Order of Malta - Australia

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Serving the Sick and Poor, and Defending the Faith, for over 900 years. The Order of Malta runs medical, social and humanitarian projects in over 120 countries.

While relatively new to Social Media, the Sovereign Order of Malta has been Serving the Sick and Poor and Protecting our Faith for over 900 years. The Order is a Sovereign subject of International Law and a Lay-Religious Order of the Catholic Church. The Order has bilateral diplomatic relations with over 100 States, Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations, the European Union and numerous international organisations. The Order is especially involved in helping victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. The Order galvanises over 12,000 Members, over 25,000 medical personnel, and over 80,000 volunteers, dedicated to caring for all who suffer, regardless of race, religion or gender. The Order is neutral, impartial and apolitical. Members and Volunteers are active in over 120 countries, with 12 Grand Priories and Sub-Priories and 47 National Associations. The Order facilitates numerous hospitals, medical centres, day-care centres, first-aid corps and specialist foundations. Founded in Jerusalem over 900 years ago, its full name is the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Since 1834, the Order of Malta’s Government has been located in Rome, where it is guaranteed extraterritorial rights. Order of Malta Membership is by Invitation. All are welcome to Volunteer, caring for people in need - together :)

If you would like to Volunteer to support the Order’s Mission, please register your interest via https://www.orderofmalta.org.au/i-want-to-help/volunteer/

For further info: http://www.orderofmalta.int/?lang=en

01/11/2026

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… but when it comes to chivalric honours, vigilance matters.

The Order of Malta encourages the public to stay informed and exercise caution when approached by organisations claiming to confer knighthoods or other chivalric honours.

Following recent clarification from the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, it has been reaffirmed that, alongside its own chivalric orders, the Holy See recognises and protects only two others:
• The Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Other orders, whether recently established or claiming links to medieval traditions, are not recognised by the Holy See. Diplomas of knighthood and insignia issued by unrecognised organisations have no standing in the eyes of the Holy See, and the use of churches and chapels for their investiture ceremonies is not considered appropriate.

Know the signs. Look beyond the name. Verify before you trust.

One distinguishing feature of members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is their black church robe bearing the white eight-pointed Maltese cross. Be cautious of organisations using similar names, alternative robes or insignia that may create confusion with the recognised Order.

For further information on verifying the authenticity of chivalric orders and identifying false orders, visit: 🔗 https://www.orderofmalta.org.au/false-orders/

Awareness is the best protection against misrepresentation. Help us spread the word!

29/10/2026

🏡 Philermos House is now open!

The Order of Malta Australia is delighted to welcome people experiencing disadvantage across the Gold Coast to Philermos House in Southport.

Everyone is welcome! Come in and receive a warm welcome, practical support and compassionate care in a safe and respectful environment. ❤️

📍 Location: 78 Davenport St, Southport QLD 4215
🗓️ Days: Monday–Friday
⏰ Hours: 7.00 am – 1.00 pm

Services available

🥣 Breakfast: Cereal from 7.15 am, with a cooked breakfast subject to volunteer availability.

🍲 Lunch: Served from 12.00 pm – 12.30 pm.

🧺 Laundry: Washing and drying until 11.30 am, subject to volunteer availability.

🚿 Showers and toiletries: Available until 11.30 am.

👕 Clothing: A limited supply of good-quality second-hand clothing.

Philermos House puts the mission of the Order of Malta into action: Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum — the defence of the faith and service to the poor.

We look forward to welcoming you. Please spread the word to anyone who may benefit from these services.

Big Red Shed Southport

28/10/2026

Across Australia, the Order of Malta offers regular volunteering opportunities for people who wish to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In Brisbane, twice a month members and volunteers support the food service at Emmanuel City Mission, helping people experiencing homelessness and hardship by providing meals, clothing and a welcoming presence.

One of our regular volunteers, Kathie, shares what this service means to her:

“It is a pleasure to be able to work with the Order helping those in need at Emmanuel. As individuals we may not be able to change the trajectory of all those who come to Emmanuel or the trauma they may carry within, but for a few hours we can show them that we see their humanity and help them with breakfast or lunch and finding clothes that they like and which fit them.

To be able to do that in the name of Jesus and the Order is a privilege.”

Kathie’s words reflect the heart of the Order of Malta’s mission: to serve those in need with dignity, compassion and respect, recognising the humanity of every person we encounter.

🙏 Interested in volunteering with the Order of Malta Australia? Enquire now www.orderofmalta.org.au/volunteer to learn about opportunities near you.

27/10/2026

Every Wednesday night, our volunteers at the Community Care Kitchen in cook, serve and clean up after a delicious sit-down meal for those who need it. ❤️

Open to anyone doing it tough—whether experiencing homelessness, feeling lonely or simply struggling. Everyone is welcome at the table.

26/10/2026

🕊️ Notice of the Death of Peter Van de Velde

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

It is with deep sadness, yet with firm hope in the Resurrection, that we announce the passing of our dear confrere, Peter Van de Velde, who died on Saturday, 24 October.

Invested in the Order in 1998, Peter devoted nearly three decades to faithful service. He will be remembered for his deep commitment to defending the Faith, his dedication to the formation of members and aspirants, and his cherished spirit of confraternal friendship.

