Freemasons of North Queensland
Freemasons have been operating in North Queensland since the late 1800s. Local lodges started working under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges in other countries, including the Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge of Ireland. In fact, many lodges in North Queensland are older than the United Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland (UGLQ) — the governing body for all Freemasonry in Queensland today.
The first office-bearers of the District Grand Lodge of North Queensland. S.G, Charters Towers, 7th May, 1904
The district of North Queensland grew organically in the early 1900s. The first district forming in 1904 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. After the United Grand Lodge of Queensland came into existence, a new District Grand Lodge (now under the jurisdiction of the UGLQ) was formed, and the old District Grand Lodge was abolished.
Service to the Community
Charity and community service have been a core contribution of Freemasonry in North Queensland since the first lodges were established in the 1800s. Freemasons in North Queensland donate directly to charities and support Hand Heart Pocket — the charity of Freemasons in Queensland. More locally, Freemasons support the Joyful Foundation — a charity established and operated by a mason — which aids and promotes young school children. Freemasons in North Queensland have given numerous bursaries and scholarships to young students in both school and university. You will often see Freemasons at community events trying to raise funds for these charitable programs.
Freemasons of North Queensland donating $50,000 to the Steele Young Foundation
A plaque denoting the donation of a defibrillator from Freemasons NQ to the Townsville Coast Guard.
Freemasons raising funds
Freemasons raising funds
Three Scouts going up to Venturers at a Scouts night hosted by a Freemasons Lodge
Freemasons of North Queensland donating to the "Man Up!" Campaign
Joyful Foundation founder Ron Donellan with his 3 great-grandchildren sitting on a "Buddy Bench" donated by the Joyful Foundation to a Townsville school