Gather My Lodge expands: Taking grassroots Masonic service further across Victoria

An initiative born from Brighton District Lodge #37 in 2020 is expanding its reach, thanks to a Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) Masonic Grant.

Gather My Lodge (GML) is a charitable gardening and maintenance service that offers free support to Freemasons, Masonic widows and others with a Masonic connection. The lodge volunteer-led service has helped people in the Bayside area stay connected to their homes and gardens, while also fostering a greater sense of connection with Freemasonry.

GML has completed more than 200 engagements, from clearing overgrown gardens to supporting local community events and restoring communal garden spaces.

Over the past three years, GML has worked closely with Bayside City Council to support vulnerable and elderly residents, and those experiencing hardship. In some cases, the service is called upon by the council as a “last resort” to assist those who have no one else to turn to.

Now, with support from FFV and the South Eastern District 113, the team behind Gather My Lodge is expanding the program into new geographic areas. The grant has funded a new trailer and equipment, replicating the original set-up, as well as branding, marketing and modest maintenance costs to ensure the new site at SEMC Keysborough is well-equipped and ready to go.

Kevin Richardson, Past Master of BDL and driving force behind GML, says the project brings Freemasonry’s charitable values to life.

“We have, and continue to provide, a connection for Masonic widows to be remembered – and we’ve touched the hearts of many. This service is about more than gardening. It’s a meaningful way to show care, extend support and ensure those in need remain connected to our community.”

As with the original trailer, the new unit, named "Barry" proudly displays FFV branding, raising awareness of the Masonic connection and its ongoing commitment to grassroots community support.