A CHEQUE presentation ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 4, at the Whittlesea Masonic Temple in Beech Street, making significant financial contributions to local emergency services, community organisations and youth facilities.
Grand Master Peter Henshall formally presented the cheques, highlighting the ongoing commitment of Freemasonry to supporting the Whittlesea community and surrounding districts.
Funding for the donations was provided by The Freemasons Foundation Victoria in partnership with a number of Masonic lodges including Whittlesea and Diamond Valley.
The largest contribution of the evening was $26,000 to SES Whittlesea towards the purchase of an Incident trailer, strengthening the unit’s emergency response capability across the region.
Scouts Victoria received $20,000 for air-conditioning upgrades at Camp Warringal, improving comfort and facilities for the many young people and volunteers who use the camp throughout the year.
Five local CFA brigades, Whittlesea, Mernda, Kinglake West, Flowerdale and Arthurs Creek, each received $1250 to assist with the purchase of essential equipment.
Whittlesea Combined Churches was presented with $1000 to support its Hardship Hampers program, which distributes assistance to individuals and families in need at Christmas.
The contributions were described as a meaningful investment in community safety, wellbeing and resilience. The funding will directly strengthen frontline emergency response, enhance community facilities and provide practical support to those experiencing hardship.
Community members, representatives of recipient organisations and invited guests attended the ceremony, which celebrated the positive partnerships between Freemasonry and the wider Whittlesea community.