Greetings Nobles and Friends,
As we bring this remarkable year to a close, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to
each of you for your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and dedication to the growth of our
Temple, our Clubs, and our philanthropy. It has been both a privilege and a profound honour
to serve as the head of this Order, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you
have placed in me during my term as your Potentate.
The granting of our full Charter at the Imperial Session in Atlanta, Georgia, on 30 June this
year marked a historic milestone for Acrux Shriners. Since that moment, we have moved
forward with purpose and determination, establishing strong foundations to ensure the
longevity and continued success of our Temple. While, as with all new organisations, we
have encountered minor challenges along the way, none have diminished our progress or
resolve. The support and encouragement of Shriners International, particularly the
International Development Team, have been invaluable, and I gratefully acknowledge their
instrumental role in our successful chartering as Shrine Temple No. 202.
I am immensely proud of the leadership team we have developed and of the Nobility who
stand behind it. This collective commitment is clearly reflected in our extraordinary
growth—from a single Club in 2022 to a vibrant organisation comprising ten Clubs and
approximately 300 members today. This achievement belongs to you, the members, whose
engagement and goodwill continue to shape our success.
Our Annual Meeting will be held at the Bayside Masonic Centre, Gardenvale, on Saturday,
31 January. This meeting is of particular importance, as it is a mandatory gathering under
Shrine Law and the occasion on which our leadership for the coming year will be elected and
installed. It marks the transition of office for the Potentate and the Divan, and in one month’s
time I will assume the role of Past Potentate. I strongly encourage all eligible Nobles to
attend, as your presence demonstrates the strength, unity, and continuity of our Temple. If
you haven’t already done so, please use the following link to book your tickets for the
meetings and the Banquet. This is an open meeting, where family and friends are all
welcome. Fun and fellowship are guaranteed!
The try Booking link is https://www.trybooking.com/DHWTX
This year’s Annual Meeting promises to be especially significant, with the attendance of
representatives from many other Orders, including Mark and Chapter, Knights Templar,
Scottish Rite, OSM, Waites Rectified, OES, Amaranth, DeMolay, and others. Following the
Installation of the newly elected Potentate and Officers, the Melbourne Shrine Club will
conduct a ceremonial for its Novices, including Brethren travelling from Adelaide to be
created Nobles. Your attendance, participation, and support on this important occasion are
sincerely appreciated and strongly encouraged.
As my term draws to a close, I wish to thank you most warmly for your friendship, support,
and encouragement. Having been actively involved with Shriners in Australia for the past
sixteen years, and having served as President of Shriners Australia, Provision Potentate,
and now Potentate, I can truly say it has been a profound honour to serve this Order. The
time has now come for me to step back and support others as they lead Acrux Shrine
Temple into its next chapter.
I have every confidence in my elected successor and the incoming Officers of the Divan. I
know they will serve the Nobility with integrity, humility, and fidelity to the principles of our
Order, and I trust that you will extend to them the same loyalty, encouragement, and support
that you have so generously given to me.
Finally, I extend to you and your families my very best wishes for a safe, happy, and
prosperous New Year. May it be filled with good health, fellowship, and fulfilment, and I look
forward to sharing many more memorable occasions with you in the year ahead.
Nobles, remember our motto — It’s All For The Kids!
Thank you.