Historic meeting offers surprise donation

By Keira Doyle

Jun 2, 2023

John Glover from the Grand Lodge of Victoria, St John’s Lodge Deniliquin Master Jamie Counsell and St John’s Lodge secretary Martin Wilmshurst.

Deniliquin’s Riding for the Disabled program has benefited significantly from an historic meeting of Freemasons held in Deniliquin at the weekend.

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At a banquet of Victorian and NSW Freemasons at the Deniliquin RSL Club on Saturday, Deni RDA president Luke Harrington was overwhelmed to receive a series of donations amounting to $23,000.

The first was presented after an introduction from NSW Grand Master Les Hicks, who explained the Freemasons not only strive to make good men better citizens, but also to enhance the community in which they live.

“We knew that Deniliquin had suffered during the recent flood crisis and we wanted to help the locals recover,” he said.

Mr Harrington was then presented with a cheque for $15,000 on behalf of MasoniCare.

But the donations didn't stop there.

Freemasons Victoria presented Mr Harrington with another cheque for $6,000.

A subsequent auction, which elicited much laughter and competition, added another $2,000 to the total.

“I came along expecting to receive maybe $1000 to help us out. Imagine my surprise,” Mr Harrington said.

“I was speechless.”

Mr Harrington said the donations would contribute to the group’s aim of being more accessible for those with disabilities, particularly those who use a wheelchair.

“We’re looking into getting a wheelchair ramp and a hoist,” Mr Harrington said.

“We have neither at the moment, and we are having to lift our participants that use wheelchairs ourselves.”

Any funds remaining will be used to purchase accessibility equipment, including items washed away in last year’s floods.

The Freemasons meeting in Deniliquin was historic in that it was the first time a visit from the NSW and Victorian Grand Masters - the senior Freemason in their respective jurisdictions - has occurred at the same time.

The result was more than 100 visitors to Deniliquin - Freemasons and their wives.

While the Freemasons met, the wives were entertained in the community. A highlight was being hosted by the Deniliquin & District Historical Society.

Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts was a special guest at the banquet, and said it was a great opportunity to learn more about the organisation.

“I knew very little about the Freemasons, other than the fact that they have been in Deniliquin for more than 150 years”, she said.

“To see so many people enjoying themselves, sharing such camaraderie and giving so freely to our community was exhilarating. I feel so privileged to have been witness to such a spectacular event.

“The Freemasons have certainly made a very positive contribution to Deniliquin’s community over this weekend. Their decision to support Riding for the Disabled was an apt choice.”