1

THE UNITED GR AND LODGE OF

ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS OF VIC TORIA

ANNUAL REPORT

2017-2018
 2

Freemasonry is a worldwide
community of men that
believe in the principles of
equality and charity. It is one
of the few remaining
organisations that honour
and respect religious,
cultural and political
diversity.
 3

CONTEN TS

The official Annual 4 Message from the Grand Master

Report of the United
Grand Lodge of Victoria
(Freemasons Victoria) 5 Message from the President of the Board

freemasons.org.au 6 Board of General Purposes

PUBLISHER 8 Constitutional and Other Committees

Annual Report is
published by 9 2018 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team
Square One
Publications Ltd
(ACN 005 631 470) 10 Volunteers
WA Tope Building
45 Moubray Street 11 Staff
Melbourne VIC 3004
12 Organisational Structure
CONTACT US
marketing@fmv.org.au 13 VATs and Committees Relationships
Telephone: (03) 9411 0111
Toll Free: 1800 068 416
14 Strategic Objectives Review
Marketing Department
Freemasons Victoria 16 Property Portfolio
WA Tope Building
45 Moubray Street 18 Financial Year Overview
Melbourne VIC 3004
22 Year in Review

23 Our Supporters
MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MASTER 4

Brethren all,
Someone once said, “What you do today can
improve all your tomorrows.”
I truly believe we are all part of a new and
exciting cycle for Freemasonry. To reposition our
fraternity in Victoria as an organisation that men
aspire to join and remain members for life is not some
lofty ambition, it is our collective responsibility. Let
us be clear, the three simple goals we have set for
ourselves are:
• Attract new members
• Retain 100% of all members for life
• Have a sustainable business model that
supports the fraternity now and for future
generations in perpetuity
Our fraternity in Victoria has a proud past
and more importantly, we have a clear direction with
a straight forward Strategic Plan, supported by our
Lodges and District Strategic Plans. We are all part of
making this happen and to achieve this, we require
not only a complete understanding of the challenges
we face, but also what we can and are doing to
improve.
This Annual Report gives an insight into
what has been a particularly busy and challenging
twelve months. However, it has also been a time
which has seen significant progress in making sure
we have an appropriate focus on putting in place
the fundamental structure that will set us up for the
future.
Fundamental changes have been made
in developing a long-term financial plan while
implementing the organisational structure which
will set us up in all aspects of our operations to
be more agile, aligned and clear on our collective
responsibility. Most importantly, the entire Board of
General Purposes and I commit to transparency and
accountability while guiding every decision.
More improvements are underway to
better serve our fraternity and provide a satisfactory
service stemming from our Three Great Principles
of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. We are looking
at revising elements of our Constitution, reviewing
our income and expenditure planning, improving
our internal and external communications all while
placing a greater focus on serving our members. We
must also work together to encourage and support
those who heavily contribute to our fraternity and
show our appreciation; every little bit helps.
Brethren, I commend this Annual Report to
you, as part of improving our tomorrows.
I sincerely thank all the staff, our Committees,
our Volunteer Action Teams, our District Coordinators
and Lodge Administrators, for their dedication and
selfless support. Most of all though, I thank you
Brethren, for you are helping make the world a
better place, one man at a time.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD 5

The 2017-2018 reporting period has seen

much change within our organisation; change that
we have had to embrace and use to frame the growth
of Freemasonry into the future. As a Board, we have
been very fortunate to have been able to maintain
a level of consistency with both Bro. Keith Murray
and Bro. Richard Elkington being actively involved
as ongoing Directors. Given their experience with a
number of our change programs, their continued
involvement as leaders within our organisation has
ensured that we have maintained the program of
remediation as well as balancing new requirements
and meeting the needs of our membership.
As an organisation we have undertaken
change well beyond the bi-annual change of
Grand Master. We have had change in our office
environment, with the Grand Secretary and Head
of Operations commencing recently as well as a
considerable reduction in our operational staff
to reflect the financial capacity and needs of
Freemasons Victoria. I congratulate Bro. Garry Runge
and Mr. Paul McEvey on their appointments. At the
same time, we have developed detailed forecasts
and plans that are underpinning our ongoing
financial management. These complex models
reflect our Strategic Plan and place an emphasis on
future sustainability and growth. It ensures that our
decision making reflects our Masonic heritage and will continue to report on our finances on a regular basis
requirements whilst balancing our ongoing financial rather than annually. This will provide more transparency
responsibilities. in our operations for our membership.

