GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Annual Conference commenced at 1.30pm on Saturday 12 October 2002, at 254 North Terrace, Adelaide.  No propositions were submitted by Lodges or membership for consideration at this Conference.
 

Grand Master's Opening Remarks

The Grand Master opened the Conference and gave a sincere welcome to all attending.  He indicated that while no specific issues had come from Lodges or individual members for the attention of the Conference, it did not mean that the organisation had no problems.  This forum, he indicated, provided an opportunity for a variety of concerns to be discussed so that the organisation could move forward with the co-operation of the wider membership.
 

Corporate Plan

In reporting on the Corporate Plan, the President of the Board of General Purposes outlined the measures that had been taken to address the key issues raised in that plan - those of Planning for the Future, Leadership and Decision Making, Care and Benevolence, Membership and Development, Resource and Financial Management.

Chairmen of the Task Forces responsible for drawing up strategic plans that will ensure those key issues are followed through with action, each spoke of their achievements to date, and the need to further identify clearly further goals and objectives, and to improve communication between the administration of the organisation and the Lodges and wider membership, and of course vice versa.

Reference was made to the recommended changes to the name and representation on the Board of General Purposes.  The new name will now be the Board of Management, and its composition will be as described in the Communication Summons.  Several questions were asked about the representation on the Board and were responded to by the Deputy Grand Master.
 

Assets Disposal Fund

A report on the disposal of Masonic Assets caused some animated discussion.  Reference was made to the Regulations covering this particular topic which is viewed with concern by some members.  Comment was made that the current Regulations were approved at a similar conference two years ago, and that the resultant 'Assets Disposal Fund'  had been able to assist a number of Lodges that otherwise may not have been able to comply with State Government expectations and regulations, or refurbish their premises to an acceptable standard.  It was pointed out that every effort is made to consult with the Lodges concerned regarding the proceeds of asset sales, and reach a position that is acceptable to the individual Lodge and to the wider organisation.  Unfortunately this is not always achievable.

The Deputy Grand Master agreed to look at the numbering of the Regulations so that they follow on more systematically.
 

Women and Freemasonry

Mrs Sonja Parsons, Chairperson of the Grand Master's 'Women and Freemasonry' Committee established following the report "The New Millenium, Freemasonry and Women" spoke on her group's role and initiatives that would be followed through in order to support those Masonically associated women to the extent that they wish to be involved in the various activities of the organisation.  It was strongly stated that there is no intent to join the Craft as there were other avenues available for this interest.  Every effort would be made to support the retention of existing members and new joining members by providing relevant information to wives, partners and families.
 

Reports from each committee of the Board of General Purposes

The Grand Treasurer reported that the reserves of the organisation were sound but that rising costs and falling membership had a huge impact on the viability of the Masonic Centre.  A loss of some $30,000 was recorded in the previous financial year.  He congratulated those responsible for the various budgets on their careful management of funds.

The Grand Superintendent of Works reported on the need to inspect and report on all Lodge premises, especially from the point of view of the Occupational Health, Welfare and Safety Regulations, so that Lodges avoid the possibility of being open to litigation for any mishaps that may occur.  He emphasized that only preventative maintenance was being carried out at the Masonic Centre as funds did not allow other work to be done.

The Chairman of Membership spoke on the need to attract more members ot the organisation and to ensure a good mentor scheme was in place to ensure that new members were retained.  He spoke on the value of Lodges in Districts supporting each other and gave the example of the 'Blue Moon' project in the Hills area.  He also committed his committee to supporting Lodge initiatives.

The Grand Almoner referred to the alliance established with the Carers Association that will be of great benefit to our members.  He also indicated that Discussion Days, previously held only in the city, would be held in as many country districts as possible.

The Grand Lecturer reported on successful Open Nights and that since April 2002 some thirty three lectures had been given in Lodges.  He indicated that more use was being made of the Grand Lodge web site to assist Lodges in their educational programmes.

Other short reports were given by the Director of Community Relations and the Grand Director of Ceremonies (Ritual and Procedures committee).
 

254 North Terrace

The Grand Master spoke on the future of the Masonic Centre and listed six options that are being considered:

• Stay where we are and pay the price through large increases in Grand Lodge Dues (could be $150-$160 by 2005
• Sell the building and move our administration to rented premises
• Stay with the support of a developer - not really an option as we would not be provided with sufficient facilities
• Stay with the support of the State Government or other benefactor - to be explored
• Make the building self funding - we have tried to do this in the past with minimal success
• Walk away - not really an option

Whatever option is chosen, the decision about the future of the building will be made on the best financial advice available.
 

Conclusion

The Grand Chaplain addressed the Conference, which was then closed.
 
 

The October 2002 Grand Communication followed the Conference, commencing at 5.00pm

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