An evening of generosity in Whittlesea

The Whittlesea Masonic Temple was filled with warmth, pride and a strong sense of purpose on Wednesday 4 February, as Whittlesea Lodge No. 256 hosted its annual Cheque Presentation Evening.

With approximately 100 guests in attendance - including brethren, visiting Masters, community representatives and local supporters - the evening was a celebration of partnerships strengthening the Whittlesea district. Among those present were the Grand Master, Peter Henshall, and Freemasons Foundation Victoria CEO Sandra Jacobs, alongside Escort Officers and seven sitting Masters, as well as representatives from emergency services, youth organisations and community groups benefitting from the charitable work of Freemasons.

Since becoming Worshipful Master in 2025, WBro. Haydn Gregson has spearheaded an ambitious and collaborative giving program. This year’s presentation night reflected that leadership, bringing together multiple lodges in partnership with Freemasons Foundation Victoria to deliver substantial support to local organisations.

Major community investments

Whittlesea SES	$26,000	For an Incident Trailer to strengthen emergency response capability across the region. This was supported by FFV and several participating lodges.
Scouts Victoria (Camp Warringal)	$20,000	For air-conditioning upgrades to improve facilities for young people and volunteers.
Whittlesea, Mernda, Kinglake West, Flowerdale, Arthurs Creek CFAs	$5,250	Five local CFA brigades received $1,250 each to assist with essential equipment
Whittlesea Combined Churches	$1,000	To support its Hardship Hampers program assisting families at Christmas.
Whittlesea Secondary College Scholarships	$1,000	Two $500 scholarships presented to: Layla-Rose Green Conor Stanton

The largest contribution of the evening - $26,000 - was presented to Whittlesea SES to assist with the purchase of an Incident Trailer. This investment will enhance the unit’s operational capability, strengthening emergency response across the region. The importance of equipping frontline services was further reinforced with donations of $1,250 each to five local CFA brigades: Whittlesea, Mernda, Kinglake West, Arthurs Creek and Flowerdale, supporting the purchase of essential equipment.

Youth and community wellbeing were also central to the evening’s presentations. A generous $20,000 was awarded to Scouts Victoria for air-conditioning upgrades at Camp Warringal, improving comfort and facilities for the many young people and volunteers who use the site throughout the year. In addition, two $500 scholarships were presented to Whittlesea Secondary College students Layla-Rose Green and Conor Stanton, supporting their educational journeys.

Community care was not overlooked. Whittlesea Combined Churches received $1,000 to assist with its Hardship Hampers program, which provides vital support to families in need at Christmas - a practical expression of compassion during challenging times.

The ceremony itself was both formal and celebratory. The Grand Master led the cheque presentations, highlighting the strong partnership between local lodges and the Foundation, and the tangible difference this collaboration is making on the ground. SES Controller Mr Gary Doorbar was also acknowledged as the inaugural joint recipient of the Freemason Community Hero Award, recognising his outstanding service.

A generous meal prepared by the Lodge ladies added to the fellowship of the evening, with conversation and camaraderie continuing well beyond the formalities. Notably, the event also saw four applications for joining members and three candidates come forward - a sign of vitality and growth within the Lodge.

For FFV CEO Sandra Jacobs, the evening was particularly moving. She spoke warmly of being overwhelmed by the gratitude expressed by lodge members for the Foundation’s support. The partnership model - combining local initiative with Foundation matching - is clearly empowering lodges to extend their reach and amplify their impact.

Under the stewardship of WBro. Gregson and supported by committed brethren and partner lodges, Whittlesea Lodge No. 256 continues to demonstrate how Freemasonry can make a meaningful difference in the communities it calls home.