We are continually indebted to our staff and We have valued the close relationship with
the work that they undertake as well as the support Grand Mark and Supreme Grand Chapter and have been
that they provide to our membership and the Board especially pleased to have their leadership involved in
however, we would not be able to provide the services several key decisions within the office, especially around
we do without the commitment from our volunteers. our key staffing appointments, and wish to celebrate the
Our Volunteer Action Teams provide core support to signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between
our organisation and they do this on their own time all three Orders.
and in many cases, without the key recognition that My thanks to the members of the Board of
they deserve. The Board is incredibly grateful to our General Purposes and in particular, Vice-President
volunteers and the efforts that they provide. Bro. Peter Clarke. I warmly welcome our new Board
Looking forward, we have recently updated members Bro. Graeme Wallace and Bro. William (Bill)
our message around Freemasonry. We are Lodge, and acknowledge the valued contribution of Bro.
Freemasons and we must continue to celebrate Don Reynolds, who as a recently retired Board Member,
that brand. More importantly, each of us needs to continues to support Freemasonry.
ensure that all new members and candidates are Next year will see us move back to Freemasons
welcomed into Freemasonry in a way that engages Melbourne and celebrate the completion of The
them. We must all continue to promote our fraternity Eastbourne Project. It will see closer relationships with our
and ensure we deliver to those expectations. The Masonic partners in Royal Freemasons and Freemasons
Strategic Plan has been updated to focus on member Foundation.
experience and retention; this is a responsibility I continue to be astounded by the support
that each of us has to ensure our current, new and provided to Freemasonry from our Committees and
prospective members are enjoying Freemasonry. Volunteer Action Teams, our diverse membership, families
We have continued in our approach to and our community partners and wish to thank everyone
financial and property management, confirmed for their continued support and dedication to our Craft.
by our auditors KPMG, with respect to our financial
report and the ongoing communications and
reporting on financial affairs. Moving forward, we
BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES 6

Members at the end of 2017-2018 Financial Year:

JUSTIN STARK KEITH MURRAY RICHARD ELKINGTON PETER CLARK

BSc, GradDipMgmt, MBA, BSc, MRICS, AREIV, Licensed Deputy Grand Master Vice-President of the Board
PMP, MACS(Snr), MAICD Estate Agent Board Member since 2016 Board Member since 2013
President of the Board Grand Master Richard is an Engineer who Peter is a retired Civil
since 2018 Board Member since 2009 ended his career as a General Engineering Design Manager
Justin is a well respected Keith is a Property Consultant. Manager in the Latrobe Valley for a Chemical Engineering
technology consultant who Power Generation Sector. He Company, Uhde Shedden Pty
has worked across the Asia is the Past Chair of Gippsland Ltd.
Pacific region for a number of Water, Past Director of
enterprise and government East Gippsland Water and
customers. Currently, he Gippsland Ports, Chairman of
is employed by IBM as the both Fuel Plus International
CTO for the NAB account, and Regional Development
specialising in operational Australia, Gippsland and a
management within a Cloud broadcaster on Gippsland FM.
context.

GARRY JAMES IAN UPJOHN MATTEO DONATO CRAIG HEAD

BComm, CPA, ICAANZ CSC, QC, LLB (Hons), LLM PhD, MComm, MBA, DipEng MBus (Accounting), BBus
Grand Treasurer (Dist) (Civil), AFAIM (Accounting), CPA, FIPA, FFA
Grand Registrar Board Member Since 2015 MAICD
Board Member Since 2015
Board Member Since 2018 Matteo has over 35 years Board Member Since 2015
Garry was a Principal in the
Chartered Accounting firm Ian is a Queen’s Counsel of senior management Craig is the Chief Financial
Kidmans Partners Pty Ltd, for the State of Victoria. He and project management Officer at Form 700 Group
having retired on 30 June 2018. holds degrees in law f rom experience in building Pty Ltd, Director at Royal
the University of Melbourne and civil construction. He Freemasons Ltd and Chairman
(Bachelor of Laws with currently teaches building and Quality Committee (Oct 2015).
Honours, 1991) and the construction at RMIT.
University of London (Master
of Laws with Distinction, 1999).

CHRYS KYPREOS MICHAEL MAHER HARRY PITARO

AMFAA, Dip. Mortgage Dip. Human Resources, Dip BBus (Marketing), Certificate
Lending, Licensed Estate Adv. Japanese, MAIIA (Logistics)
Agent Board Member since 2017 Board Member since 2017
Board Member since 2017 Michael is the Founder & CEO Harry is the Principal at David
Chrys is the Managing Director of Aged Care Development Glass Co. Pty Ltd.
at Ideal Finance Pty Ltd. Network, Managing Director
of SureComply, and Advisory
Board Member of GlobalCQ.
BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES 7

The 13 member Board of General Purposes (BGP) is the core leadership group of Freemasons Victoria, and
is responsible for establishing and facilitating the corporate governance framework of UGLV. This includes
the setting of strategic directions in line with its stated mission, vision and values, formulating policy,
monitoring compliance and maintaining an effective system of internal controls.

The lifecycle of the BGP is unique and changes are made based on individual terms, which may vary.
Following the Grand Installation in April 2018, the Board saw a major transition by which a new President
was appointed and ex-officio members held their new positions.

This is represented in the tables below.

