Howdy Pardners...
President Wayne Duke welcomed members and guests, reminding all of the Four Way Test #3 Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? This is certainly the core of Freemasonary and Rotary. Wayne then reminded us that today is National Comic Book Day but in 1875 Billy the Kid made his first jailbreak, becoming a fugitive and notorious outlaw.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Ian K - More volunteers requested for OffTraq 22-25 October. If you would like nice weekend away, accommodation is available in Narrogin. Volunteers will assist with games and entertainment. Membership committee meeting after breakfast.
- Tricia S - Thanks to Owen Ferguson for organising Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
- Carole O -“Pick Your Poison” at Old Mill Theatre on Wednesday 18 November. Clipboard circulation, payment via Square will be available over next weeks. Community committee meeting after breakfast.
- Garrick M - Felipe enjoying his soccer, has been accepted for Futsal. They will be going to Rotto this weekend. Anyone going to Royal Show can perhaps also take him? He will be going to stay with Hosts Gorby and Sana after the school holidays. Makynli has sent photos from France, weekend in Pontoise (Cathederal city). She will be home in four months.
- Brian J - Reminder from Gorby, Perkins Institute visit Friday 2nd November 10:00AM. About a dozen so far, any more please contact him directly.
- Wayne D - Volunteers requested to held Ascot RC with Bricktober 10-11 October. Held at Curtin Stadium, need help on their merchandising stand. Sheet for next Friday. Ocean to Outback fundraiser for Royal Flying Doctor Service. Can go on website and help out by donating.
Guest Speaker : Jim Walker AM - Freemsonry
Originally from Queensland, Jim has been the Past CEO of Westrac, Chair of MacMahon Holdings and Chair of Wesley College Council. He is still currently on many Boards, including Chair of RAC and of “Diggers and Dealers”.
Jim is a past member of Mill Point Rotary Club and served as President 2010-11.
Jim gave a comprehensive overview of Freemasonry’s history, structure, and values. He traced its evolution from an ancient, secretive guild of stonemasons to a modern, more transparent fraternal organization centered on moral teachings, charity and personal development. He detailed efforts to reverse declining membership through active recruitment—especially among immigrants—using modern channels like Facebook.
His personal journey was to follow his father and grandfather as a Freemason. He outlined Freemasonry’s historical roots linked to the stonemasons who built King Solomon’s Temple. Its rituals and symbols (such as handshakes and words) began as practical tools for identification and payment. Freemasonary has shifted from being exclusively Christian to welcoming all religions.
Core Principles and Structure: Freemasonry is grounded in belief in a Supreme Being and organized around three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow of the Craft, Master Mason), guiding members from “darkness to light” with moral teachings that prepare them for life and death.
Inclusivity and Global Reach: Modern Freemasonry is universal and open to men of all religions, requiring only belief in a “Supreme Being.” Membership growth is notable among immigrant communities, particularly Filipinos, seeking community and support.
Charity and Community Focus: The fraternity is heavily engaged in charity, raising millions annually. It provides mentorship and a strong support network, stressing that family and work obligations take precedence over Lodge commitments.
Membership in WA declined from 22,000 post-WWII to just over 2,000, prompting openness and active recruitment via channels like Facebook—now accounting for 70% of new members.
There is a separate organization for women called the Order of the Eastern Star, which is very active. In the UK, there is a direct mirror-image ladies’ Freemasonry, but it remains separate from the men’s organization. The separation exists because Freemasonry provides a “men’s shed” environment with mentorship and a father-figure role for many young men and immigrants.
The prolonged secrecy stemmed from the organization’s mystique and the historical need for tradespeople to protect intellectual property. Today, the approach is more open—they are willing to show the public Lodge rooms and explain tools and their symbolic meanings, which would once have been forbidden.
Jim’s presentation can be viewed via the following link:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MO1FEcfrpe2DMO2kZmJJZcIcvXPo_C7A&usp=drive_fs
The Fine(s) Line...
- Jim W - Mr “Ghost Who Walks” or “Jaywalker”.
- Ross O - “Sold” Jim Walker to Joy Burnett, that’s how Mill Point “got him”.
- Jim W - “Mr RM Williams” only has the boots on today.
- Everybody who relates to - Fourth Friday in September is Hug a Vegetarian/Love Note/Save a Koala/ 168 years of National Geographic.
- All Dockers supporters.
- Any GWCTD excuses – Garrick “dog sitting?”
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance : 37 attendees in all, including guest speaker Jim Walker, visiting Rotarian Ross O’Neil (Como RC) and guests Peter Kraj-Krajewski (ex-Mill Point & Honorary Member), Mandy Sneeuwjagt, Felipé Mizobuchi (RYE Student), Jeff Anderson (RYE Host and E-WA Rotary) and Alina Racu.
