FREEMASONS QUEENSLAND
69th Annual Report of
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE
2014
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
35
Contents
Introduction1
A Year in Transition
2
Our Organisation
4
President’s Report
6
Financial Report
10
Our Board
14
Our New Charity Brand
16
Masonic Care Queensland
CEO Report
The Focus of our Strategic Plan 2014–2019
Our Facilities
Our Care
Our People
18
20
21
24
25
Our Volunteers
26
Benevolent Activities
28
Dollar-for-Dollar Program
30
Other Activities
32
Registered office
Board of Benevolence
ABN 54 216 065 828
60 Wakefield Street
Sandgate Queensland 4017
Telephone: (07) 3869 6075
Fax: (07) 3269 6725
Email: [email protected]
www.handheartpocket.org.au
Auditors
Moore Stephens (Qld) Audit Pty Ltd
Level 12, 10 Eagle Street
Brisbane Queensland 4000
Creation
Lloyd Grey Design
www.lgd.com.au
Front cover:
Masonic Care Queensland Cairns, residents
enjoying social bowling
Helen Stewart and daughters.
See page 32 for their story
“by helping others, we not only make
the world a better place but also make
ourselves better people.”
Board of Benevolence is the charity of Freemasons Queensland.
We are proud of our century-old tradition
of helping Queenslanders in need and we
are embracing change which will take our
benevolent work into the future.
This annual report gives an overview of our
achievements and financial situation for
the 2013–14 financial year and outlines
broad expectations for the year ahead.
It is designed to give Freemasons, charity
partners, government stakeholders and
the community greater insight into our
operations and priorities – and to share
some of the stories of how we are making
a difference.
Thank you to all who have supported
our work this year and please continue
to entrust us with your donations
and bequests.
Improving lives is a legacy
we can all aspire to.
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013–14
1
A YEAR in transition
Highlights of 2013–14
1
2
3
4
5
6
Board of Benevolence
■■
■■
■■
■■
2
Board of Benevolence developed and
launched its Strategic Direction
2014–2023 to position for the future.
Our new charity brand – Hand Heart
Pocket – was developed.
■■
■■
We funded a new fellowship for the
study of learning and memory at
Queensland Brain Institute (QBI).
New customer relationship
management software will unify our
approach with United Grand Lodge of
Queensland and Lodges.
■■
We donated $130,614 to Queensland
community causes through our Dollarfor-Dollar program, which matches
Lodges’ local fundraising.
A third building was completed
at Horizons Respite & Recreation
Association Inc. (HRRA Inc.) featuring
laser-operated technology to enhance
life for disabled young adults.
We made donations to disaster appeals
following Typhoon Yolanda in the
Philippines and the NSW bush fires.
■■
Our financial position improved
significantly with a surplus of $582,648
compared with a deficit of $4,210,104
in the previous financial year.
7
8
9
Masonic Care Queensland
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
36 new retirement living apartments
were completed at Sandgate.
Masonic Care Queensland began an
organisational redesign to structure the
organisation for the future and a new
CEO was appointed.
The Masonic Care Queensland Strategic
Plan 2014–2019 was developed.
We cared for more than 1000 residents
across 11 locations.
The Remembrance Precinct was
developed and our Heritage Precinct
at Sandgate was upgraded, including a
new café, hairdresser and library.
■■
■■
■■
■■
We upgraded the Services Precinct at
Masonic Care Queensland Townsville.
WiFi was installed at residential aged
care facilities across Queensland.
The first organisation-wide staff survey
was undertaken and a range of new
staff initiatives introduced.
Masonic Care Queensland surplus
for the year was $513,833,
an improvement on the 2012–13
financial year of $5,969,134.
10
1 Grand Master and Board Secretary
greeting Mrs Pascoe
2 Residents enjoy sweeping views from the new
retirement living apartments at Sandgate
3 Grand Officers Association Queensland
Car 132 entry in Variety Bash
4 Professor Stephen Williams, Queensland
Brain Institute
5 Bondoola Rural Fire Service, recipient of
Dollar-for-Dollar subsidy
6 Ambassador for Hand Heart Pocket Christmas
Appeal and resident of Masonic Care
Queensland Sandgate, Alf Finlay
7 Cairns day therapy centre, providing allied
health services to the Cairns community
8 Village residents enjoy a busy social life
at Sandgate
9 New retirement living apartments completed
at Sandgate
10Heritage Precinct upgraded in Sandgate to
include a new hairdressing salon
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013–14
3
OUR ORGANISATION
Our structure and purpose
A message from the Grand Master of
United Grand Lodge of Queensland
Amen! Amen! So mot hyt be!
Say we all per charyte.
These words introduced Masons to
the importance of charity around 1390
in the Regius poem and the ennobling
characteristics of care, assistance
and giving have been a central plank of
Freemasonry since its earliest days.
Soon after Freemasonry was established in
Queensland in July 1859, measures were
taken to support the less fortunate and
the first proposal to establish a Fund of
Benevolence was made at the Provincial
Grand Lodge meeting in January 1863.
The 1909 Jubilee book editors wrote,
‘That citizenship which speaks through acts
of public generosity is well represented
in Masonry. In philanthropic, patriotic, or
benevolent movements Freemasons have
ever played a worthy part’, and quoted
many worthy examples. In December 1913,
a 17-acre parcel of land at Sandgate was
approved for purchase under the banner of
Freemasons Homes of Queensland and, last
year, we proudly celebrated the centenary
of the Sandgate Homes (which are now
part of Masonic Care Queensland).
Today’s Freemasons continue their
generous support of the community
through myriad activities. These days,
charitable activities are sponsored by
Board of Benevolence and, from September
2014, will be under the apt new Hand
Heart Pocket brand name. I thank both
our Masonic Brethren and philanthropic
partners sincerely.
Dr Gary Bacon,
Grand Master
4
The Freemasons in Queensland began their
mission of care in 1913 with the purchase
of land at Sandgate on Brisbane’s bayside to
establish a ‘Freemasons’ Home’. Since then
the tradition has continued and evolved.
As the charity of Freemasons Queensland,
Board of Benevolence is responsible for
fundraising and benevolent activities.
Board of Benevolence is also responsible
for overseeing the governance, prudential,
risk management and compliance
aspects of Masonic Care Queensland.
Our constitutional objectives
the community at large for the purposes
of providing relief from poverty,
sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune,
destitution, helplessness or other
need to members of the community,
particularly the aged, disadvantaged,
disabled, children and those who are
unable to properly care for themselves.
(b) To provide such relief which shall be
available directly to those in need and
without discrimination to every member
of that section of the public which the
Body Corporate aims to benefit.
(c) To undertake and carry out any
Board of Benevolence operates as a Body
benevolent act, matter or thing in
Corporate under Letters Patent, incorporated
furtherance of any or all of the
on 2 March 1978 under the Religious,
above objects.
Educational and Charitable Institutions Act
1861–1967, and is the official charity of
(d) To be carried on without purpose
the United Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free
of private or pecuniary gain for
and Accepted Masons of Queensland.
particular persons.
Our constitutional objects are:
(e) To establish independent and charitable
entities for the raising of funds
a) To raise monies from members of the
Masonic fraternity in Queensland and
consistent with these stated objects.
Organisational Structure
United Grand Lodge of Queensland
Board Committees
Audit and Risk
Nomination and
Remuneration
Benevolence and
Community Engagement
Building and
Projects
Board of Benevolence
Board Secretariat
Marketing and
Fundraising
Safety, Clinical
and Care
GOVERNANCE
Masonic Care Queensland
OPERATIONAL
Hand Heart Pocket
Our framework for the future
Board of Benevolence Strategic Direction 2014–2023 was introduced in March 2014. Here is a brief overview of this framework.
Strategic initiatives
Objectives
Recent and ongoing activities
1 Our structures
and business
models
Review legal and financial structures to
ensure the Board is well-positioned for
economic environment and flexible in
responding to opportunities
Review legal and governance structure
Develop sustainable strategies to support Freemasons in need
Develop and implement fundraising plans including donation and bequest programs
2 Our brand,
our identity, our
stakeholders
Review current name and brand to
ensure organisation remains relevant and
contemporary and continues to connect
with stakeholders
3 Our partners,
our alliances
Continue to develop community
partnerships with universities, research
agencies and philanthropic donors that
align with our vision and mission
4 Our systems,
practices and
processes
Continue to support charitable activities
and projects that deliver sustainable
strategies for community and Freemasons
– and assist Lodges with contemporary
systems, guidelines and practices
5 Masonic Care
Queensland
performance and
future
Continue to invest in aged care and
retirement living. Research future options
for Masonic Care Queensland and its
support of Board of Benevolence
Independent survey of Masonic stakeholders to ensure operations meet expectations
Develop new charitable model
Develop new brand for charitable activities
Develop value proposition for charitable activities
Develop stakeholder communication strategy
Develop and enhance existing partnerships with HRRA Inc. and QBI
Cultivate new partnerships with universities and research agencies operating in areas
related to ageing and men’s health
Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with philanthropists and develop bequests
Research other potential service provider partners
Research opportunities for collaborative charitable programs with UGLQ and Lodges
Establish guidelines and continue support for Lodge’s Dollar-for-Dollar program
Revise and update Fund of Benevolence guidelines, policies and procedures
Revise and update Community Engagement Fund guidelines, policies and procedures
Continue to offer educational bursaries to approved applicants
Implement Strategic Plan
Research and implement best governance, legal and financial structures for
Masonic Care Queensland
Research Masonic Care Queensland future options and evaluate
The full Board of Benevolence Strategic Direction 2014–2023 is available at: http://www.queenslandfreemasons.com
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013–14
5
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Freemasons’ long-standing tradition of care is evolving
to meet contemporary needs
Bruce Milner, Board President
The baton of Board of
Benevolence presidency
passed to me at the beginning
of this financial year and it
is my pleasure to be fulfilling
this role at a time of exciting
changes and developments.