Period from July 2017-March 2018, individual Board Members’ attendance is recorded as follows:

Member Number of meetings Number of meetings

attended held during the time
member held office
Richard Elkington 7 8
Don Reynolds 8 8
Keith Murray 7 8
Craig Head 8 8
Garry James 8 8
Peter Atkin (retired October 2017) 3 3
Peter Clark 6 8
Matteo Donato 8 8
Bill Kee (retired September 2017) 2 2
Chrys Kypreos 6 8
Michael Maher 8 8
John Molner (acting October 2017 - April 2018) 1 4
Harry Pitaro 7 8
Fotios Spiridonos (retired March 2018) 5 7

Period from April 2018-June 2018, individual Board Members’ attendance is recorded as follows:

Member Number of meetings Number of meetings

attended held during the time
member held office
Justin Stark 3 3
Keith Murray 3 3
Richard Elkington 2 3
Peter Clark 3 3
Garry James 3 3
Ian Upjohn QC 2 3
Matteo Donato 2 3
Craig Head 3 3
Chrys Kypreos 2 3
Michael Maher 3 3
Harry Pitaro 3 3

Appointed in July 2018 after the end of 2017-2018 Financial Year:

Member
Bill Lodge
Graeme Wallace OAM
CONSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER COMMITTEES 8

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mark Freudenstein

Chair: Justin Stark Craig Head***
Peter Clark David Heazlewood*
Richard Elkington Stephen Kapolitsas
Craig Head Scott Trevethan
Keith Murray Graeme Wallace
Don Reynolds* COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE
AGENDA (GENERAL) COMMITTEE Chair: Andrew Crozier-Durham
Chair: Justin Stark John Chanter
Barry Dyce Mark Eadon
Richard Elkington* John Molnar*
Garry James David Triplow
Bill Kee* COMPLAINTS REVIEW COMMITTEE
Myles King* Chair: John Evans**
John Molnar* Peter Crick
Keith Murray Ron Fuchs
Don Reynolds* Rodger Marsden
Ian Upjohn QC Don Nicholls
FINANCE COMMITTEE Bob Orr
Chair: Craig Head (appointed April 2018) George Watson
Garry James LEGAL & CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
PROVISIONAL
Roy Alderton*
Jack Aquilina*
Tim Bradd
Peter Bryce
Robert Brennand***
Matteo Donato
Richard Elkington
Bill Kee*
Ron Forsyth*
Garry Sebo
Neil Hart-Smith*
Ian Upjohn QC
Larry Jackson
DBC PROJECT REVIEW GROUP
Keith Murray
Chair: Keith Murray
Nicholas Nerantzoulis
Matteo Donato
Don Reynolds*
Peter Shellie
Justin Stark
RISK & AUDIT COMMITTEE
Chair: Robert Brennand
* Denotes retired
Peter Clark
** Denotes deceased
Jeffrey Cripps *** Denotes observer on Committee and does not vote
2018 GRAND LODGE CEREMONIAL TEAM 9

GRAND MASTER ASSISTANT GRAND PURSUIVANTS

MWBro. Keith Murray WBro. Dominic Gullace
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WBro. Ron Swift
RWBro. Richard Elkington WBro. Neil Moehr
SENIOR GRAND WARDEN GRAND STEWARDS
RWBro. Andrew McPhee WBro. Anton Alers
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN WBro. Peter Billings
RWBro. Bill Schultz WBro. Andrew Buchanan
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES WBro. Jhun Cortez
RWBro. Justin Stark WBro. Stephen Kapolitsas
GRAND SECRETARY WBro. Tom Kelly
RWBro. Bruce Cowie (April 2017 - September 2018) WBro. Nikolas Sakellaropoulos
RWBro. Garry Runge, JP ( September 2018 - Present) WBro. Stephen Simpson
GRAND CHAPLAINS WBro. Ross Henderson
VWBro. Rev. Gordon McKenzie WBro. Robert Kerr
WBro. Felix Pintado WBro. William Lowen
GRAND TREASURER WBro. Charles Wright
RWBro. Garry James GRAND TYLER
GRAND REGISTRAR WBro. Bruce Jarvis
VWBro. Ian Upjohn, CSC, QC GRAND LODGE ORGANISTS
GRAND ALMONER RWBro. Brian McDowell
RWBro. Barry Minster, OAM, OS RWBro. Clive Smith
GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF MEMBERSHIP RWBro. Col Perkins
RWBro. Garry Runge, JP (April 2018 - September 2018) RWBro. Eddie Farrell
GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF WORKS RWBro. Len Kirchner
VWBro. Matteo Donato RWBro. Mark Gealer
GRAND INSPECTOR OF WORKINGS RWBro. Richard Skilbeck
VWBro. Bruce Carey RWBro. Stan Edelsten
GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION VWBro. Don Hall
VWBro. Ian Buckingham VWBro. John Cantrill
GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES VWBro. Peter Cain
VWBro. Barry Dyce WBro. Neil Jarrott
GRAND DIRECTOR MUSIC WBro. Peter Dettmann
VWBro. Jim Taylor WBro. Peter Dillon-Shallard
DEPUTY GRAND INSPECTOR OF WORKINGS WBro. Alf Clements
WBro. John Reygers WBro. Denis Middendorp
DEPUTY GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION WBro. John Schneider
WBro. Brendan Kyne GRAND LODGE HERALDS
GRAND ORGANIST RWBro. Gavin Birch
WBro. Roger Manderson RWBro. Jack Walker
GRAND HERALD RWBro. Ron Farrington
WBro. Bill O’Shea RWBro. Dr Stuart McMillan
DEPUTY GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES RWBro. Milton Alexandrakis
WBro. Ian Goddard RWBro. Rod Lomax
ASSISTANT GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES RWBro. Warren Gilbert
WBro. Brendon Wallace VWBro. Ian Spargo
GRAND PURSUIVANT VWBro. John Freudenstein
WBro. Ian Clark VWBro. Jim Puohotaua
SENIOR GRAND DEACONS VWBro. Kevin Stewart
WBro. John Blyth WBro. David Jones
WBro. Adrian Kamer WBro. Domenic Donato
WBro. Stephen Norris WBro. Don Moore
JUNIOR GRAND DEACONS WBro. Eric Cross
WBro. Lee Andrikopoulos WBro. Geoff Lowe
WBro. Ravinder Sehmi WBro. Chris Scott
WBro. Milton Mann WBro. Marc Law
GRAND SWORD BEARERS WBro. Peter West
WBro. Wayne Millard WBro. Robert Marks
WBro. Shawn Momen WBro. Graeme Smith
WBro. John Lloyd WBro. Jefferson Smith
GRAND STANDARD BEARERS GRAND LODGE HERALDS (PIPERS)
WBro. Michael Fernando WBro. Iain Townsley
WBro. Greg Todio WBro. Len Trezise
WBro. Lee Pattinson Bro. David Barnard
Bro. Rod Gillies
VOLUNTEERS 10

