News & Events
in our community
Freemasons on the Central Coast is a charitable organisation established from within Freemasonry to assist Central Coast community groups. It is a registered charity operated by Freemasons.
Below are some of our news stories as well as any future events we will be supporting. If you want to find out more, please send an email to media@freemasonscc.org.
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SLSCC Raise the Flags for 2024/25 Season
28 February 2025 1.87 MB 531
Freemasons donate over $13,000 to Soldiers Beach SLSC
27 February 2025 849.60 KB 499
Mary Macs receive ‘Industrial Strength’ Support from Freemasons.
25 February 2025 431.62 KB 533
Central Coast Kids in Need at their Wyong Raceday
25 February 2025 499.23 KB 69
Fundraising for Josh and Chris O'Brien
25 February 2025 677.10 KB 68
Masons assist Brisbania ‘Roboteers’ to get to Nationals
21 October 2024 841.01 KB 2877
A Sound Investment
5 September 2024 1.35 MB 2931
Biker's Hand
26 August 2024 601.20 KB 3148
Gosford Hospital
26 August 2024 828.53 KB 483
Toukley Neighbourhood Centre
2 July 2024 881.40 KB 3530
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Freemasons donate over $13,000 to Soldiers Beach SLSC![]()
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Following an invitation from Soldiers Beach SLSC President Simon Falconer, Freemasons on the Central Coast (FotCC) directors Leigh Pollard, David Levesque and Ben Falconer attended the SLSC’s colourful Christmas Event held on 15 December 2024, which was also the final Nippers event for the calendar year. ![]()
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The local Fire Brigade attended, bringing one of their units; there were jelly wrestling pools, fun games, a sausage sizzle and, of course, Santa came along! He was delighted to hear of our ongoing support for the Club and is pictured with one of the Club’s Nippers proudly wearing his Pink Safety Vest (provided via funding from FotCC).![]()
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FotCC have this year donated a total of $13,303 to Soldiers Beach SLSC with $4,905 being used to purchase medical/resuscitation equipment: an Oxygen Resuscitation Kit; Zoll Defibrillator and Zoll Trainer Kit, all Surf Life Saving Australia approved, and are vital for the work they do. An additional $8,398 was spent on Assault Fitness Bikes and Rogue Model D Rowing Machines – used for training and ongoing fitness maintenance during the winter months. The various gym equipment offers a safe space for members to work out, socialise and grow the Club’s culture of fitness, support and wellbeing. ![]()
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President Simon gave us a guided tour of the Club facilities which are being refurbished with the help of working bees and local business support.![]()
Later that day, we received an email advising that the donated equipment had been used that very afternoon in the rescue of a 13-year-old girl who had got into difficulties in the water.![]()
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Below is the email we received:![]()
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Hi Leigh![]()
I’d just like to say it was my pleasure to meet with yourself, David, Chris and Ben on Sunday morning.![]()
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As Patrol Captain on Sunday, I wanted to share an incident that highlights the significant impact of the Oxy Viva kit generously donated by the Freemasons.![]()
Around 3:00pm, we responded to a medical emergency involving a 13-year-old girl who suffered an anaphyalactic reaction to a bluebottle sting. The patient drifted in and out of consciousness while waiting for the ambulance. Fortunately, our Chief Training Officer, Emma Griffiths, was on hand to administer high-flow oxygen and provide airway support, with valuable assistance from our Junior Activity Coordinator, Matt White.![]()
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This incident underscores how vital the Oxy Viva kit is in emergency situations. Your donation has already played a key role in saving a life, and I am confident it will continue to be an invaluable resource during the upcoming school holidays and well into the future.![]()
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Thank you again for your generous support—it truly makes a difference.![]()
Best regards![]()
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Matt Keys![]()
Vice President & Marketing & Sponsorship Director![]()
Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club![]()
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Our ongoing financial support of the Club is greatly appreciated and obviously of immeasurable value to the club and local community. We are extremely proud to be associated with them.![]()
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For more information, visit FreemasonsCC.org
We’re always proud to support such a wonderful and worthwhile organisation, supporting our community.
