Albert Street in the 2016/17 accounts. For
2017/18 this amounts to $2.079m, which reduces the deficit budget to $1.822m
A brief overview of the budget components is as follows:
Revenue $m
- Membership 0.991
- Investments 1.173
- Albert Street write-back 2.079
4.423
Expenses
- Masonic Services (0.821)
- Property Portfolio (1.799)
- Strategic Projects (0.301)
- Administration & Support (2.649)
(5.570)
EBITDA (1.327)
- Depreciation (0.589)
- Interest 0.094
(0.495)
Net Deficit (1.822)
Any member with queries or comments can direct them though the Grand Secretary. As well, the full
audited 2016/17 financial report can also be obtained through that office.
RWBro. Garry I. James
GRAND TREASURER
A Sprig of Acacia
Notification of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of the following members has been received since the last communication.
RWBro. Grevis Howe PSGW Lodge of Balnarring 850
RWBro. James Mason PSGW Mildura Lodge 170
RWBro. John Deans PJGW Monash Lodge 938
RWBro. Robert Found PJGW Brunswick United Lodge 924
RWBro. Donald Jukes PJGW Marangan Lodge 64
RWBro. George Lawrence PJGW Essendon Daylight Lodge 861
RWBro. Maxwell Lyle PJGW Creswick Havilah Lodge 26
RWBro. Peter Mitchell PJGW Weston Street United Lodge 94
VWBro. Max Capon PGIWkgs Lodge of Concentration 753
VWBro. William Chapman PGIWkgs Lodge of Transition 0
VWBro. Robert Key PGIWkgs Lodge of Euclid 447
VWBro. Kevin Kingsford PGIWkgs The Brighton District Lodge 37
VWBro. Cecil Lang PGIWkgs Dimboola Lodge 144
VWBro. Kenneth Leckie PGIWkgs Elrona Lodge 384
VWBro. Godfrey Legg PGIWkgs Wodonga Lodge 156
WBro. Frank Anning PJGD Allara Lodge 855
WBro. Lawrence Lipscombe PJGD Gippsland Lodge 51
WBro. Otto Schmidlechner PJGD The Diamond Valley Lodge 252
WBro. Peter Stone PJGD The Diamond Valley Lodge 252
WBro. Jeffrey Chessun PGStdB Essendon Daylight Lodge 861
WBro. Kenneth Drake PGStdB Essendon Daylight Lodge 861
WBro. Raymond O'Keeffe PGStdB Talbot Lodge 42
WBro. Geoffrey Williams PGStdB Cosmopolitan Lodge 96
WBro. William Armer PM Blue Dandenongs Lodge 859
WBro. Lionel Buttner PM Lodge of Orana 836
WBro. Robert Chenery PM Golden and Corinthian Lodge 7
WBro. John Crosthwaite PM Cohuna Lodge 227
WBro. Munzio Della Grazia PM Lord Northcote Lodge 191
WBro. John Dodgshun PM Maryborough Lodge 22
WBro. Frank Hirst PM Ivanhoe Grammarians' Lodge 584
WBro. Ronald Jackson PM Woodend Daylight Lodge 403
WBro. Laurence Larsen PM Myrtleford Lodge 222
WBro. Gordon Leslie PM Middle Park Lodge 206
WBro. George McGowan PM Robbie Burns Phoenix Lodge 88
WBro. Robert Morris PM Ballarat-Yarrowee Lodge 10
WBro. Cedric Prosser PM Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge 916
WBro. Kenneth Sorensen PM Warrawee Park Lodge 863
WBro. Arthur Stewart PM Dromana Lodge 511
WBro. Alan Welsford PM Duke of Sussex Lodge 48
WBro. Karl Ziegler PM Mitchell River Lodge 742
Bro. Donald Kinsey AM PGTyler (MM) The Diamond Valley Lodge 252
Bro. Lawrence Armstrong MM Keysborough St. Andrews 706
Bro. Alexander Chalmers MM Lodge Observance 654
Bro. Jeffery Forbes MM United Memorial & Merbein 327
Bro. Douglas Grant OAM MM Altona Lodge 572
Bro. John Harper MM Ivanhoe Grammarians' Lodge 584
Bro. Harold Miller MM Mildura Lodge 170
Bro. Gregory Painter MM Rosebank Lodge 348
Bro. Ronald Schell MM Monash Lodge 938
Bro. Geoffrey Webb MM Mansfield Lodge 158
Bro. Frederick Williams MM Hand of Friendship 932
