Freemasons Queensland Raise $1M for Flood Appeal

Media Release

Queensland Freemasons $1M fundraising effort underway to help rebuild Queensland communities

More than 30% of target $1M in funding already achieved through local, interstate and international support initiatives

Brisbane, Qld January 31 2011, Immediate Release: Adrian Burton, Grand Master of Freemasons Queensland, today announced the launch of the “Grand Master’s Queensland Flood Appeal”, a $1M fundraising effort to support the rebuilding of Queensland communities devastated by recent flooding. Lodges from throughout Queensland will work hand-in-hand with local Councils and State Government Members in flood-affected areas to raise critically-needed funds for local social infrastructure, community services and projects. A specific Flood Appeal Co-ordination Group has been appointed, led by Assistant Grand Master, Alan Townson.

“We recognize that the impact of Queensland’s recent flooding is felt at all levels throughout the community, and the rebuilding of community infrastructure and services which help to bring some semblance of ‘life as normal’ are critical to the social and economic recovery of the many local government areas affected,” Grand Master, Adrian Burton said.

“By providing direct financial support to those projects that local leaders and regional councils recognize as critical to their communities, we hope to help restore the personal and social fabric of the impacted areas in a very tangible way.”

Initially conceived on the 7^th January, the Appeal has achieved rapid momentum, with more than one third of the target $1M donation secured to date. $250 000 has been pledged by Queensland Freemason’s Board of Benevolence (the charitable trust of the organization, which supports an array of community and charity pursuits), and the Queensland Board of General Purposes, $100 000 from Victoria’s Grand Lodge, 20 000 (32 377 AUD) provided by the Grand Charity from the United Grand Lodge of England, and over $25 000 already from local lodges.

“Our members throughout Queensland will undertake a range of activities to achieve – and hopefully, surpass – our $1 million target,” Grand Master Adrian Burton said. “This will include personal donations from amongst our 9,000-strong Queensland fraternity base, many of whom have witnessed the devastating results of the flooding first-hand and are eager to contribute to the restoration of their respective communities.”

All funds received will be administered and disbursed by Queensland Freemasons within affected Communities in consultation with local Community Leaders and Regional Councils.

In addition to the Grand Master’s Queensland Flood Appeal, Freemasons Queensland is providing assistance to members and their families who have experienced personal hardship due to flooding.

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