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

Grand Master's Address
at the Grand Installation - 3 May 2003

I would like to add my personal welcome to our guests, in particular those who have travelled great distances, and I include not only our own brethren from the Northern Territory, but those English and American Freemasons who have come especially to join us in these celebrations.

It does not seem more than three years ago when M.W. Bro. Geoff Tucker invited me to accept the office of Deputy Grand Master. 

I have enjoyed my support role to him during this time and wish M.W. Bro. Geoff well in his retirement. Although he is not getting way scot free as I will keep him busy with some specific tasks, one he has already commenced, others that may come as a surprise.

I am sure M.W. Bro. Geoff, that all of the brethren join me in thanking you for your dedication to the task over the previous three years.

Can I at this time take this opportunity to thank the brethren of this Grand Lodge for their confidence in electing me as Grand Master.

When one looks at those who have gone before me I feel extremely humble. I am conscious of the responsibility and challenges that lie ahead.

I will continue the consultative process commenced in recent times by my predecessors.

There may be occasions when hard decisions need to be made; I will not be afraid to make those decisions.

In a recent e-mail from W.Bro Tom Boduch of Tennessee, he said of their recent Grand Communication:

We had a very good Grand Lodge session last Wednesday and Thursday. We had some difficult and potentially controversial issues to decide  on--mainly financial. The Grand Master presided well. We had good  orderly debate, and while not everyone agreed with the final decisions,  everyone felt they had their say and we left as brothers.

The words of my Obligation do not sit lightly on my conscience. I am bound, as all Freemasons are, to abide by the Constitution and Regulations of our Grand Lodge.

The recent restructuring of our Board of Management is another significant step in introducing contemporary management techniques. Again I thank the membership for their support in these changes.

There are many Freemasons who have not yet served as Masters of their lodges who have the necessary skills to serve our fraternity. Master Masons can now hold a number of positions in Grand Lodge, and are also eligible to be members of the Board of Management.

The Asset Disposal Fund is an essential component of our future. I have been advised that without the financial support available from this fund that many of our country premises in particular would experience great difficulty in meeting today’s standards and as such would face the prospect of being unavailable for our use.

I take this opportunity to commend M.W. Bro John Stone who had the foresight during his term as Grand Master to introduce the strategies now enjoyed by lodges and communities.

Not only does this process demonstrate Freemasons supporting Freemasonry but we have, since the introduction of the fund injected in excess of $250,000.00 into various community projects.

I announce tonight that an accreditation program for Masonic property will be introduced by the Director of Asset Management. This strategy will encourage lodges to make use of the funds that are available to them and bring their buildings up to the standards expected in today’s community.

In recent times the Corporate Plan has become an important management tool for our leadership. This plan is open to continuing review and I will continue to apply the processes identified therein. 

Consultation has begun with the Grand Superintendent in reviewing the job description of the District Superintendents and providing leadership training for them.

The Grand Lecturer and I have had preliminary discussions and a review of our Masonic education policy will take place 

I wish to thank everybody for their support of this Grand Installation and the associated functions to be held over the next few days. It is extremely encouraging to see the number of people here today. 

Brethren all, I accept the task before me and seek the ongoing support of the membership in my endeavours.

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