We gratefully acknowledge the significant work undertaken by all our member volunteers including but not limited to:

Library Volunteer

District Coordinators Meeting

DISTRICT COORDINATORS
DISTRICT NO. 101 - NORTH WEST
RWBro. Neil Gannon
DISTRICT NO. 102 - SOUTH WEST
WBro. John Patterson
DISTRICT NO. 103 - LODDON
WBro. Ron Aldering Freemasons Taskforce
DISTRICT NO. 104 - GOULBURN
RWBro. Geoff Thompson (Acting)
DISTRICT NO. 105 - GIPPSLAND EAST VOLUNTEER ACTION TEAMS (VATs)
WBro. Chris Scott WORKS VAT
DISTRICT NO. 106 - CENTRAL HIGHLANDS Chair: Matteo Donato
WBro. Eddie Koene Chris Dzanovski
DISTRICT NO. 107 - WIMMERA Tony Matern
WBro. John McTaggart Keith Murray
DISTRICT NO. 108 - NORTH EAST Steve Simpson
WBro. Neville Wiggins Peter Shellie*
DISTRICT NO. 109 - GIPPSLAND SOUTH/WEST MASONIC KNOWLEDGE VAT
VWBro. Glen Richards Chair Ian Buckingham
DISTRICT NO. 110 - BELLARINE OTWAY Bruce Carey
RWBro. Trevor Somerville Brendan Kyne
DISTRICT NO. 111 - CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS VAT**
WBro. Peter Borland Chair Andrew McPhee
DISTRICT NO. 112 - BAYSIDE Peter Copp
WBro. Alan Tyndall* Jacques De La Porte
WBro. Shawn Momen (appointed December 2018) Bob Fawkner
DISTRICT NO. 113 - SOUTH EAST MORNINGTON Chris Formosa
WBro. John Grieve Dominic Gullace
DISTRICT NO. 114 - MONASH GULLY Colin Nguyen
WBro. Lionel May MEMBERSHIP VAT
DISTRICT NO. 115 - MAROONDAH Chair Garry Runge*
WBro. Peter Atkin* Chair Chris Andrews
WBro. Wayne Millard (appointed September 2018) Ray Gordon
DISTRICT NO. 116 - NORTHERN Chrys Kypreos
WBro. Ian Thompson Felix Pintado*
DISTRICT NO. 117 - WESTERN Sashi Sanmugathas
WBro. Jeffrey Denison* Fotios Spiridonos*
WBro. Emmanuel Marabeliotakis (appointed December 2018) LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
TASKFORCE EXECUTIVE Librarian Ange Kenos
Chair: Gary Edwards Ephraim Finch
Russell Anthony Victor Luci
Merv Dyer Geoff Vincent
Hans Hannemann ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEERS
Bernard Henry Jason Gribble
Antoni Pisa Lance McGregor
Sashi Sanmugathas Graham Pitcher
Alan Sewell Graham Sloman
Vito Spicuzza * Denotes retired
** Formed after end of FY
 STAFF 11

At Freemasons Victoria, we believe it is important that In the context of the Strategic Plan, our Executive Team
every employee understands how their work aligns with is responsible for leading the delivery of the Operations
the 2017-2025 Strategic Plan. Looking ahead, we expect Plan and outcomes defined as indicators of success. Our
to make further enhancements and refinements to collective achievements and emphasis on team work
attract and retain membership by engaging “Today’s stems from past challenges of sustainability and our
Man.” To better focus on the goals that have been set by future focus surrounds the needs of “Today’s Man” while
our members, we have restructured our teams and supporting and providing a personalised service to our
refined lines of reporting. As at 30 June 2018, the current membership.
number of full-time equivalent staff positions was 12.4.