Masons assist local school ‘Roboteers’ to get to Nationals![]()
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RoboCup Junior is a project-oriented educational initiative that sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students. The main objective is to take a fresh look at robots as an educational and entertaining medium, and it is hoped that RoboCup Junior Australia will contribute to the development of 21st century society. ![]()
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It is advertised in all schools and, in June 2024, Brisbania Public School at Kincumber decided to enter five teams, each consisting of four members. In July, all team members, their supervisors and parents travelled to the University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, to compete in the Hunter/Central Coast regional competition.![]()
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Four of the teams did extremely well, placing 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th against other very creative primary school teams. The fifth team, consisting of Ethan, Flynn, Hamish, and Jagger did even better. They had to build two robotic soccer players, opting for a player and a goalie. Their design used a 360-degree seeker sensor that detects the raw green light emitted by an infrared soccer ball. It was a great success and, after winning the game 15–3, the team was awarded first place, qualifying them for a place at the State Championships. ![]()
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The State Championships were held on 26 August at Holy Cross College, Ryde. The Brisbania team’s effort, perseverance and ingenuity was again rewarded, this time with a magnificent second place medal, which then qualified them for entry to the National Championships to be held at the University of Queensland from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 October. A magnificent achievement – but one which came with a significant problem.![]()
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Ms Parrey, School Principal, obtained airline and accommodation quotes and realised that the school would need to raise nearly $6,000 for the 4-day excursion. As this task was virtually impossible in such a short space of time, and in the current economic climate, she contacted Freemasons on the Central Coast (FotCC) requesting urgent financial assistance.![]()
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The FotCC Directors were briefed; an emergency meeting was arranged – and a decision made.![]()
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On Tuesday 24 September, FotCC representatives Jim and Graeme arrived at Brisbania Public School to present a cheque for over $5,000 to assist with the costs. ![]()
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All four boys, Ms Parrey and Mrs Cummings were in attendance and they were overjoyed. The Brisbania team were going to the National Championships!!![]()
The donation was very gratefully received, and each of the boys sincerely thanked the Freemasons for making their Championship dream come true.![]()
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Freemasons on the Central Coast wish the team the very best of luck in the National Championships and are very proud to be able to support education in our local community.![]()
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POSTSCRIPT![]()
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Hi Freemasons on the Central Coast![]()
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Our team came 24th out of 29 in Brisbane at the National RoboCup competition, at the University of Queensland, over the weekend.![]()
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Students from the winning teams had been doing robotics since Year 4 and are now in upper high school. Our team got lots of praise for being amazing.![]()
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Nat, our teacher, learnt so much from the experience and is already thinking how she can change preparation, guidance and support for the team in 2025.![]()
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Without the donation from The Freemasons the opportunity could not have been given to the team. THANK YOU, AGAIN.![]()
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Annette Parrey, Principal – Brisbania Public School![]()
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freemasonscc.org/![]()
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Photographs by Graeme Ingall. Reproduction of any photograph is allowed, for editorial purposes only. For any other usage, permission must be approved, in writing, from the copyright owner. ![]()
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#freemasonnsw #CentralCoastNSW #freemasonscc #uglnswact #freemasonscentralcoast #freemasons #fotcc #brisbaniapublicschool
A Sound Investment![]()
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With a little help from Freemasons on the Central Coast, The Long Jetty Over 50s Club put on a fabulous concert for the local community to enjoy.![]()