While our Masonic traditions are the
foundation of the benevolent work we do,
the world around is changing and we must
position our organisations and services to
be as effective as possible in that world.
As part of that repositioning, we have
already made significant progress on a
number of fronts.
Our 2014–2023 Strategic Direction
was developed and launched this year,
establishing a framework for our progress
towards becoming a higher profile,
more influential, sustainable benevolent
organisation by 2023. Many of the
strategic initiatives it outlines have
already begun.
Achieving a Whole of Craft approach
An important aspect of the change is
working more inclusively with all aspects
of Freemasonry. The term ‘Whole of Craft’
is used to describe joint initiatives between
Board of Benevolence and United Grand
Lodge of Queensland designed to bring
about positive change that will improve all
aspects of the operation of Freemasonry
and enhance its reputation.
Board of Benevolence has worked closely
with United Grand Lodge of Queensland
to develop a fully funded set of initiatives,
which are now being introduced. They
include a new website, database, brand,
legal structure and fundraising and
bequest initiatives.
6
We want to build on our proud heritage as
we invest in the future.
Strengthening our financial position
I am pleased to report that the
2013–14 financial year closed with
Board of Benevolence and Masonic
Care Queensland both being in a better
operating position than the previous year.
Further details of the financial position
are discussed in the Financial Report
on page 10.
Developing sustainable funding
For Board of Benevolence, donations and
bequests are a vital source of funding
to enable us to continue to extend the
important work we do in a number
of areas – from working with charity
partners to matching Lodges’ community
fundraising with our popular Dollar-forDollar program.
Masonic Care Queensland receives
the majority of its funding from
the government and from resident
contributions. However, the fundraising
undertaken through Board of Benevolence
helps Masonic Care Queensland to
continually enhance the lifestyle of its
residents and clients by providing funds
for additional and enhanced activities,
facilities, equipment and opportunities.
This allows us to go above and beyond to
improve their quality of life.
In our contemporary world, competition
for charity dollars is fierce and charities
are becoming increasingly sophisticated
in their fundraising activities. To compete
effectively, Board of Benevolence must
increase awareness of its activities and
position itself as a distinctive and credible
charity option in Queensland.
In order to achieve this, we have undertaken a large body of work in 2013–14,
developing a new charity brand due to be
publicly launched in September 2014.
The new brand has been designed to
appeal to the public as well as Freemasons
and to reflect the broad scope of our work.
It will replace the name ‘The Board
of Benevolence and of Aged Masons,
Widows and Orphans’ Fund’ in all
fundraising activities at state and
local level.
“We want to build on our
proud heritage as we invest
in the future.”
researching our fundraising potential and
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013–14
7
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Continued
This work is supported by a full structural
and legal review and we engaged Global
Philanthropic consultants to develop
fundraising activities and fine-tune policies
and procedures.
You can expect to hear a lot more about
the new Hand Heart Pocket brand in the
year ahead.
Masonic Care Queensland highlights
and organisational restructure
Masonic Care Queensland is the
substantial aged care and retirement
living business operated by Board
of Benevolence.
Working in the fast-changing aged care
sector, it is well-established as a provider
of residential care and retirement living.
In 2013–14, new retirement living
units at Sandgate were completed and
$1.44 million was spent to upgrade
the Services Precinct at Masonic Care
Queensland Townsville.
Masonic Care Queensland has also
undergone a major organisational redesign
this year and we appointed a new CEO,
Gary Mark, in September.
The organisational redesign moved
Masonic Care Queensland from a
regional structure to one better aligned to
offering customer-centric choice. We have
appointed additional experienced staff to
lead specialist functions that enhance our
ability to meet the legislative demands
and consumer expectations of the
changing sector.
You can read more about developments
at Masonic Care Queensland in the CEO’s
report on page 18 and the Masonic Care
Queensland overview on page 22.
Partnering for the future
Some of our most important charity
partnerships have gone from strength to
strength in the past year.
We were delighted to partner with the
University of Queensland Endowment
Fund to support the $1.4 million,
five-year Freemasons Queensland Senior
Research Fellowship in Learning and
Memory at University of Queensland.
Freemasons Queensland Grand Master,
Dr Gary Bacon, was actively involved in
the recruitment process and fully endorsed
the appointment of Professor Stephen
Williams, who will conduct his research at
the Queensland Brain Institute.
Our continuing collaboration with
the Geriatric Medical Foundation of
Queensland (GMFQ) benefits residents of
Masonic Care Queensland at Sandgate
through geriatric telehealth services, which
help provide more effective and efficient
specialist care. GMFQ was formed in 1986
by Freemasons of Queensland contributing
$1 million as their 1988 bicentennial
project. The Centre is directed by Professor
Len Gray, who was appointed to the
Masonic Chair in Geriatric Medicine at
University of Queensland in 2002.
(L-R) Professor Jürgen Götz, Director,
Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research
(CJCADR), Dr Andrew Brice, Co-Founder and
Non-Executive Director, Wotif.com, Co-Founder
and CEO, UQ Endowment Fund (UQef),
Professor Perry Bartlett, Director, Queensland
Brain Institute, The Honourable Ian Walker,
MP, Minister for Science, Information Technology,
Innovation and the Arts, Mrs Robyn Hilton,
Tom Wiltshire, Chairman Safety Clinical & Care
Committee, Board of Benevolence, Dr Gary Bacon,
Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of Queensland,
Masonic Care Queensland’s CEO, Mr Gary Mark.
8
“We have done much groundwork in
establishing stronger foundations to
embrace the future and I am looking
forward to seeing the results.”
Through the bequest of the Elson Estate,
we continue to support Horizons Respite
& Recreation Association Inc., which
provides invaluable facilities and care
for young adults with disabilities. Capital
expenditure of $310,000 during the year
provided a new sensory unit for the facility
(see page 28).
Our partnering with local Lodges through
our Dollar-for-Dollar program has donated
$130,614 during 2013–14 and helped
achieve important breakthroughs for local
communities – from a bladder scanner for
Laidley Hospital to support for a child with
a cochlear implant. Read more about these
initiatives on page 30.
Supporting Freemasons and
their families
The separate Fund of Benevolence is a
resource for Freemasons and their families
in times of need. Our approach is to give
a hand up not a hand-out and our grants
help get people back on their feet, support
education or respond in exceptional
circumstances.
In 2013–14, we received $707,696 to this
fund and made grants and allowances of
$147,081. You can read more on page 32.
Looking to the year ahead
During the current year, we have done
much groundwork in establishing stronger
foundations to embrace the future and
I am looking forward to seeing the
results of these initiatives starting to
become apparent in the year ahead.
We are expecting Masonic Care
Queensland’s positive financial position to
continue in the next financial year.
Our fundraising focus will be stronger
under the new Hand Heart Pocket brand
and will be complemented by a new
website, a new Fundraising and Bequest
Manager and a range of activities across
the state including a tour with ManUp!
to help raise funds to support men with
prostate cancer.
Another significant change for us will be
appointing non-Masonic Board members
who can bring fresh skills and perspectives
to our work. The Board made the decision
to appoint up to three Board members
based on their expertise, regardless of their
Masonic connections.
care for the residents of Masonic Care
Queensland.
I sincerely thank you all for your
contribution and would like to thank
my fellow Board members for their
time and dedication.
Most importantly, I thank everyone
who has donated or arranged a bequest
to support our work. We cannot do
any of this without you and your generosity
makes a difference to many lives.
Bruce Milner
Board President
I welcome our newest Board member,
Mr Selwyn Clark who brings us valuable
experience from his career in the
Australian Army and also in senior
property-related appointments in the
Queensland public service.
Thank you for your support
The achievements of the past year rely
on many staff, volunteers, local Lodges,
suppliers and individuals who have worked
to refine our future vision, raise funds and
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013–14
9
financial REPORT
Graham Mulligan, Chairman Audit and Risk Committee
The 2013–14 financial year
was a pleasing one with
positive progress towards
our financial goals. Investment
this year has focussed on
intellectual assets and
re-aligning our structures
and people to position
ourselves for the future and
to lay the foundations for
further improved results in
the years ahead.
The big picture indicators
The financial results for the entire Board of
Benevolence activities, including Masonic
Care Queensland, showed a significant
improvement for the financial year with
a surplus of $582,648 compared with
a deficit of $4,210,104 in the 2012–13
financial year.