PAUL MCEVEY GARRY RUNGE FRANK WARNER ANDREW POWER

B COM, FCA BA (POL STDS), PROF. CERT. B BUS, FCA, MAICD ADVDIP LEADERSHIP & MGT,
MEDIATION, DIP SMM, DIP CLINHYP, NLPMP,
PAUL MCEVEY DIP LC, NGH, AACHP
Head of Operations since Grand Secretary since Commercial Services Head of Marketing since
October 2018 August 2018 Manager since February October 2016
2017
Paul is the principal Garry is responsible Andrew is responsible
Frank leads the finance,
manager of Freemasons for providing Masonic for innovative projects,
human resources,
Victoria and its related advice, guidance and member support systems,
information technology,
entities. In his role he counsel across all the member experience
governance services and
is responsible for the Freemasons Victoria and delivery of the
support for Freemasons
efficient and effective portfolios; he advises member value proposition.
Victoria, bringing diverse
operations in respect to the Grand Master, Senior He remains dedicated
commercial experience
membership, marketing, Grand Officers and the to improving the
across professional
Masonic activities and Head of Operations on community perceptions
services in the private,
commercial operations. matters related to the of Freemasonry through
government and
Paul has extensive Constitution and the a stronger brand and
not-for-profit sectors.
leadership experience practice of Freemasonry. engaged membership at
He holds several Board the Lodge level.
across both the Prior to this role Garry
positions including
commercial and not- had a long service in law As a Board Director for
Treasurer of Arts Project
for-profit sectors enforcement and politics. the Australian Autism
Australia.
with a background in Garry’s skills include Association, Andrew is
professional services, leadership, management, committed to the ongoing
membership and media/ risk, business analysis, support and greater social
communications and mediation. awareness, compassion,
organisations. and understanding.

MEMBER COMMERCIAL
MARKETING
SERVICES SERVICES

Graham Berry Jennifer Galea Emily Johnson

Lodge Support Manager Finance Manager Marketing and Communications
Coordinator
Julia Edwards Natasha Hall
Executive Assistant to the Grand Office Manager Kelly Leventis
Master and Grand Secretary Marketing and Administration
Sarah Pratt Coordinator
Damien Hudson Finance Officer
Membership Intake Officer
Alex Thomson
Ben Quick Property Manager
Member Support Manager

* Staff page as at 30 November 2018

 12

Deputy Grand Master Grand Master

Boards of
SGCV and UGLMMMV
First Grand Principle SGCV Past Deputy Grand Board Committees
Past Grand Masters
Grand Master UGLMMMV Masters
Board of General
 Executive
Purposes  Finance Volunteer Action Teams (VATs)
 Risk and Audit
 Works – Grand Superintendent of Works
 Masonic Knowledge – Grand Superintendent
of Education
Grand Team  Ritual and Ceremony – Grand Inspector of
Workings
 Senior Grand Warden
 Education – Deputy Grand Superintendent of
 Junior Grand Warden
Education
 Grand Director of Ceremonies
 History and Heritage – Deputy Grand
 Other Ceremonial Officers
Superintendent of Education
 Grand Director of Music
 Membership – Grand Superintendent of
 Grand Organist
Membership
 Grand Heralds
 Lodge Interpersonal Skills
 Other Musicians
 Lodge Administration Skills
 Compassion – Grand Almoner
Head of Operations
ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Grand Secretary / Commercial

Marketing
Membership Services Services
VATS AND COMMITTEES RELATIONSHIPS 13
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES REVIEW 14

1. Building the Brand for Today’s Man

Following extensive membership feedback and the insights gathered from our incoming applicants, we followed
the previous planning with course-correction and tweaks to ensure our brand continues to grow in relevance with
Today’s Man.

Bringing brand management inhouse, we have been able to refine and adjust in a more agile manner, which has
seen an increase in the adoption and support of our brand throughout Freemasons Victoria, and our
affiliated organisations. Particularly, we have learnt that our target applicants are mostly searching for personal
development, mateship and a sense of belonging.

Continuing, the feedback and data has shown we must focus on:

AWARENESS THIRD PLACE AFFILIATION CONFIDENCE

The need for We need to continue The purpose and Publicly display and
members and Lodges to communicate how direction that demonstrate how we
to be proud to share Freemasonry provides Freemasonry helps support each other,
that they are a safe haven from the both the individual our friends and the
Freemasons and the troubles of life. and the collective to community to strive
great work we do achieve great results toward a greater
collectively within the for the community. sense of meaning and
Victorian community. purpose.

Refining the Brand

As we learn more about what our members, partners, friends and the community want, we are continually refining
our brand, website and marketing to ensure the greatest level of connectedness and resonance. This results in a
stronger message to market, marketing cohesion and a more attractive organisation to those seeking to join
Freemasonry.