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With some patrons seated and others still arriving, the Concert was running slightly late. Eventually, all were seated, the lights dimmed and a hush came over the hall. Sue Brotton introduced herself as President: ‘Welcome to our Concert. We have a varied programme which I hope everybody will enjoy. I want to thank those who are participating this evening – the choir, the banjo group, the oldies pop band. Many of the players were members of well-known bands ... Thank you for attending.’![]()
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The Choir opened the proceedings. Many melodies were sung and the final offering featured one member acting out the song to much merriment and laughter. ![]()
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It was brilliantly done!![]()
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Sue then invited Leigh, Vice President, and the Directors of Freemasons on the Central Coast to the front. Sue disclosed to the audience: ‘The Freemasons on the Central Coast were our special guests here today. Since the beginning of the year, it was becoming extremely obvious to us that our keyboard and sound system was failing. Due to the most generous support of the Freemasons, both have been replaced, and it is fantastic. I can hit all the keys and we can hear the right sound from the sound equipment. A special thank-you to the Freemasons for this help.’ ![]()
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To this Leigh replied: ‘David, who is in the back row of the choir, brought this dilemma to our attention and with his and Sue’s assistance, we were able to purchase a keyboard and sound equipment. As Sue said to me – “just what the doctor ordered”. Freemasons on the Central Coast were only too happy to assist.’![]()
Next on the programme were the ukulele players. Initially a couple of members jammed together but when it became known that more players were required, the group quickly gained another six.![]()
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The group concluded with a rendition of ‘Swanee River’ which was thoroughly enjoyed and received rapturous applause. ![]()
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Next on the list was a pop musical band of old hands. Many songs known to the audience were played; it was not a concert for 16 to 18 year olds! ![]()
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Their music was much appreciated and the audience was rewarded with an encore. This resulted in many audience members getting up to dance, with some being serenaded. ![]()
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A wonderful time was had by all.![]()
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www.freemasonscc.org #freemasonscc #freemasons #uglnswact #fotcc #freemasonnsw #CentralCoastNSW #freemasonscentralcoast
Freemason’s raise over $12,000 for Gosford Hospital![]()
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For several months, Freemasons on the Central Coast, The Central Coast Lodge, and the Central Coast Steam Model Co-op have banded together to raise money for a very worthwhile project.![]()
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The relationship between the Steam Model Co-op and the Freemasons commenced many years ago when another local masonic lodge, Lodge Saratoga, purchased a BBQ (still in use) and many lengths of rail track. More recently The Central Coast Lodge has assisted in the purchase of more rail track, and on the first Saturday of each month the Freemasons of District 21 (Central Coast) volunteer their time organising and selling sausage sandwiches and drinks to the families who flock to the Miniature Steam Train, Showground Road, Gosford.![]()
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It’s a wonderful atmosphere and a great place to take the kids. At 9 am, the Miniature Model Steam Train enthusiasts arrive. They check the track, to ensure it is safe, check the under carriages, open the doors, sweep the paths, and prepare the engines for a full day’s entertainment for the children and their parents – plus those who dream of the past – As 10 o’clock arrives and the sausages are cooked and the trains have all been checked, the whistles start blowing and the children are getting very exited – we are all set to go. ![]()
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The money raised was to purchase a specialised bath called the ‘Hi-Lo Baby Bath’ for the Children’s Ward at Gosford Hospital. This special bath on wheels has a heating system to kept the water at a constant temperature, a drainage system with a discharge pump, and various apparatus and gizmo’s to help new Mothers bathe their bundles of joy without the need for a second person. ![]()
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We had estimated that twelve months would be enough time to raise the money needed for the purchase of the bath, but over the past 11 months quite a few Saturdays had been rained-off (the train tracks were under water on more than one occasion) and we had raised less than $3,000 – not quite enough – And to make things worse Gosford Hospital called to tell us that their current bath had just failed!![]()
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Now there wasn’t time to raise the money needed, so Freemasons on the Central Coast started the donation process for the purchase of the Hi-Lo Baby Bath for use in the Children’s Ward and it was delivered with all haste.![]()