This was largely due to improvements
in results for Masonic Care Queensland,
with a surplus of $513,833 for the year
compared with a deficit of $5,455,301
for 2012–13.
Assets and liabilities
The Board’s overall balance sheet shows
assets totalling $164,226,127 with total
liabilities of $81,949,006. Total equity is
therefore $82,277,121, which is largely
unchanged from the previous year. The
Board considers the net equity figure to be
a conservative book value of the assets and
not representative of the market value of
the business of Masonic Care Queensland.
The Board’s total cash and investments at
30 June 2014 totalled $23,202,355 and
we had a loan balance from the National
Australia Bank of $9,305,925 for the
sole purpose of the development of the
Independent Living Apartments at our
Sandgate and Townsville sites.
The balance of the gross Aged Care
Accommodation Bonds and Retirement
Village Loans held as at June 2014
is $78,530,606, an increase of more
than $12 million over the year which is
Board of Benevolence
Surplus / Deficit Summary by
Business Units at 30 June 2014
Revenue
Expenses
Surplus / (Deficit)
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
Aged Care Operations (MCQ)
53,152,849
46,571,945
55,197,557
49,741,017
(2,044,708)
(3,169,072)
Retirement Living & Rentals (MCQ)
4,045,160
1,687,514
1,486,619
3,973,743
2,558,541
(2,286,229)
Subtotal Operational Result (MCQ)
57,198,009
48,259,459
56,684,176
53,714,760
513,833
(5,455,301)
Investment Donation Income
(less Board Expenses)
423,046
908,323
556,438
361,528
(133,392)
546,795
Fund of Benevolence
707,696
1,233,974
147,081
535,572
560,615
698,402
63,773
–
422,181
–
(358,408)
–
Community Engagement Fund
Total Comprehensive Income
(as per Financial Statements)
10
58,392,524
50,401,756
57,809,876
54,611,860
582,648
(4,210,104)
mostly attributable to new retirement
living apartment sales at Sandgate and
Townsville. The balance of the liability
refundable to residents is $70,180,908.
Masonic Care Queensland operations
in detail
The Masonic Care Queensland operating
result for the 12 months ending June
2014, before depreciation, for its care
and retirement living services is a surplus
of $5,334,753 compared to the previous
year deficit of $1,126,196. This is an
improvement of $6,460,949 and this
surplus is not reliant on investment returns.
Instead, a change in the business model
including organisational structural changes
and the implementation of strategies from
the Masonic Care Queensland Strategic
Plan 2014–2019 are the key determinants
of this recorded surplus.
This operating result included $1,065,971
in bequests and donations specific to
Masonic Care Queensland that have
helped to enhance the lives of our
residents. One of the bequests, from the
Ford Estate, was in excess of $850,000 and
will provide new and enhanced facilities
that will significantly improve the lifestyle
of residents at Masonic Care Queensland
Sandgate. Another bequest of $205,583
received from the Finch Estate will provide
significant improvements to the Gracemere
affordable living units.
A gain of $1,057,130 on the sale of surplus
land at Gracemere and Kingaroy has also
been included in this result.
Total operating income, excluding the
bequests and the gain on sale of surplus
land noted above, increased by $6,754,062
(14%) primarily due to the higher subsidy
and fee income across all care facilities
together with the extra income from the
new retirement living apartment sales at
Sandgate and Townsville.
The increased income received this year
was largely offset by costs associated with
an organisational redesign of Masonic Care
Queensland to position the organisation to
take advantage of future opportunities.
A strategic decision was made not to
proceed on the previously planned
expansion to Arundel Aged Care facility
due to changes in legislation and market
and consumer drivers, resulting in a
Masonic Care Queensland operating results
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
($1,000,000)
($2,000,000)
* Operating results exclude depreciation.
($3,000,000)
* The 2011–12 year does not include the
one-off write-off of Residential Aged Care
bed licences totalling $36,675,000.
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
11
financial REPORT
Continued
write off of planning costs amounting
to $505,643.
This year’s result includes interest charges
totalling $828,571. Also, the 2013–14 and
2012–13 results reflect a change in the
valuation methodology for the retirement
village apartments and villas.
Other operational expenditure, excluding
depreciation, increased by $5,399,098
over the previous year, largely resulting
from increased salaries and wages costs
of $3,517,055 (10%) due to the extra
resources required to meet the changing
acuity levels of residents and the
Enterprise Bargaining Agreement
increase not applied in the 2012–13
year. Non-staffing expenditure increased
by $1,882,043, largely due to the
organisational redesign costs.
In addition to our investment this year
in intellectual assets and re-aligning our
structures and people, an upgrade of
the Services Precinct at Masonic Care
Queensland in Townsville, the completion
of the Sandgate Apartments and Heritage
Precinct and significant information
technology infrastructure improvements
resulted in a capital expenditure of
$8,408,602 in the 12 months to
30 June 2014.
Board of Benevolence income
and expenses
The Board Secretariat account, which
consists mainly of investment and
donation income, showed reduced revenue
and increased expenses in 2013–14.
This resulted in a deficit of $133,392
compared to a surplus in the previous
year of $546,795. Reduced income was
due to lower interest rates on investments
and reduced non specific bequests and
donations. Increased expenditure was
the result of investment in intellectual
assets and re-aligning our legal structures
12
and people for the future as well as
Whole of Craft initiatives including a new
database, website, development of a new
charity brand – Hand Heart Pocket, and
fundraising and bequest initiatives.
Board of Benevolence Community
Engagement Fund
The Community Engagement Fund was
set up at the beginning of the 2013–14
financial year to maximise opportunities
for Freemasons within Queensland to
make a difference within their communities
with 100% of funds received going directly
to charitable causes. Donations and
bequests currently form a small percentage
of our income. As donation and bequest
income grows, so will our ability to
make a difference within the community.
More information on our work within
the community and how you can help is
outlined on page 28.
This is the first year of operation of this
fund which shows a deficit of $358,408 for
the year. A total of $63,773 was received
in donation and interest income, with
total expenditure of $422,181 for the
Dollar-for-Dollar subsidies, donations to
NSW Bushfire Appeal, Cyclone Yolanda in
Philippines and the $233,333 contribution
to the Queensland Brain Institute.
The Community Engagement Fund had a
cash and investment total of $741,592 at
30 June 2014.
Fund of Benevolence
The Fund of Benevolence, which enables us
to continue our tradition of caring for our
own, giving those with Masonic connection
a hand up in times of need, showed a
surplus at 30 June 2014 of $560,615
compared to $698,402 in the previous
year. Income reduced this year due to
lower interest income and bequests
received. Expenditure on allowances
and other grants decreased by $388,491,
mainly due to the creation of the
Community Engagement Fund.
The Fund of Benevolence total cash and
investments show a total market value
of $6,374,189. The market value of the
North Managed Fund investment
increased by $534,591 for the year.
Rex Elson Bequest
Through the bequest of the Rex Elson
Estate, we continue to support Horizons
Respite & Recreation Association Inc.,
which provides invaluable facilities and
care for young adults with disabilities.
The Rex Elson estate is managed as a
separate account with funds held in trust.
Income from the fund was $152,623
for the 2013–14 financial year with
total outgoings for property costs and
depreciation of $49,560. The operating
surplus for the estate for the 2013–14 year
was $103,063, compared to the previous
year surplus of $12,933.
The year ahead
Our positive financial position is expected
to continue in the next financial year as a
result of the strategic planning, investment
in intellectual assets and re-aligning of our
structures and people that occurred in the
2013–14 financial year, all of which will
position us well for the future.
For further details regarding Board of
Benevolence Financial Statements, please
contact the Board Secretariat.
Graham Mulligan,
Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee
How we fund our benevolent and community activities in 2013–14
Interest and
Distribution Income
$997,144
Bequests and Donations
$81,155
Other income
$2,418
Jewels
$45,236
UGLQ Fees
$60,372
Foundation Stones
$8,189
Please note that this excludes the operations of Masonic Care Queensland
How we have helped the community in 2013–14
Dollar-for-Dollar Subsidies
$130,614
Special Grants and
Other Subsidies
$94,632
Queensland Brain Institute
$233,333
Allowances
$94,560
Pascoe Bursaries
$8,800
Please note that this excludes the operations of Masonic Care Queensland
Through an increase in bequests and donations, we can do more to help the lives of Queenslanders.
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
13
OUR BOARD
Board of Benevolence
Bruce Milner, Board President
Campbell Carmichael, Vice President
Gary Bacon, Grand Master
Graham Mulligan
Spencer Christensen
Thomas Wiltshire
At the start of the 2013–14 year,
Bruce Milner (previously Vice President)
was elected to the presidency at the
end of Tony Love’s three-year term,
and Dr Gary Bacon was appointed to
the role of Grand Master, succeeding
Adrian Burton. The role of Treasurer was
discontinued and the treasury functions
are now undertaken by the Chairman
of the Audit and Risk Committee.
The role of Vice President was filled by
Campbell Carmichael. Thank you to
the outgoing office holders for their
dedicated contribution.