2. Attracting and Retaining New Members

The Lodge Experience and buses, through to the entire Freemasons Forest
Our Lodges are what is key to member retention. As ward located at the Monash Children’s Hospital.
more Lodges have become member-ready, there is a
greater focus on the experience that members of the The Good Man Test
Lodge enjoy. This has led to greater involvement outside Over the past year, we have developed extensive social
of Lodge, with entire Districts of Lodges now working media campaigns that focus primarily on attracting
together to improve the presence within their local those men who are most interested in the values that
communities. our members and Freemasonry in general embody. The
result of this was the development of The Good Man
Uniting the Brand Test, a psychometric test that primarily identifies those
Organisations such as Freemasons Foundation, Royal most likely to share the values and virtues indicated
Freemasons and Epworth Freemasons working closer from our membership.
toward unifying the tremendous work that Freemasonry
brings to the community. The result of this has led to the In the last financial quarter of 2018 we sent 121
Square and Compasses featured publicly, from trams applicants to District & Lodges, with 61 going out in May.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES REVIEW 15

3. Refining the Member Experience

Recruitment has been positive during the last twelve months; Slowing Annual
however retention remains as the real task. From 1 July 2017 to
30 June 2018 we initiated 258 members, however our losses were Membership Reduction
521*. Membership continues to develop and implement strategies
to reduce the loss of members and turn the curve upwards.

Victoria continues its reputation for ceremonial excellence within

Lodges which has been further enhanced this year by the
efforts of the Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team. The metropolitan
and country members of the Ceremonial Team dedicate many
hours comprising of rehearsal and travel at their own expense to
achieve perfection. The life long bonds made through
commitment in the team is something of great value and
honour.

Education continues to be a way for our members to gain

further Masonic and personal growth. The use of online
platforms as well as traditional sources has enabled members
to explore the fundamental and deeper meanings behind
Freemasonry. In the future we will continue to provide
resources for all members seeking to become more
educated about Freemasonry.

The Library and Museum continues to attract attention from

Freemasons and the public with regular requests about the
Masonic history of family members. There is an extensive
collection on display at Freemasons Bayside and we look
forward to showing more of our history upon the completion *Number of resigned or excluded members
of Freemasons Melbourne in East Melbourne. during the 17-18 FY, not including bereavements

4. Making the Difference

Community initiatives often depend on donations, and our

partnership with Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited
allows us to provide support to organisations with a great
purpose. Together, we have supported Think Pink, Monash
Children’s Hospital, Australian Prostate Centre and Werri-
bee Mercy Hospital.

Freemasons Victoria also supported the Uncle Bob’s collec-

tion for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal,
Blue Ribbon, Anzac Day, Michael Long Walk and head-
space amongst many others. These organisations were
also beneficiaries of Freemasons’ active involvement in the
community.

Freemasons uphold Three Great Principles of Brotherly

Love, Relief and Truth. Through the teachings of these
principles, good men learn about tolerance, charity and
moral standards. Freemasons are encouraged and taught
to practice charity and to care not only for one another, but
for the community as a whole, through charitable giving
and voluntary effort.

5. Developing a Sustainable Organisation

Coupled with the strategic objectives of membership covering all facets of the organisation. Financial
growth and engagement, significant attention has been modelling has since been created covering the period
given by the Board and administration to the challenges 2018-2025 which focuses on improving budgetary
of financial sustainability. This focus has seen consid- planning (profitability, asset/liability management,
erable discussion regarding income sources as well as funding) and informing investment decisions.
the costs of operations, and at the same time improving
returns on investments and funding ongoing support of Developing a sustainable business model for the
the property portfolio. Added to this are projects of the organisation is fully integrated with the strategic
significance of Eastbourne and its anticipated impact on objectives of membership attraction and continuing
the financial position of the organisation. Conscious of engagement. Consultation with the membership
this complexity, the Board committed to development regarding financial sustainability is ongoing.
of a mid to long term financial planning strategy and
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO 16

Overview
The property portfolio of Freemasons
Victoria is extensive and diverse across
metropolitan and regional areas. The
improvement of existing and development
of new facilities is governed by the need
to support the organisation’s strategic
objectives of membership attraction and
retention and commercial necessity for
improved building utilisation.

For the benefit of members and other

users of Freemasons’ facilities we remain
committed to ensuring compliance with
essential safety requirements and risk
management practices across all sites.

Significant work is underway in our Property portfolio and building projects for the 2017-18 FY included:

Hamilton
The building’s internal
refurbishment and major
restoration works to the facade
completed in the 2017-18 FY.

Mount Waverley
Internal refurbishment of this
centre was completed during
2017-18 and encompassed
an upgrade of all amenities,
inclusion of a disability ramp and
bathroom, lift, and rear parking
provisions.

Traralgon
Freemasons Latrobe Valley
was dedicated on 10 February
2018. This new centre provides
increased amenities for all
members and guests, along
with the opportunity for greater
engagement with the local
community and venue hire. The
centre hosted a meeting of the
Board and open forum prior to
the consecration ceremony on 10
February.
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO 17

Bayside
Freemasons Bayside was completed in
December 2017 and was dedicated on
17 March 2018.

The top floor accomodates three Lodge

rooms, a bar/lounge and a banquet room
with a capacity of 240 people and the
option to partition the room into three
rooms, all supported by more than 100 car
spaces.

