Primary schools and secondary colleges students will share $44,000 in the few weeks before Christmas.
In past years these schools have been around Bairnsdale, extending to Paynesville, Eagle Point, Lindenow South and Clifton Creek; Lakes Entrance, including Nungurner, Swan Reach, Tambo Upper and Metung; and Orbost, including Mallacoota, Cann River, Marlo and Buchan.
This year it is a pleasure that the coverage is widened to include Omeo, including Swifts Creek.
Freemasons Foundation Victoria is underwriting contributions from the five Lodges involved. This is a small part of the Foundations work. In financial year 2025 it distributed $2.5 million to community, health, education and youth programmes, supporting 143 partners and community groups, and supporting 179 schools by Masonic Education Grants. For every dollar raised by Freemasons the Foundation contributed $2.74.
Lodges involved in the Bairnsdale area where Masons attend end of year assemblies and functions to present their performance and encouragement awards is one of the most heartening experiences enjoyed in Freemasonry.
Primary schools award students in years three to five and years five to six. They don’t have to be the best, but are worthy of recognition and encouragement.
Secondary colleges awards or scholarships to year 11 to 12 students may assist in financing a student into university where relocation presents financial barriers, including accommodation, transport and specialised study materials, or an apprenticeship where a student may be able to buy trade tools or equipment.
Brethren from Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Omeo will be attending more than 40 end-of-year celebrations and presenting over 70 awards between now and mid-December.
This year it has been noticeable that commendations written by their teachers have been more encouraging and optimistic than in recent years, no doubt all round credit is due to teachers and school staff, students, and not forgetting parents.