As Lecture Series leader for the then NSW Branch, Peter helped Catholics deepen their understanding of the Faith through reflections on the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the history and spirituality of the Order. His faithful service and the gatherings he so carefully prepared enriched the lives and vocations of many within our community.

We give thanks to Almighty God for Peter’s life, his faith and his generous service to the Order.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family and loved ones and ask all members and friends to keep them in their prayers during this time of grief.

🙏 Please pray for the repose of Peter’s soul.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Blessed Gerard, pray for him.
St John the Baptist, pray for him.
Our Lady of Philermos, pray for him.

🕯️ May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

25/10/2026

💙 Care, Connection and a Little Homemade Kindness in Parramatta

Another busy night for our Order of Malta Community Care Van volunteers in Parramatta last Monday!

Following their regular route from St Patrick’s Cathedral to Alfred Park, along Church Street to Parramatta Train Station and back, our volunteers met with people experiencing homelessness who are familiar with their visits and look forward to a friendly conversation and practical support.

Alongside Coats for the Homeless, hygiene items, water and deodorant, last week’s offering included hot pies and delicious homemade mango cake, baked with care by one of our wonderful volunteers. 🥧🥭

It’s these thoughtful little touches, offered with warmth and compassion, that can make a real difference to someone’s night.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers for the time, care and kindness they bring to every visit. ❤️

Want to make a difference?

🙌 Volunteer with us: www.orderofmalta.org.au/volunteer

💙 Make a tax-deductible donation to support our work: www.orderofmalta.org.au/donate

22/10/2026

🌏 Help Create Leaders in Timor-Leste

Education can open the door to greater opportunity, independence and a brighter future.

The Order of Malta’s Creating Leaders Scholarship Program supports young people in Timor-Leste who have the academic potential to continue their education but whose families may not have the financial means to support them.

The program currently supports 14 students across three schools, helping with school fees and the basic necessities that enable students to attend school and stay in education.

But there are more deserving students waiting for the opportunity.

💙 For $100 a month, you can help provide a student with a scholarship for a minimum of three years. One-off donations of any amount are also gratefully received.

Your support can help a young person stay in school, complete their education and build new opportunities for themselves, their family and their community.

👉 Read the full story on our website and find out how you can support Creating Leaders https://www.orderofmalta.org.au/creating-leaders-scholarship-program-opening-doors-to-education-in-timor-leste/

21/10/2026

❤️ Help us make Philermos House a place of welcome

Philermos House has opened its doors in Southport, providing practical support and a welcoming space for people experiencing hardship.

But we can’t do it without volunteers.

From serving breakfast and lunch and making barista coffees, to helping with clothing and toiletries, welcoming guests and simply taking the time to have a conversation — every volunteer can make a difference.

As the service grows, we are looking for compassionate and reliable volunteers who can give their time to support this important new initiative.

📍 Philermos House, 78 Davenport St, Southport QLD 4215
🗓️ Monday–Friday
⏰ 7am–1pm

You don’t need special qualifications — just a willingness to help, a warm heart and a desire to serve others.

Whether you can volunteer regularly or occasionally, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can help make sure that people doing it tough in our community are met with dignity, compassion and friendship.

👉 Interested in volunteering? Get in touchhttps://www.philermoshouse.org.au/volunteer/

20/10/2026

Nepal Flood Response: The Work Continues

Following the devastating flash floods in Nepal on 26 August 2026, the focus is shifting from emergency relief to longer-term recovery.

Through the Order of Malta’s international relief agency, Malteser International, emergency assistance has helped affected communities access clean drinking water, food, hygiene supplies and safe places to sleep.

But the challenges remain immense. With more than 1,500 lives lost, thousands still missing and critical infrastructure destroyed, recovery will take time.

The latest update: Malteser International Asia Pacific is undertaking a six-month initiative, working with local partner KOSHISH, to support women and girls affected by the floods, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The initiative will provide:
💙 Hygiene and dignity kits
💙 Psychosocial support
💙 Mother-and-baby-friendly spaces offering privacy for infant care

These services will help address the needs of vulnerable women and families as communities begin rebuilding.

Learn more: www.orderofmalta.org.au

Thank you to everyone whose generosity is helping make this vital work possible. Together, we can help affected communities move towards recovery with dignity and hope.

PHOTO: The flash flood of 26 August struck numerous communities in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, severely damaging homes and vital infrastructure. Credit - TERRA Projekte International/ADH

19/10/2026

Hands-on service is at the heart of being a member of the Order of Malta. Every member is called to serve those in need — and, through that service, to glorify God.

Pictured getting well and truly hands-on is our Regional Hospitaller, Danny Higgins, preparing for the sausage sizzle at Emmanuel City Mission (ECM). 🌭

Twice each month, members and volunteers of the Order of Malta have the privilege of joining the ECM team to prepare, cook and serve more than 300 sausages for lunch to people experiencing disadvantage in and around Brisbane’s city area.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Emmanuel City Mission and to share a meal, a conversation and a little dignity and kindness with those who need it most. ❤️

Address

Darlinghurst, NSW

Telephone

+61293318477

Website

http://orderofmalta.org.au/

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