The centre now hosts over 20 Lodges and

other Orders and is in constant use for
meetings as well as social events. Bayside,
by reason of its capacity and amenities, has
become the principal venue for hosting
Quarterly Communications.

In relation to the commercial tenancies

within the building the childcare centre,
Kool Kidz formally commenced operations
in May 2018. The fitout of this space is
extensive and includes a range of indoor
and outdoor play areas, catering for age
groups between 1 and 6 years old. Additional
space has also been leased on Level 2 by
Kool Kidz for use as a staff training facility
and administration office. Negotiations are
underway for the letting of the ground floor
areas.

The Eastbourne, 300 Albert Street

PHOTOGRAPHIC SUMMARY REP
Architects, The Buchan Group have been actively
In conjunction with property and development group designing the interiors of our Freemasons spaces across
three levels and incorporating requirements for Masonic

August 2018
Mirvac, significant progress with construction was
made during the year and programmed completion meetings, Masonic heritage and displays, social areas,
is expected by end 2019. By 30 June 2018 all 258 and office accommodation as well as commercially
apartments were sold, with demand reflecting the lettable areas. Having been involved in the design of the
unique location and quality of the project. Freemasons Bayside, the Buchan Group are familiar with
our styling preferences and functional uses of formal
and informal spaces. Based on current projections the
internal fitout of our spaces will be completed by end
2019.
FINANCIAL YEAR OVERVIEW 18

Year Ended 30 June 2018

The first key commercial tenant officially commenced
The consolidated net result for the United Grand Lodge operations in late May 2018. The full financial impact as a
of Victoria for 2017-18 was an after-tax profit of $308,000. mixed commercial and centre will not be recognised until
When referring to the consolidated result, we are 2018-19.
including the activities of not only UGLV (the Chief Entity),
but also a number of controlled and fully-owned entities c. 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne
through which we operate. These are:
This project progressed significantly in 2017/18. By June
• Grand Lodge Holding Limited 2018 construction of the building’s underground works
• Southern Freemasonry Pty Ltd and high-rise central cores were completed.
• Eastern Freemasonry Pty Ltd
• Freemasons Ringwood Pty Ltd The 2017 financial report recognised the expected
• Freemasons Hospital Limited amount receivable upon completion of the project (2020)
• Freemasons Victoria Pty Ltd as a non-current asset. In the 2018 Statement of
• Freemasons Title Custodian Comprehensive income a positive adjustment of $2.08m
Company Limited was made to reflect this receivable being recorded at its
• Square One Publications Pty Ltd discounted present value.

The net assets of the consolidated entity have The 2018 result also includes, as revenue, the amount of
changed from $105.253m in 2017 to $104.589m in 2018. $5.12m being the present value of the Owners Additional
Retention expected to be received upon settlement of
The Special Purpose Financial Report is prepared in The Eastbourne apartment sales.
accordance with applicable Australian Accounting
Standards and reviewed by both the Finance Committee During the year, the Board of General Purposes resolved
and the Risk and Audit Committee, before adoption by to enter into a Syndicated Facility Agreement with Mirvac,
the Board of General Purposes. The Report is as developer, and the ANZ Bank to facilitate prepayment
independently audited by Chartered Accountants, KPMG. of the development fee. This arrangement affects the
Balance Sheet through recognition of a non-current asset
The Constitution requires that separate funds be kept and offsetting non-current liability amounting to $103m
within the books of Grand Lodge, which are: at 30 June 2018. Property ownership costs related to 300
Albert Street, such as land tax, are expensed as incurred
The General Fund in the General Fund, and are seen as strategic rather an
operational costs.
Receives funds from members, earnings from
investments and, through the Freemasons Victoria office, d. Fair Value Adjustments
provides services to members and Lodges.
In accordance with UGLV’s ‘fair value’ accounting policy,
The Building Fund the Gardenvale and Traralgon properties were
independently valued at 30 June 2018. The ‘fair value’
Responsible for all Masonic buildings (except 300 Albert accounting standard requires disclosure based on the
Street) and includes Eastern Freemasonry (Freemasons assessed ‘sale value’, whereas the ‘in use’ value is
Inner East), Southern Freemasonry (Freemasons Bayside) typically higher after consideration of amounts spent to
and Ringwood. meet member needs and Masonic purposes. The ‘fair
value’ decrements in the 2017/18 statement of profit or
An Addendum to the Consolidated Special Purpose loss totalled to $1.6m.
Financial Report, showing the allocation of 2018
result between the various activities that comprises the Looking Ahead
consolidated position was circulated to members as part
of the September Quarterly Communication. In 2018, strategic financial forecasts to FY 2025 have been
developed by the Finance Committee in conjunction with
Key influences on the 2017-18 year’s result are highlighted the Board of General Purposes, and with particular focus
below. on the financial sustainability of our organisation.
This work has already been shared through various
a. Station Street, Box Hill communications and Member Forums, and will continue
to provide the framework for ongoing engagement with
Sale of the last 4 apartments in the Belle development, members.
signalling completion of this project.
The 2018-19 Budget anticipates a deficit of $1.4m.
b. Freemasons Bayside, Gardenvale However, the Board is focused on improving all income
sources as well as reducing operating costs in a
Freemasons Bayside was completed in December 2017 sustainable way, and is aiming to achieve a break-even
and Masonic use commenced in January 2018. The position by 2020-21.
2017-18 result reflects the cost of occupancy including
appropriate claims for depreciation and capital
allowances.
FINANCIAL YEAR OVERVIEW 19