RWBro Bruce P Milner BCom, LLB
Pres BBen; Viking Lodge No. 394 UGLQ
President
Bruce joined the Board in February 2002.
He has served on all Board committees and
has been the Board Treasurer. He served as
Vice President for three years. Bruce was
elected President of the Board in July 2013.
He is a solicitor and a chartered accountant.
WorBro Campbell J Carmichael
Grad. Dip. OHS, Cert. Mech. Eng.
PGSwdBr; Lodge Tullibardine No 227 UGLQ
Vice President
Cam joined the Board in 2004 and served
as Chairman of the Planning and Review
Committee. He has had experience in the
engineering and IT industries, and has held
various senior positions in the Queensland
public service.
MW Bro Dr Gary Bacon BSc (Hons), PhD.
Tibrogargan Lodge No. 305 UGLQ
Grand Master
Gary joined the Board in 2013. He graduated
from the Australian National University in
forest science and worked as a natural
resource scientist and senior manager in
both Queensland and New South Wales
primary industries. Gary took up his current
position as adjunct Professor with the
Environmental Futures Institute at Griffith
University in 2005.
14
WorBro Graham D Mulligan
BSc, Dip. Acc., FAIM, MAICD
Lamington Lodge No. 110 UGLQ
Graham joined the Board in September 2010
and was a member of the Finance Committee
before his current position as Chairman
of the Audit and Risk Committee. He is a
non-Executive Director of ROC Oil Company
Ltd, Chalmers Ltd. Beijing Capital Waste
Management NZ Ltd, and Rockland Resources
Pty Ltd. He was formerly CEO of the Port of
Brisbane Corporation, Managing Director of
Port Wellington Ltd and has extensive
experience in consulting to and managing a
range of listed and private companies.
RWBro Athol (Spencer) Christensen
ADFS (FP), JP (Qual) PJGW; Bentley Park Lodge No 311 UGLQ,
Endeavour Lodge No 26H UGLQ
Spencer joined the Board in 2002 and is
Chairman of the Benevolence and Community
Engagement Committee and a member of
the Audit and Risk Committee. Spencer was
the District Grand Registrar of Carpentaria
District 2011–14 and President of the
Carpentaria District Board of Benevolence
2002–11. Spencer has been in the financial
services industry since 1972 and operates
his own financial planning business under a
company structure.
Colin Breckon
Theodore Tavoularis
John Aronis
Senior Executives
Robert Northcott
WorBro Thomas R Wiltshire
Assoc. Dip. Bus., MAICD William McLeod Lodge No. 241 UGLQ
Tom joined the Board in 2009 and served
as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance
Committee before his current position as
Chairman of the Safety, Clinical and Care
Committee. He is a portfolio director with
Aurizon, Chair of Rail Skills Australasia Ltd
and is a non-executive director of Rail
Innovation Australia Pty Ltd. He brings a
strong background in human resources and
occupational health and safety.
VWBro Colin J Breckon BArch, Dip. Ed.
PDGDC; Cleveland Lodge No.74 UGLQ, Delta Lodge
N0.112 UGLQ
Colin joined Board of Benevolence in 2000 and
serves on the Building and Projects Committee.
He was a District Grand Architect from 1996
until 2000, and was President of the North
Queensland District Board of Benevolence
2000–10. Colin is Chairman of the Townsville
Masonic Centre Management Board.
RWBro Theodore Tavoularis LLB
PJGW; Meridian Lodge No. 404H UGLQ, Viking Lodge
No. 394 UGLQ
Theo joined the Board in 2012. He is Chairman
of the Building and Projects Committee and
Chairman of the Governance Working Group,
is a member of the Building and Projects
Committee and has previously served as
UGLQ’s Grand Registrar. Theo is a solicitor
in private practice.
Selwyn Clark
RWBro John Aronis BBus (Acc), Grad. Dip. CA,
MCom, MA
PJGW; City of Logan Lodge No. 529 UGLQ
John joined the Board in 2013. He serves
on the Audit and Risk Committee and the
Benevolence and Community Engagement
Committee. John is a principal chartered
accountant in private practice. John previously
served as UGLQ Deputy Grand Treasurer and
Grand Treasurer for a decade.
Bro Robert John Northcott
Dip. Tech. Val; Juris Doctor (Hons)
Lamington Lodge No.110 UGLQ
Robert joined the Board in 2013. He serves
on the Building and Projects Committee and
the Benevolence and Community Engagement
Committee. Robert is a property valuer
and barrister and recently retired from the
Queensland Bar. He operates his own property
investment and development business.
Selwyn Clark BEng (Civil), Grad. Dip. Mgmt
Studies, MSc (Management)
Selwyn joined the Board in 2014. He serves
on the Building and Projects Committee and
coordinates the Board’s branding, fundraising
and ICT projects in support of achieving
Whole of Craft outcomes. After a career as
an engineer officer in the Australian
Regular Army, Selwyn held senior building
and property related appointments in
the Queensland Public Service.
Gary Mark, CEO
Masonic Care Queensland
David Roberts
Board Secretary
Gary Mark
Chief Executive Officer, Masonic Care Queensland
Gary was appointed CEO in September 2013
and has a strong record of achievement in
senior positions in retirement living, aged care,
facility management, health and hospitality.
He was Executive Manager Operations at
RSL Care for a number of years where he
established a customer-centric operations
department and delivered growth of over
100% across residential care, retirement living
and community care. Gary is experienced
in geographically diverse organisations and
achieves shared purpose for an organisation
through strong leadership, meaningful strategy,
robust business planning and communication.
WorBro David Roberts
PSGD: Baden Powell Lodge No. 505 UGLQ
Board Secretary
Previously a professional retailer in local,
state and national positions, and the Director
Development & Community Relations of
a P–12 independent school, David was
also a Leader of Adults (Commissioner)
Woodbadge, Queen’s Scout, and a member
of the State Executive and Branch Council,
Scouts Queensland.
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
15
OUR NEW CHARITY BRAND
A contemporary brand that reflects the heart of our tradition
As the 2013–14 financial year
closed, we were putting the
finishing touches to a new
charity brand to be publicly
launched in September
2014. Hand Heart Pocket will
replace the name ‘The Board
of Benevolence and of Aged
Masons, Widows and Orphans’
Fund’ as the public face of
our fundraising at state and
local level.
HAND HEART POCKET PRIORITIES
16
HEALTH
EDUCATION
AGED CARE
Because health is the first essential
for wellbeing, we support initiatives
to extend medical understanding and
to help individuals build resilience.
Because education is a catalyst
for far-reaching change, we help
cultivate knowledge and the sharing
of transformative ideas.
Because a large part of our lives
is spent being older, we work
to make ageing more positive,
fulfilling and dignified.
For centuries, Freemasons have used the
symbols of hand heart and pocket to
pledge practical help, genuine empathy
and financial generosity to those who
need it most.
Today we promise that support to
Queensland through Hand Heart Pocket,
the charity of Freemasons Queensland.
Our history is preserved in the Mother and Children
logo which remains a charity jewel.
Why we needed a new brand
The development of the brand
The competition for charity dollars is
fierce and the Board of Benevolence
needs to become more sophisticated and
professional in its fundraising activities.
The original name and the ‘mother
and children’ logo served us well
to represent our activities in another era
(and the tradition is retained in the charity
jewels) but we need greater impact
and clarity in today’s crowded market
and fast-moving world.
The new brand is the result of extensive
research and consultation. The Board of
Benevolence explored both the charity
market and the opinions of Brethren
around Queensland to inform the brand
project. Many Brethren responded to our
survey in 2014 and their perspectives were
invaluable. We worked with a specialist
brand consultancy (Lloyd Grey) and with
Freemasons Queensland representatives
to develop a brand to resonate with the
Masonic community and the public alike.
The new name and logo is more accessible
to the public and better reflects the scope
of our activities than promoting the
original Board of Benevolence fund name
and symbol.
DISASTER RELIEF
A HAND UP
Because disastrous circumstances
can befall any of us, we respond
with hands, hearts and pockets to
help mend lives.
We believe in creating strength
not dependence so we give a hand up,
not a hand-out – to communities, to
other charities and to individuals.
At the heart of our
philosophy is the
understanding
that, by helping
others, we not only
make the world
a better place but
also make ourselves
better people.
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
17
masonic care queensland
CEO REPORT
Our vital journey of redesign, diversification and sustainability
Gary Mark, CEO
Since joining Masonic Care Queensland in
September 2013, I have been part of a vital
journey that will reshape and realign our
organisation. The changes we have been
introducing are already contributing to an
improved operating performance and will
continue to have a positive influence in the
years ahead.
The foundation for the changes was a
thorough understanding of our evolving
operating environment, exploring our
residents’ expectations and drawing on the
valuable knowledge of our own people –
the staff who make it all possible every day.
We reviewed our strategic direction in
response to Board of Benevolence Strategic
Direction 2014–2023 initiative and in
turn developed a revised Masonic Care
Queensland Strategic Plan 2014–2019.
The Masonic Care Queensland ‘People
Survey’ in September 2013 also helped
us identify some of the areas that needed
attention in developing our strategies.
