Freemasons Foundation Victoria

19/06/2026

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18/06/2026

Its that time of year when Year 11 students across regional Victoria are in training for an experience of a lifetime – walking in the footsteps of heroes by taking on the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea in the term two holidays.

This year’s cohort are Shylee Donaldson (St Augustine’s College Kyabram), Eden Thomson (St Joseph’s College, Echuca), Hannah Finn (St Joseph’s College Echuca), Logan Archer Cooper (Rochester Secondary College), and Sophie Bennett (Swan Hill College).

The scholarship is instituted by Mr Peter Walsh, MP, member for Murray Plains to honour the memory of Colin Sinclair, a Rochester resident who died on the Kokoda Track in WW2. It's supported by local organisations including Campaspe Valley Lodge and the Freemasons Foundation Victoria.

Its wonderful hearing students' stories and connections to the past thanks to regional news outlets.

For example, Hannah Finn’s great grandfather, along with all his brothers – served with the Australian Imperial Force during WWII. He even planted a seed from the Lone Pine Tree at Gallipoli in Kyabram in 1998. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 86, but Hannah is excited about being able to tell her great grandma – who turns 100 in December - about her experience upon her return.

https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/hannahs-honouring-family-anzac-legacy/

17/06/2026

From Cobram to Switzerland! 🇦🇺

We're proud to support Team Hammertime from Cobram Secondary College as they prepare to represent Australia at the World Hydrogen Remote Control Grand Prix Finals in Switzerland.

Numurkah Lodge's Geoffrey Thompson put his grant application skills to good use, helping the Cobram Masonic Lodge secure FFV funding and resulting in a $10,000 grant to help these talented young innovators on their journey.

We're delighted to see Lodges working together to support local young people and proud to help send these outstanding students to compete on the international stage. We wish them every success as they represent their school, community and country.

*** IN THE NEWS ***

17/06/2026

This International Men's Health Week, we're recognising the many organisations, programs and community leaders working to improve the health and wellbeing of men across Victoria.

Through our grants and partnerships, FFV is proud to support many initiatives that help men stay connected, access support, improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and navigate life's challenges with dignity and confidence.

Good health isn't just about physical fitness. It's about connection, purpose, mental wellbeing, and knowing when to reach out for support.

Thank you to the organisations and communities creating opportunities for men to thrive.

15/06/2026

Thanks to the Albert Victor Lodge for running an amazing fundraiser for MND Victoria!

The lodge hosted a black tie event at Ivalda Masonic Centre - and with the generosity in the room, coupled with support from FFV’s Masonic Grants program, it raised enough money to purchase four Kera SIT2SIT transport aids. These special pieces of equipment offer an alternative to traditional hoists or manual transfers for people living with motor neurone disease, helping people living with MND maintain their dignity, comfort and safety as their condition progresses, while reducing the physical and emotional burden on family carers.

By making the equipment available through MND Victoria's Equipment Library, the benefits will extend to many Victorian families over time, maximising the value and community impact of the investment.

11/06/2026

The story goes that Freemasons have been involved with the RSSS Eisteddfod since its inception in 1891, as donors, committee members, fundraisers and volunteers. Freemasons Foundation is very proud to be a Gold Crown Sponsor again this year, along with the local St John’s Lodge.

The program of events starts tomorrow in beautiful Ballarat!

1 DAY TO GO
Tomorrow the curtain rises.
Let the performances begin! ✨
Check out the calendar of events on the RSSS website www.royalsouthstreet.com.au

09/06/2026

A very practical piece of equipment has been purchased to support ease of access to Swan Hill Community Toy Library's services, thanks to the Swan Hill Freemasons Lodge. 💳🧩🧸

🎉 It's finally here! 🎉

We've officially stepped into the 21st century!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Swan Hill Freemasons Lodge and the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, the Swan Hill Community Toy Library now has a Square EFTPOS terminal! 💳

That means it's now easier than ever to pay for memberships, event hire, and other Toy Library purchases with tap-and-go convenience.

A small processing fee applies to EFTPOS transactions, but we're excited to offer our families a faster, simpler payment option.

A huge thank you to the Freemasons for supporting our Toy Library and helping us continue to improve the experience for our members and community. 💛



Freemasons Foundation Victoria

04/06/2026

If you're looking at your finances and your giving this June, you may also be thinking about your legacy.

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https://safewill.com/ffv?utm_content=ptnr&utm_source=ffv&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ffv_winter_2026_general_offer

02/06/2026

The members of Bank Place Lodge have formed a men’s health task force – inspired by a desire to foster stronger connections, encourage openness and support the wellbeing of their brethren and the wider community. Recognising that men often find it difficult to ask for help, the Lodge has leveraged FFV's Masonic Grants program to contribute $12,000 to support MensLine Australia - the free 24 hour national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men.

This donation will help to fund the trained counsellors who answer calls from men in distress.

Thank you to Bank Place Lodge's Richard Payne and Adam Harvey and to MensLine Head of Philanthropy and Capacity Campaign Simonne Michelle, picture, who joined us in the FFV office last week.

https://www.freemasonsfoundation.org/single-post/bank-place-lodge-mensline-donation

01/06/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2025–26 Masonic Grants Program 💙

A big thank you to all the Lodges who submitted applications and, more importantly, for the work you continue to do in your communities. Your commitment to supporting local people and initiatives is what makes this program so impactful.

We’ll now take a short administration break through June before the 2026–27 round opens in July.