General News
15 July, 2025
Funding to support students
The Central Goldfields Masonic Group has been bolstered by an almost $1400 donation from the Maryborough Highland Society, set to benefit local school students.
By sponsoring The Central Goldfields Masonic Group at a regular charity support night, the Maryborough Highlands Society has topped up the funds required to make available the now more than 20 scholarships provided annually to numerous primary schools within a wide radius of Maryborough.
“These awards provide an encouragement by allowing each school principal and year six teacher to provide an inventive to a student, progressing to secondary college who is showing promise to use these funds wisely, to enable them to make the most of their educational opportunities,” the masonic group’s chairman Ken Calder said.
Funds have been raised through donations from Triple Ls (Lodge Ladies Lunch Group), profits from a Freemasons Day of Unity held annually at Maldon following their Parade of Values in the long running Easter Monday Parade and the Creswick Woollen Mills Fashion Parade.
All these funds are normally doubled through an application to Freemasons Foundation Victoria for a matching contribution on a one for one basis.
These awards are well received by district schools from Wedderburn to Clunes and Moonambel to Campbells Creek, with the number of annual awards slowly growing year by year.
Besides the monetary award (which is deposited direct into the student’s account at their secondary institution) they receive a framed certificate with a copy for their resume and a letter of congratulation and encouragement.
“These are presented at awards ceremonies thus providing the student with some kudos and further encouragement,” Mr Calder said.
Freemasons promote values and excellence in all pursuits, being a charitable organisation making numerous scholarships and bursaries available every year through local lodges and directly from the Freemasons Foundation.