The Strategic Plan focuses on four main
strategic performance areas: financial
sustainability, building on our strengths
and taking advantage of opportunities,
becoming a class leader in our preferred
service markets, and engaging with local
communities and stakeholders to form
mutually beneficial partnerships.
Our changing environment
Aged care in Australia is changing and
will continue to change, responding to
18
community demands and government
policies. It is vital that Masonic Care
Queensland has the flexibility to evolve as
our environment shifts.
organisational capabilities and clarify
our shared values and priorities.
Currently we are working to align with
the ‘Living Longer Living Better’ aged
care reforms, which are changing funding
frameworks, offering consumers more
choices and creating better integration of
retirement living options and community
health services.
In a very significant change, we
moved from a regional management
structure to one focused on our product
or service areas, supported by
professional specialists. This involved
redesigning roles in senior, middle and
clinical management and creating a
new Masonic Care Queensland
Leadership Team.
We must also be aware of how other
organisations in our sector are developing
and how our service offering compares
with theirs.
This realignment positions us much more
effectively to take advantage of emerging
opportunities in an increasingly competitive
environment.
A model of care which identifies the
resident as an individual and a focus on
maximising the strengths of those with
dementia provides the potential for positive
ageing of our clients. This will help position
us as a leader in our sector.
We also developed a new vision, mission
and values that better reflect the
organisation’s direction and the strengths
we need to meet our objectives and
provide an outstanding experience for our
residents and other stakeholders.
Part of our future strategy includes
a renewed focus on analysing and
responding to clinical data to improve
resident care outcomes.
Realigning and strengthening our
organisation
The new values were encapsulated in the
phrase ‘You are important to me’ and
staff training sessions have helped explore
how this touchstone can be made a
living reality in interactions with residents,
clients and colleagues.
The structure of an organisation and its
ability to work together as a coherent,
aligned team is integral to achieving
its strategic goals. Having established
our longer-term vision and the need for
flexibility, we looked to strengthen our
Other staff initiatives including the
Masonic Care Queensland Super Star
Awards, regular CEO roadshows and a
CEO welcome and orientation DVD
are also helping to build a positive and
aligned culture.
“In moving forward, we are always
mindful of enhancing the lives of our
clients and residents as well as
achieving a sustainable bottom line.”
Taking our facilities to the next level
Renewing and extending our retirement
living and aged care facilities ensures
we will continue to meet the needs of
an increasingly discerning market.
We also need to use all facilities to
their best potential.
Our 36 contemporary retirement living
apartments in Sandgate were completed in
September 2013 and have been acclaimed
as amongst the very best in the sector.
Together with the Townsville apartments
completed the previous year, they have
drawn much interest.
Also at Sandgate, our Heritage Precinct
was opened in January 2014, giving a
vibrant focal point for residents including
a retirement village community clubhouse,
café, hairdresser and library.
The Services Precinct in Townsville was
upgraded during the financial year and
now has a new car park and refurbished
kitchen facilities. In Cairns, a new cafe was
completed and is enhancing life for both
retirement village and aged care residents.
The installation of WiFi through all our
facilities acknowledges its important
role as a tool for residents to keep in
touch with the world as well as giving
the infrastructure for our future
corporate needs.
A bequest of more than $850,000 from the
Ford Estate has greatly contributed to our
ability to enhance the lifestyle of residents
at Masonic Care Queensland in Sandgate.
We were able to renew indoor and outdoor
areas, including making additions to
increase accessibility, improve security and
adapt amenities to meet the changing
care needs of residents. Another bequest
received from the Finch Estate of $205,583
will provide significant improvements to
the Gracemere rental units.
Encouraging results
The 2013–14 financial performance has
already started to reflect the effectiveness
of the changes in hand.
The Masonic Care Queensland operating
result for the year ending June 2014,
before depreciation, for its care and
retirement living services, shows a surplus
of $5,334,753. This is an improvement of
$6,460,949 on the 2012–13 financial year.
The year ahead
The initiatives that arose from our
Strategic Plan will continue in the
2014–15 financial year.
We will continue to strengthen our
organisation with a thorough review of
every department and site to ensure we
have the right mix of skills to help us
maximise our opportunities and to support
the frontline care of the people who trust
us to make their older years as enjoyable,
comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
Our marketing activities will continue
to develop our brand and visibility with
initiatives that include a new website.
You can read the full details in the
Financial Report on page 11.
As we look to the future, I am constantly
aware that, however good our plans and
processes, it comes down to our people to
provide excellent care and services and to
demonstrate their belief that every resident
and client is important to them.
Of course we must judge our success
not only by financial indicators but
also by human ones. In moving forward,
we are always mindful of enhancing
the lives of our clients and residents as
well as achieving a sustainable
bottom line.
I sincerely thank our staff and volunteers
for their incredible dedication. I also
acknowledge the residents, clients, donors
and other partners who play a vital role in
helping us build exceptional communities
that continually enhance older people’s
lifestyles.
Ultimately we believe that the two cannot
ever be mutually exclusive – only by
offering outstanding facilities and services
can we generate the surplus to continue to
invest in future care.
Gary Mark
CEO
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
19
masonic care queensland
The focus of our
Strategic Plan 2014-2019
Strategic
directions
1 Ensure financial sustainability,
operating flexibility and
adaptable services
2 Build on our strengths and
take advantage of opportunities
3 Become a class leader in
preferred service markets
across our industry sector
4 Engage with local communities
and stakeholders to form
mutually beneficial partnerships
A copy of the Masonic Care Queensland
Strategic Plan 2014–2019
is available at www.masoniccareqld.org.au
20
masonic care queensland
our facilities
Supporting Queensland
Our continuum of care model
Masonic Care Queensland’s three major
sites at Brisbane (Sandgate), Townsville
(Kirwan) and Cairns (Whitfield) each
provide a ‘continuum of care’. This means
that as residents’ care needs change
they can be catered for within the same
community – from independent living,
retirement villas and apartments with
support services to residential aged care.
It also means partners can stay close to
each other when one has higher care
needs than the other.
Atherton
14 Alma Street
Atherton Qld 4883
(07) 4080 1200
Brisbane
60 Wakefield Street
Sandgate Qld 4017
(07) 3869 6000
We have specialist dementia care in Cairns
(Whitfield), Townsville (Kirwan), Brisbane
(Sandgate) and Gold Coast (Arundel) as
well as day respite facilities in Townsville
and Cairns.
Cairns
82–120 McManus Street
Whitfield Qld 4870
(07) 4080 1200
Crows Nest
25 James Street
Crows Nest Qld 4355
(07) 3869 6000
Our facilities in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns,
Gold Coast and Tin Can Bay also offer a
range of onsite activities and services.
Gold Coast
101 Allied Drive
Arundel Qld 4214
(07) 5594 8111
Inglewood
Pariagra Units
27 Great Road Street
Inglewood Qld 4387
(07) 3869 6000
ATHERTON
8 retirement living villas
Kingaroy
Corner Haly and Alford Streets
Kingaroy Qld 4610
(07) 3869 6000
CAIRNS
108 residential aged care beds
(17 dementia specific)
62 retirement village units
6 affordable living units
Day therapy centre
Rockhampton
52 Breakspear Street
Gracemere Qld 4702
(07) 3869 6000
Texas
Wilson Street
Texas Qld 4385
(07) 3869 6000
TOWNSVILLE
127 residential aged care beds (30 dementia specific)
49 retirement living villas
36 retirement living apartments
Day therapy centre
Tin Can Bay
26 Coral Trout Drive
Tin Can Bay Qld 4580
(07) 5488 1300
ROCKHAMPTON
12 affordable living units
TIN CAN BAY
20 residential aged care beds
KINGAROY
12 affordable living units
BRISBANE
17 retirement living villas
36 retirement living apartments
CROWS NEST
6 retirement living villas
Lucinda:
153 residential aged care beds (36 dementia specific)
INGLEWOOD
4 affordable living units
TEXAS
10 affordable living units
Griffith Cottages:
50 dementia specific residential aged care beds
GOLD COAST
49 residential aged care beds
22 affordable living units
Townsville
1 Emerald Street
Kirwan Qld 4817
(07) 4789 9777
Musgrave:
238 residential aged care beds (12 dementia specific)
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
21
masonic care queensland
our year
The evolution of aged care and retirement living
Masonic Care Queensland is
the aged care and retirement
living arm of Board of
Benevolence. It provides
quality care to seniors
throughout Queensland
– those with Masonic
connections and the broader
community alike.
In the 2013–14 financial year, we
continued to develop our structure
and our facilities to meet the changing
aged care environment and the
expectations of our current and
future residents.
Our key statistics
At 30 June 2014
Number of Queensland locations
11
Number of residents
1000+
Number of staff and volunteers
900+
Number of retirement village units
214
Number of affordable living units
66
Number of residential aged care beds
745
Sandgate
36
new retirement living
apartments were completed
“Our mission is to provide innovative and
sustainable services that enable older people
to fulfil their individual lifestyle choices.”
22
Atherton and Cairns
100
%
retirement villages occupied
Developments in 2013–14
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
A new CEO was appointed to
Masonic Care Queensland and a new
management structure was introduced.
