MOREE Masons Lodge Courallie on Saturday night hosted the Masonic Debutante Ball, where 10 young ladies from across the district made their debuts.
It’s a tradition that has stood the test of time, and was attended by Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales, including United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT Grand Master, Les Hicks.
Debutantes and partners included Emelia Hurle and Max Hatton, Olivia Donaldson and Jaxon Budiada, Stella Hurle and Liam Lobsey, Ava Urquhart and Jack Hurle, Emogene King and Tristan Blewitt, Monica Turner-Bess and Jack Graham, Adèle Bekker and Aden Bridge, Amber Muller and Rayma Honour, Yazmin Bateman and Darby Conroy, and Chloe Pollard and Kobi Annis-Brown.
Mr Hicks said traditional debutante balls were still very popular, especially in rural communities.
“There are quite a few country lodges still continuing with the Masonic Debutante Ball. I think it’s really important,” Mr Hicks said.
“I come from Baradine and I partnered my wife at her debutante ball in 1976 in Coonabarabran.
“In the city, there’s so much for people to do and it’s probably more difficult in cities nowadays to hold these balls than it once was.
“However, in the country, it’s more traditional and very important to local communities, and anything important to a local community, be it city or country, I’ll support,” he said.
Nearly 200 guests and Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales attended the ball, held at Moree Services Club.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of a Distinguished Service to the Community Award to Freemasons’ volunteer, Gwanita Hill.
Mrs Hill works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure events like the Masonic Debutante Ball are delivered with clockwork precision.
The statewide award, presented by Grand Master Les Hicks, is very rare, with only one or two handed out each year.
“This was a complete surprise,” Mrs Hill smiled.
“Receiving this award is a heartfelt reminder that my dedication and efforts have truly made a positive impact, and inspired me to continue my journey of service and connection,” she said.
Worshipful Master of Lodge Courallie, Doug Hill, said months of planning resulted in a ceremony that will create a lifetime of memories.
“The arch of steel, with Masons and swords, and the debutantes and their partners was fantastic to watch,” he said.
Mr Hill said there were currently 31 members in Lodge Courallie in Moree.
The Moree lodge in recent years has donated thousands of dollars to local organisations, including Gwydir Industries and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We also sell firewood during winter with proceeds going to local charities,” Mr Hill said.
“We help the community in different ways, from assisting the elderly with backyard chores to mowing lawns if home-owners are ill or hospitalised. We sponsor kids with learning difficulties and donate to local schools,” he said.
Mr Hicks said Freemasons always encouraged new members.
“We’re not struggling in the country (for membership) to the extent that no-one wants to be involved in freemasonry,” he explained.
“Some of our city lodges have large numbers of initiates – new men – but when there’s four million people in Sydney and 7000 in Moree, that’s understandable.
“If we have one or two coming through each year or every few months (in country centres), that’s equivalent to what’s happening in Sydney.
“An average lodge in the country will have 30 to 40 members and we have some in Sydney with more than 100 – but again, four million people in Sydney against 7000 people in a town like Moree.”
Persons interested in joining Lodge Courallie in Moree can contact Doug Hill on 0409 030715.
Words: Bill Poulos