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Nurse Kelly, Unit Manager at the Children’s Ward was ecstatic and stated, ![]()
‘Thank you for making such an incredible difference to our sick children on the Coast. Our team feel incredibly supported by the Freemasons on the Central Coast.’ ![]()
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In addition to the baby’s bath, Freemasons on the Central Coast purchased an AED defibrillator for the Carer’s Cottage, also based at Gosford Hospital. The Carer’s Cottage helps with general assistance, counselling and most importantly, respite from caring for a loved one – a cup of tea, and a good chat.![]()
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Tia from the Carer’s Cottage said,![]()
‘This now completes the basic requirements for the Cottage. On behalf of families and friends on the Central Coast, thank you so much for your generous donation of AED / defibrillator to the Carer’s Cottage at Gosford Hospital.’![]()
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After the purchase and presentation of the bath and the AED it was decided that the fund raising should continue for the Children’s Ward and after one glorious Saturday we had cleared $3,000. An application was made to Masonicare (the charity arm of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT) who agreed to double that amount to $6,000.![]()
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In late July, a cheque for $6,000 was presented to Nurse Kelly to be used for the ‘Children’s Ward Wish List’. ![]()
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Kate, Director of Fundraising at Gosford Hospital completed the afternoon by saying,![]()
‘We are so grateful for your continuous generosity. The baby bath improves care for our youngest patients and helps our staff with their work. The AED in the carer’s Cottage will keep our patient – families and community safe. Thank you for making a difference to the care we provide to the Coast.’ ![]()
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Freemasons on the Central Coast would like to offer sincere thanks to Masonicare for their financial assistance. ![]()
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For more information: freemasonscc.org/![]()
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#masonicare #uglnswact #fotcc #freemasonscc #freemasons #CentralCoastNSW #freemasonnsw #gosfordnsw
All Hands to the Biker’s Hand![]()
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The Central Coast Bulldogs and Freemasons on the Central Coast joined forces to assist locals in need. As winter was approaching, preparations were underway to handle the increased demand for support services of all kinds.![]()
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Since 2015, the Biker’s Hand has made it their mission to work with local charities that help the homeless and individuals in need. Opened late last year, the Central Coast branch of the Biker’s Hand currently provides support to over 40 agencies ranging from San Remo Neighbourhood Centre to Mary Macs at Woy Woy.![]()
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Central Coast Bulldogs President, Paul Pafumi reached out to the Biker’s Hand to get a list of needs including clothing and food and hygiene items. Then together with Freemasons on the Central Coast, we gathered and purchased over $2,000 worth of items that would help local charities though the toughest time of the year.![]()
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Members of Freemasons on the Central Coast and the Central Coast Bulldogs presented their contribution to the Biker’s Hand at an event held at Budgewoi Soccer Club. ![]()
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After a chance to socialise, Troy McLister and Freemasons on the Central Coast representative Leigh Pollard opened proceedings with a few words about the importance of local organisations supporting local charities and the good work carried out by the Biker’s Hand. Leigh expressed that they hoped that their contribution, while small in comparison to the needs of the community, would help make an appreciable difference.![]()
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CEO of the Biker’s Hand, Tony Davis thanked Freemasons on the Central Coast and the Central Coast Bulldogs for their generosity and described the considerable needs of destitute persons on the Central Coast as expressed to him in his interaction with many of the charities they support. ![]()
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These services have differing demands from food and clothing to assistance applying for social services like housing and debt reduction. The demand for assistance, especially during the winter months, was great and the recipients were pleased to receive a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’. ![]()
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Freemasons on the Central Coast looks forward to working with the Bikers Hand again in the future should they need our#freemasonscc ![]()
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For more information: freemasonscc.org/![]()
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#uglnswact #uglnsw #fotcc #freemasonscentralcoast #centralcoastbulldogs #centralcoastbulldogsmasters #freemasonscc
Join the District 21 River Cruise, Sunday 27 October:
issuu.com