36 new retirement living apartments
were completed at Sandgate.
■■
Our villages at Atherton and Cairns
are 100% occupied.
■■
A new Remembrance Precinct was
opened in Sandgate, featuring two
sapling pines that are descendants of the
original Lone Pine in Gallipoli. These were
donated by Scotia Lodge No 263 UGLQ.
■■
■■
Heritage Precinct at Sandgate was
refurbished, including café, library,
hairdresser, retirement village community
clubhouse and gardens.
■■
■■
Refurbishments commenced in Musgrave
Aged Care facility at Sandgate.
The services precinct was upgraded at
Townsville including the kitchen and a
new car park.
The kitchen and some flooring were
upgraded at Tin Can Bay.
A new cafe was opened at Cairns
enhancing the lifestyle of residents.
■■
■■
■■
Land adjoining the affordable living
units at Gracemere was sold and
upgrades to the village began.
New PARO seals (robotic, responsive)
research project was conducted
in Townsville.
Six students graduated from the Healthy
Futures Program, providing them with a
pathway into a career in aged care.
Masonic Care Queensland continued to
participate in Telehealth initiatives.
New staff initiatives supported our team
– see page 25.
Masonic Care Queensland Leadership Team
L-R back row
Grant Barrow – General Manager People, Culture
and Safety, Nick Hansen – Executive Manager
Retirement Living, Community Care and Strategy,
Clayton Rawle – Executive Manager Finance,
John Byrne – General Manager Building Projects,
Facilities and Asset Management, Sam Colombo –
General Manager Information and Communication
Technology, Karen Tilke – General Manager
Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
L-R seated
Sue Beasley – Executive Manager Residential Care
Gary Mark – Chief Executive Officer
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
23
masonic care queensland
our care
Creating places of active retirement and positive ageing
Seal of approval for PARO robotic
pet therapy
Two robotic baby seals – Sally and George
– have become part of the family at
Masonic Care Queensland in Townsville.
These sophisticated robots have been
in use in Europe and Japan for over
10 years and research has shown they
stimulate interaction, improve socialisation,
give therapeutic benefit to those with
dementia and reduce stress for residents
and caregivers.
In a joint research project with James Cook
University, Masonic Care Queensland has
been exploring and monitoring the effects
of the robotic pets on residents’ wellbeing
over the past year.
The ‘PARO’ seals respond as if they are
alive. Their sensors enable them to feel
being stroked, to perceive the presence
of people and to recognise the directions
of voice and words such as their name,
greetings and praise. They move their head
and limbs, make sounds and react very
much like real animals.
Funds to purchase the seals were raised
by residents’ families, staff and local
contractors, and were matched by Masonic
Care Queensland.
Approval has also been given for
Lucinda Aged Care in Sandgate, Brisbane
to participate in a similar study over
the coming year with Griffith University.
Residents’ story
Easing a time of transition
When Mike and Marguerite Smith
chose to buy one of the beautiful new
apartments at Masonic Care Queensland’s
Sandgate Retirement Village, they knew
it was important to them that they were
somewhere that also offered higher care
for the future, but they didn’t know how
soon Mike would need the additional
facilities of Lucinda residential care.
“Everyone I’ve met here has been so
helpful. Things weren’t easy
at first but the support of both staff
and new friends made it bearable –
and this lovely apartment is such a
pleasant and peaceful place to come
home to.”
Marguerite Smith, Resident
In a year of huge change, the couple, who
have been married 55 years, sold their
family home on Bribie Island, moved into
their apartment and within months faced
the challenge of Mike’s worsening health.
24
Marguerite says they looked at many
alternative retirement options before
settling on Masonic Care Queensland
in Sandgate but they found other places
either had no higher care capacity or the
units were rather old and unattractive.
At Sandgate they have an impressive,
contemporary and spacious apartment
with a lovely courtyard garden.
Since Mike moved to the Lucinda Aged
Care facility, Marguerite has been grateful
to be in an environment where she is only
a few minutes’ walk away. She can have
a coffee with Mike in the cafe, bring him
back to the apartment for tea or they can
go down the road together for lunch.
The support of a friendly community,
activities like tai chi and social events
arranged by residents – including an
Ekka evening complete with fashion
show, hamburgers and hot-dogs – have
all helped make a challenging time of
transition a little easier.
“The PARO seals give residents the
benefit and pleasure of animal
therapy in an environment where
real animals could cause logistical
and safety concerns,”
June Harwood, Masonic Care Queensland Facility
Manager, Townsville.
masonic care queensland
OUR PEOPLE
Supporting people who are the heart of our care
Masonic Care Queensland has more
than 900 employees and volunteers
bringing a broad range of skills to keep
all facets of our organisation operating
to the highest contemporary standards.
In 2013–14, Masonic Care Queensland
made some significant changes to
organisational management and
introduced a number of new staff
initiatives. These included:
People preparing for the future
■■
As well as positioning the organisation
for effectiveness, it is also important to
care for our employees and support them
in achieving the best outcomes for our
residents and clients. In an environment
where good care workers are in high
demand, we must create a positive culture
where everyone feels they have the
resources and recognition to achieve the
best in their role.
■■
■■
■■
■■
redesign of our organisational structure
and management roles
appointment of a Work, Health, Safety
and Environment Manager to enhance
our management of employee safety
and wellbeing
a ‘People Survey’ to gauge staff
engagement and opinions
staff training on new vision, mission
and values
a new reward and recognition
program – Masonic Care Queensland
Super Star Awards
■■
■■
response to the staff survey through
new structure and processes, plus a
regular CEO ‘roadshow’ to give updates
on strategy and achievements
a CEO welcome and orientation DVD
to provide a standardised introduction
to the organisation and its expectations.
“You are
important
to me.”
Our touchstone phrase in strengthening our
caring culture.
Staff profile
Making every day count for aged
care residents
Beryl-Ann Kirby brings infectious energy
and enthusiasm to her role as Diversional
Therapist at Masonic Care Queensland
in Townsville. After previous roles training
staff at Masonic Care Queensland for
seven years, and two years out of the
organisation, she saw the potential to
transform the activities for high-care
residents and rejoined us in 2013.
The programs and ‘person-centred
activities’ Beryl-Ann develops respond
to individual needs, capabilities and
interests and have generated outstanding
participation rates.
With sensitivity, creativity and ingenuity
Beryl-Ann runs a diverse range of activities
including a poetry club, musical quizzes,
ladies’ pampering sessions, bocce (a type
of bowls, which Beryl-Ann and a volunteer
have adapted to make it accessible to
those with restricted mobility),
travel evenings and the ‘Balcony Bash’
(a variation on Happy Hour).
Two important things characterise
Beryl-Ann’s approach – involving the
residents totally in making choices
that inspire them, and creating an
immersive experience with visual, audio
and even aroma stimuli that transport
residents to another time or place for
an hour or two.
Beryl-Ann also has a key role in the PARO
therapy and research project (see page 24).
“To see the smiles on residents’ faces
and to hear their comments brings a
tear to my eye. Everyone who works
in aged care needs to value residents
and do something wonderful for
them every day.”
Beryl-Ann Kirby, Diversional Therapist
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
25
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers give the valuable gift of time
2
3
1
All around Queensland,
members of our local
communities are devoting
time to fundraising, to visiting
Masonic Care Queensland
aged care residents and
assisting with their activities
programs or undertaking
other vital maintenance or
support roles.
Within Masonic Care Queensland
retirement communities, there are dozens
of unsung heroes who run social activities,
share their skills and support our staff
in continually enhancing the lifestyles of
residents and clients. We sincerely thank
all those who help make our work possible
and invite others to be part of our muchvalued volunteer team. Here are just a few
of their stories.
26
4
Creating model communities in
Texas and Inglewood
While even an hour or two of volunteer
help is always welcome, two of our
volunteers from Texas and Inglewood
deserve special mention for completing
10 years of managing, maintaining and
nurturing the Masonic Care Queensland
village in Texas, which is run by the
Texas Greenup Lodge on behalf of the
Goondiwindi Shire Council.
WorBro Bevan Pavel and VWBro Richard
Coventry manage 10 independent living
units in Texas and four in Inglewood
under an arrangement that donates
the management fee to the Texas
Greenup Lodge and helps keep the
small Lodge viable.
Their role involves a significant number of
hours each week and includes everything
from liaising with Queensland Community
Services on new residents to collecting rents,
from lawn-mowing and maintenance to
unit refurbishments when people move out.
Their contribution not only keeps
operations running smoothly but
adds to the strong sense of caring
community spirit.
“This role has kept me active and
it’s very rewarding to be out talking
to people, contributing to the
community and solving any problems.”
WorBro Bevan Pavel
Goondiwindi Shire Council is reported
to have said that the Masonic Care
Queensland units in Texas and Inglewood
are ‘the best kept independent living units
in Queensland’!
A friendly face when it’s most needed
Being in hospital can often be a time of
significant personal challenge and not
everyone has their own social support
network close by.