Consolidated Financial Results at 30 June 2018* 2017-18 2016-17

$000s $000s
Revenue – membership 898 977

Development – net income (76) 9,287

Net gain on Masonic properties 103 2,270

Rental income 604 592

Eastbourne OAR 5,122 -

Other income 829 754

Income 7,480 13,880

Employee expenses 1,883 1,944

Repairs, maintenance & centre expenses 1,224 2,755

Professional fee expenses 354 445

Depreciation 1,269 443

Other expenses 4,335 6,262

Results from operating activities (1,585) 2,031

Investment income 3,263 2,181

Interest expense (410) (158)

Net finance income 2,853 2,023

Profit (loss) before income tax 1,268 4,054

* Consolidation of General Fund, Building Fund, Hospital Fund, Eastern

Freemasonry, Southern Freemasonry and Freemasons Ringwood.

2017-18 General Eastbourne Building Total

$000s $000s $000s $000s
Operating income (expense) (1,404) (316) (1,720)

Development income – net 7,201 7,201

Works – Centres (1,082) (1,082)

Strategic – 300 Albert Street (60) (60)

Gain on sale of Centres 103 103

Fair Value increments (decrements) (1,637) (1,637)

EBITDA (1,404) 7,141 (2,932) 2,805

Depreciation (88) (1,181) (1,269)

Interest income (expense) 1 (269) (268)

Profit (loss) before income tax (1,491) 7,141 (4,382) 1,268

The audited Special Purpose Financial Report is available online for members.
FINANCIAL YEAR OVERVIEW 20

Consolidated Financial Position at 30 June 2018* 2017-18 2016-17

$000s $000s
Current Assets 19,362 17,717
Non-Current Assets 228,115 110,745
Total Assets 247,477 128,462
Current Liabilities 7,791 16,088
Non-Current Liabilities 135,097 7,121
Total Liabilities 142,888 23,209
Net Assets 104,589 105,253

Current Assets $000s Non-Current Assets $000s

Cash 8,370 Property 42,206

Receivables 10,770 Receivables 161,034

Other 222 Investments 22,891

Total 19,362 Other 1,984

Total 228,115

Current Liabilities $000s Non-Current Liabilities $000s

Borrowings 5,338 Borrowings 127,745
Payables 2,312 Deferred Tax 7,338
Employee Benefits 141 Employee Benefits 14
Total 7,791 Total 135,097
FINANCIAL YEAR OVERVIEW 21

2017-18 Budget General Eastbourne Building Total

$000s $000s $000s $000s
Profit (loss) before income tax (1,344) (583) (3,201) (5,121)

2017-18 Actual General Eastbourne Building Total

$000s $000s $000s $000s
Profit (loss) before income tax (1,491) 7,141 (4,382) 1,268

Overview of 2018-19 Budget General Eastbourne Building Total

$000s $000s $000s $000s
Operating Revenue 2,311 1,694 4,005

Development income 180 180

Sales – Centres 126 126

2,311 180 1,820 4,311

Operating expenses

Masonic activities (800) (800)

Image & marketing (103) (103)

Administration & support (2,232) (2,232)

Strategic - 300 Albert Street (302) (302)

Property portfolio (1,234) (1,234)

Grants to Centres (500) (500)

(3,135) (302) (1,734) (5,171)

Net operating income (expense) (824) (122) 86 (860)

Development income - Mirvac 1,030 1,030

EBITDA (824) 908 86 170

Depreciation (103) (711) (814)

Interest income 326 46 372

Interest expense (4) (1,085) (1,089)

Profit (loss) before income tax (605) 908 (1,664) (1,361)

As noted in the messages from the Grand Master and President of the Board of General Purposes, the direction of
our ongoing financial management is achieving financial sustainability and growth. Operations will continue to be
managed to reflect the financial capacity and needs of Freemasons Victoria. As also noted, members will be kept
informed through regular and transparent reporting.

The 2018-19 Budget assumes the returns on investments and commercial income are maintained at least at current
levels, and that the current operational structure of Freemasons Victoria is largely unchanged. Improving the
delivery of services to members and asset utilisation across the organisation are key areas of focus.
YEAR IN REVIEW 22

Top left to right: Freemasons Bayside Dedication, Tercentenary of UGLE, Taskforce Volunteers, Good Friday Appeal
Donation, Grand Installation, Joint Orders Memorandum of Understanding
OUR SUPPORTERS 23

We acknowledge the valuable work of:

Good men supporting each other,

their families and the community.

FOR THE FUTURE

 24

THE UNITED GR AND LODGE OF

ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS OF VIC TORIA

f reemasons.org.au

Making the world a better place,

one man at a time.