WorBro Zoltan Swain volunteers his time
to visit Brethren in hospital in the Brisbane
region. Often these patients have come
to the city from western Queensland or
1 Gardens at Griffith Cottages in Sandgate
maintained by Volunteer Doug Munden
2 Gardens of affordable living units in Texas
maintained by volunteers of Greenup Lodge
3 Bus driver WorBro Richard Kennedy at Masonic
Care Queensland, Sandgate
4 WorBro Zoltan Swain visiting a Freemason
5 Barry and Betty Osborne
5
If you can spare a few hours to help Board of
Benevolence or Masonic Care Queensland, there are
a variety of different volunteer roles to suit different
interests and capabilities.
Please contact [email protected] to find out more.
northern New South Wales for major
treatment and find themselves isolated
from their usual life. Others may have
family or friends close by but may still
welcome someone less personally
involved they can talk to about their
concerns. Zoltan can also be a conduit
to get additional help or support when
it’s needed.
“For me, it’s Freemasonry in action.
It’s about being a friendly face and
reaching out to make a difference for
people when they are vulnerable.”
WorBro Zoltan Swain
Having been through a period when he
was chronically ill himself, Zoltan realised
how valuable a friendly smile can be and
that motivated him to volunteer as a
hospital visitor.
The hospital visiting program is
coordinated through the office of Board
of Benevolence and is handled sensitively
with hospital, patient and family – some
people prefer their privacy and that is
always respected.
Helping an environment bloom
When Barry and Betty Osborne moved
to Masonic Care Queensland Woodward
Retirement Village in Cairns in 2002,
they thought they’d finished with the
responsibility of gardening, but they
quickly took on a new volunteer role
nurturing a garden much bigger than the
one they’d left behind.
The contracted gardeners at Woodward
were doing the basics but Barry and
Betty saw the potential for the communal
garden to be so much more. They removed
invasive ferns to reveal beautiful rocks,
introduced many new plants and set to
work on cleaning and beautifying the
135,000 litre natural pond.
garden there too and it went on to win
the Cairns ‘best garden’ award for its
category three years in a row.
“It’s hard work but it’s kept me
healthy! I’d encourage everyone to
volunteer for their own satisfaction
and benefit.”
Betty Osborne
At age 84, Betty is the older partner of the
couple but she isn’t slowing down. She’s
still frequently found in the pond pulling
out weeds by hand and ensuring the
garden is an inspirational environment for
all the residents.
More than ten years later, they are still
devoting around 20 hours a week each
to make the gardens the pride of the
community. When the new Masonic Care
Queensland Morinda Aged Care facility
was opened in 2006, Barry and Betty
were invited to work their magic in the
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
27
BENEVOLENT ACTIVITIES
A world where more things are possible
“In the amazing new world of light, sound and visual
effects, individuals with extremely limited motor skills will
be able to achieve things previously unimaginable
– playing the laser operated keyboard, activating the
musical runway or using simple switches to make choices.”
Helping Horizons create visionary
disability care
A new ‘Sensory Unit’ at Horizons
Respite & Recreation Association Inc.
makes the organisation an Australian
leader in innovative facilities to allow
disabled young adults with high needs
to participate more, achieve more and
communicate more.
The building that houses the new facility
in Margate, Queensland was opened in
December 2013, thanks to a $310,000
grant from Board of Benevolence funded
by the Rex Elson Estate.
This bequest initially enabled Board of
Benevolence to purchase the former
Humpybong Pre-School at Margate,
refurbish the buildings and landscape the
grounds. Our support of this organisation
since 2010 has helped it to grow from
offering 16 places to 50 and it has become
an inspirational place of care with its
own theatre program, music therapy and
technological tools like iPads.
28
General Manager, Roxanne Quayle,
is passionate about developing the
communication potential of every disabled
young person and giving them greater
autonomy to achieve things for themselves.
A new 18-month research program,
beginning in October 2014, will explore
how the new equipment can best be used
for maximum benefit and learning.
“The support from Board of
Benevolence and the Rex Elson
bequest has made an enormous
difference for our young people. It
has given the space, opportunity and
technological resources to take their
lives to the next level.”
Roxanne Quayle, General Manager
www.horizonsinc.com.au
In the amazing new world of light, sound
and visual effects, individuals with
extremely limited motor skills will be able
to achieve things previously unimaginable
– playing the laser operated keyboard,
activating the musical runway or using
simple switches to make choices.
Retinal operated computer equipment
detects movement as subtle as a blink
or stare, which will mean some of the
young people will have independent
control and communication for the
very first time.
Finding a cure for dementia
Through our work at Masonic Care
Queensland, we are acutely aware of
the detrimental effect dementia has on
many older people and their families.
If science could make major progress
to cure or control it, it would be a
far-reaching catalyst for improved
quality of life in senior years – not just in
Queensland but throughout the world.
It is this thinking that has led Board of
Benevolence to support the work of the
Queensland Brain Institute (QBI).
In 2013–14 we became major sponsors
of the Freemasons Queensland Senior
Research Fellowship in Learning and
Memory to fund a leading researcher for
the next five years.
The $1.4 million fellowship is jointly
funded by Board of Benevolence and UQef,
a private fund established by wotif.com
founders Andrew Brice and Graham Wood.
Freemasons Queensland Grand Master,
Dr Gary Bacon, was actively involved in the
recruitment process and was delighted by
the selection of Professor Stephen Williams,
who is a proven leader in the neuronal
circuitry field.
Professor Williams has run a laboratory
at QBI since 2010 where he has focused
on neuronal circuit techniques in the
neocortex and retina using multi-site
electrophysiological and optical recording
techniques.
Bursaries kick start careers for
regional students
In 2014, four more students from the
Roma region were awarded the Peter and
Joan Pascoe Raphael Bursary.
This year’s recipients demonstrate
the potentially far-reaching results of
supporting the ambitions of young people
who hope to serve their communities.
■■
■■
■■
■■
Brodie Edwards was awarded a bursary
to support her nursing studies – the
first step towards her ambition to study
medicine and become a pediatrician
who will provide better children’s health
services to rural and remote regions.
John Upton’s bursary will give him
support to follow his passion for
physics and engineering with a view
to becoming an electrical or
mechanical engineer.
This bursary is made possible through
generous donations to Board of
Benevolence by Bro Peter Pascoe, who
passed away in 2004, and his wife Joan.
Joan Pascoe is a resident of Masonic
Care Queensland in Sandgate Lucinda
and still takes an active interest in
the selection of recipients and the
achievements of past recipients.
Oscar Milroy was accepted for a degree
in International Studies at University
of Queensland and has a vision to
contribute to the cattle industry’s
alliances with overseas markets.
New technology inspires Tony Stanford
and his bursary will help support his
dual mechanical engineering and
chemistry degree, which he hopes will
lead to the opportunity to help address
world problems like global warming
and shortage of fossil fuels.
Top: Brodie Edwards
L-R John Upton, Tony Stanford,
Oscar Milroy (not shown)
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
29
DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR PROGRAM
Helping local communities achieve more
Board of Benevolence Dollarfor-Dollar subsidies program
matches local Lodge’s
fundraising on approved
activities to a maximum of
$3,000 per Lodge each year.
Scanner enhances local care
in Laidley
This injects many thousands of dollars into
local communities each year, supporting
a wide range of worthwhile causes in
regional areas – many of these are vital
services that might otherwise not be
supported. In 2013–14, our subsidies
totalled $130,614 and, together with the
Lodge fundraising, benefited communities
by more than $270,000.
WorBro Peter Hooper, Worshipful Master of
Argyle Lodge, approached the local Laidley
Hospital Board to see what would make
a difference for the local community. High
on the list was a bladder scanner – noninvasive equipment used to monitor urinary
volume in men, women and older children.
The local Lodge arranged a barefoot
bowls event, raffles and auctions, as
well as generating individual donations.
Their $3,000 was matched by Board of
Benevolence and the combined $6,000
donation was matched by the hospital to
purchase the equipment.
1
4
The scanner is saving many locals,
including the elderly, travelling to Ipswich
for painful, embarrassing and possibly
risky catheterisation. It has been so
successful that the idea has snowballed
with Ipswich hospital agreeing to
subsidise scanners for Esk and Boonah
hospitals too.
“We all worked together and the
whole community is benefiting from
this advanced equipment.”
WorBro Peter Hooper, Lodge Master
The Lodge is now working on their next
project for Laidley hospital – a mobile
shower bed.
2
3
5
6
“In 2013–14, our subsidies totalled $130,614 and,
together with the Lodge fundraising, benefited
communities by more than $270,000.”
7
30
Working together for better
More than 50 Lodges around Queensland
raised funds and helped their local
communities benefit from the Dollar-forDollar subsidies program – the amounts
raised varied from a few hundred dollars
to over $7,000.
Some Lodges partnered with other
organisations and often fundraised
for a lengthy period to increase their
donation. The diversity of causes
supported reflects the many vital local
organisations that need support. From
library books to hospital equipment, from
surf live-saving equipment to laptops,
even small fundraising projects often
make a huge difference.
These are just some of the many
worthwhile initiatives supported in
2013–14:
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Mulgrave Lodge – Burnett Health Services
Foundation – $7,045 purchased two recliner
chairs for Bundaberg hospital ICU
Tyrian Lodge – Bundaberg Health Services
Foundation – $5,600 for a recliner chair in ICU
Toowoomba Masonic Council (representing
14 Lodges) – RACQ Careflight Toowoomba –
$12,580 for a storeroom in the hangar for
helicopter parts and $3,800 for respiratory
monitoring software for Toowoomba Hospital
Atherton Duke of Connaught, Fraser, Milaa
Milaa and Dimbulah Chillagoe Daylight Lodges –
Carinya Home for the Aged – $10,935 for a
hoist and three flotation chairs
Mooloolah Lodge – Australian Volunteer Coast
Guard Association – $2,573 for equipment to
maintain the rescue vessel and Kicks Taekwondo
– $2,300 for equipment
City of Brisbane Sovereign Consistory No 1 –
Gallipolli Medical Research Foundation – $5,750
for ECG machine
Athole Lodge – Meals on Wheels Bundaberg –
$7,330 for mechanical potato peeler
Fraser Coast United Lodge – Active Plus
– $2,211 for a palliative care bed
Queensland Masonic Touring Club Inc
– Redkite – $6,000 for library books
Pialba Lodge – Hervey Bay Meals on Wheels –
$5,929 for a gas griddle
Mundubbera-Burnett Lodge – Hervey Bay Meals
on Wheels – $6,050 for refrigerator
from surf live-saving
equipment to laptops,
even small fundraising
projects often make a
huge difference.
■■
Caloundra Lodge – Hear & Say Nambour –
$4,000 to support a child with a cochlear implant
■■
Kianawah Lodge – AEIOU Foundation
– $6,000 to support a child’s gap fees for
a year in the program
■■
Morningside Lodge – Bluecare Eastside
Community – $14,526 for a Yaris YR 1.3L
5-door hatch
■■
Grand Officers Association’s entry in the
Variety Bash – $38,432 for sick and
disadvantaged children
■■
Gympie Masonic Fundraising Committee –
$3,040 to purchase oxygen equipment for
Little Haven Palliative Care
■■
Order of the Secret Monitor for Northern
Australia and Papua New Guinea – $2,000
to purchase promotional signs for HeartKids
Queensland
■■
Capricornia Lodge – Gracemere SES and
Mt Morgan SES – $2,996 to purchase
12 e-flares and a portable refrigerator
■■
Hervey Bay Daylight Lodge – Camp Quality –
$2,200 for children living with cancer to go
on a whale watching trip
■■
United Tradesmen’s Lodge – $2,000 to buy items
for a returned serviceman whose home burnt
down and Ipswich Hospital Renal Unit – $2,550
for needle dislodgement alarms
■■
■■
Broadwater Surfers Paradise Lodge and
fundraising by Simpson Desert Bike Challenge
entrant Greg Rashford – $5,000 to the
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Argyle Lodge – Laidley Hospital – $6,000
for bladder scanner (see story on page 30).
Reaching further to help
Although most Board of Benevolence
activities are focused on Queensland as a
starting point for change, sometimes there
are disasters that prompt us to reach out
to the wider world.
Two such occasions in 2013–14 were the
New South Wales bush fires and Typhoon
Yolanda in the Philippines.
We donated $18,702 to the Grand Lodge
of Philippines Calamity Fund Typhoon
Yolanda ($13,702 from Lodges and
individuals, plus $5000 from Board of
Benevolence). $25,000 was donated to
the NSW Bush Fire Appeal.
1 iPads for Kin Kin State School
2 Bladder scanner for Laidley Hospital
3 A patient experiences the scanner at
Laidley Hospital
4 New stove for Scout Campsite at
Dunethin Rock Yandina
5 Storeroom for CareFlight Toowoomba
6 Household items for returned serviceman
in Ipswich
7 Marquee for Yeppoon SLSC Nippers
Board of Benevolence Annual Report 2013 –14
31
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Helping our own
The separate Fund of Benevolence,
sustained by a Benevolence Levy paid by
Freemasons and other generous donations,
enables us to continue our tradition of
caring for our own, giving those with
Masonic connection a hand up in times
of need. This year we gave a total of
63 grants worth $147,081, including to
Helen, whose story follows.
A lifeline when life falls apart
For Helen Stewart, life seemed pretty
perfect with her husband and two girls
living in their own home with a pool
on the Sunshine Coast and enjoying a
relaxed lifestyle funded by their own
business. Then, almost overnight,
everything changed.
When Helen’s husband told her the
business was bankrupt and they had lost
everything, that was only the start of
her problems. Within months the
emotional and financial pressures had
caused her marriage to break down and
she was left alone with the children.
She had just $16 in her wallet and
the house and car were being repossessed.
Even worse, she didn’t even qualify
for Centrelink help on her visa
because she is UK citizen and her
citizenship plans were dependent on
her New Zealand husband.
Eighteen months after her world fell apart,
Helen still wakes with a sense of dread
and can only take each day as it comes but
she hopes she will eventually qualify for
permanent residency and be able to
support herself and her children.
She had no family left in the UK and her
6 year-old and 8 year-old daughters had
only ever known their life in Australia.
An appeal to the Board of Benevolence
from her elderly Freemason father,
who lives in Spain, set wheels in motion
to give the family support while they
try to rebuild their lives.
Helen is now staying with her sister, who
also lives on the Sunshine Coast, and
the monthly Fund of Benevolence
allowance has given her a means to pay
for basic needs. She is also getting a
grant to manage costs such as school
books and school uniforms.
“The help from Board of Benevolence
has been a lifeline financially and
emotionally. They have been so
compassionate and always have
time to listen as well as giving us
financial help. No words are enough
to express how grateful I am for their
kindness and support.”
Order of Service to Benevolence Jewel (O.S.B)
It is well recognised that many Freemasons
around Queensland provide voluntary
services to the community and to support
the activities of Board of Benevolence.
The Order of Service to Benevolence
Jewel (OSB) is presented to individual
Freemasons in recognition of outstanding
service to benevolence. In 2013 three
recipients were awarded the OSB.
RWBro Jim Knowles served on the South
Coast District Committee for 25 years and
was Chairman for 23 of those years.
In addition to chairing Committee
meetings, leading Saturday morning rounds
of Masonic Care Queensland Arundel and
acting as the site’s Property Manager,
Jim’s compassion for residents saw him
undertaking small maintenance tasks in
and around their units.
32
For over two decades RWBro Don Kibble
was a member of the South Coast
District Committee.
Don was Secretary/Treasurer and
was the driving force behind the
fundraising ventures that supported the
maintenance program, equipment and
workshop purchases.
Following his retirement as a garage
proprietor, RWBro Ken Hughes volunteered
for nearly two decades at Masonic Care
Queensland Sandgate. He began as a
bus driver for residents’ regular shopping
trips and social outings. His caring nature,
sense of fun and attention to the needs of
residents made him a much loved character
in the residents’ recreational activities.
Retirement was not a word to be heard
from Ken’s lips. Using his considerable
knowledge of oils, fuels and machinery
he regularly contributed to the Sandgate
grounds maintenance and took personal
pride in maintaining the equipment.
L-R
RWBro Jim Knowles, RWBro Ken Hughes and
RWBro Don Kibble
contact
Board of Benevolence
L-R
Val Oscroft, Administrative Assistant
David Roberts, Board Secretary,
Jenny Noble, Executive Assistant
Charity jewels
Secretariat
Charity jewels are presented to
Freemasons by Lodges to recognise their
benevolence or service. The jewel is worn
on the left breast – closest to the heart.
The Secretariat is the primary contact
for the statewide activities of Board
of Benevolence, including liaison with
Masonic Care Queensland. Board activities
include managing:
There are a number of different jewels
and levels of recognition. Donations made
by Lodges to cover the cost of the jewels
are included in the Fund of Benevolence.
The numbers of jewels approved in the
2013–14 financial year were:
■■
Life Governor
86
■■
Life Vice President
57
■■
Life Vice Patron
47
■■
Life Patron
38
■■
Building Appeal
3
■■
In Memoriam
3
Postal address:
60 Wakefield Street, Sandgate Qld 4017
Access via Ward Street entrance.
Telephone: 07 3869 6075
Fax: 07 3269 6725
Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
bequests and donations
community engagement including
Dollar-for-Dollar subsidies
promotional materials for Lodges
resources for Lodges, including
information for Almoners
support for Freemasons and those
with Masonic connections including
benevolence assistance and visitors
to the sick
charity jewels
annual report and general
administration.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE

Spezielle Fragen, die im Zuge des Pilotprojektes des FMMI von den

professional summary douglas john campbell qc

QLS Notice of Annual General Meeting of Queensland Law Society

Pro Holistic Physical Medicine Free: Spinal Screening Exámenes de

Board of Directors - Port of Townsville

Sunshine Coast Turf Club@Inner Track Tuesday 3 February, 2015

Download the Media Release

Helen Zhi Dent CV [Read-Only] [Compatibility Mode]

Brent Knack - GIN Conference Melbourne 2014

Election Update No.3 - Independent Schools Queensland