Once again it is a pleasant task to collate the Figures given by Chapters to Charity for the Worthy Grand Secretary Sister Lorraine Ellison, when the members asked for these statistics back in 1996 we had a lot more chapters and members and over the 15 years we have given in excess of 4 million dollars, this Biennial the chapters Australia wide have given $373,275.00 to December last year, that does not take into consideration the large donations made this year for the Queensland and Victorian floods.

State by State

Queensland	1 Grand Chapter, 5 District Grand Chapters & 48 Chapters	$165888
New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory	1 Grand Chapter, 5 District Grand Chapters & 28 Chapters	$150522
Victoria	1 District Grand Chapter &10 Chapters	$  21640
Tasmania	4 Chapters	$  15390
Western Australia	2 Chapters	$  10250
South Australia	4 Chapters	$    9585

All of us working together for a combined effort which the Order of the Eastern Star is all about.

The main recipients are Queensland Star Gardens $30,534, They celebrate 50 years of service next year a marvelous milestone,led by a very dedicated CEO Mr.Nigel Faull and the original committee led by Sister Audrey Togne, they now have a Board. The NSW Home for the Aged at Clemton Park $9,175.00, the members of NSW, ACT  OES Home for the Aged Charity with the President/ Trustee Miss Margaret Standaloft who is the fourth President in 42 years, with three Trustees and 26 committee members are pleased with the donations received and members enjoy the Annual BBQ. All members of the Order should take great pride in “The Star Gardens”, and “The Laurels”, as we had members 50 years ago, who had the courage to start these programs, This is a major support for the aged in our communities. The members also give much needed funds to the Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes at Glenfield and other homes within New South Wales .In Total $22,615.00 including donations from the Homes Fund. Charity through our Most Worthy Grand Matron/Patron WGM/Ps, Worthy District Grand Matrons/Patron’s is $32,700, 00 which included a $11000.00 donation to the members of Christchurch Chapter who were affected by the Earthquake. Cancer Research and Oncology Departments all over Australia must be proud of our achievements for $75,618.00 and today not included in the total, our MWGM Mrs. Lois Allen and Most Worthy Grand Patron Mr. James Beck, has given a donation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in memory of the Late Sister Elaine O, Brien and the MWGP’s mother, many members of our Order have had complications from this dreadful disease.

Hospitals Australia wide $48,410.00 Chapters give money for all sorts of equipment and this is good to see as Hospitals do not always receive necessary money from Governments  to make life easier for Nurses and Doctors and the patients needs to help with  recovery and comfort.  Children’s Charities $38,980.00, we donate to special causes for children one Chapter donated $1200 for a special chair for a very special young person to be able to get around. Schools receive donations for equipment, sports days and Eisteddfods. Care Flight and Flying Doctor Services $25,725.00 the Chapters in the Country Australia wide give to them as I am sure they appreciate the help received when they have to get to a major hospital in a hurry as Major teaching hospitals have the equipment to help us all. . .  Heart and Stroke Organisations$10,590.00 In NSW & ACT we have an Organisation HANDS ACROSS NSW under the Masonic Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT which helps Farmers in distress in drought areas $5,540.00 and somewhere there is a little boat called “Ruth” which was won by Lithgow Chapter and sold to a happy fisherman. Alzheimer’s Association $2,205.00 Diabetic of Australia $10,976.00 Fire $13,550.00, Blue Nurses a Queensland help to keep people in their own homes, $3,265.00,  Salvation Army / Lifeline $7039.00 Holroyd Chapter gave a $1,200 donation to Books in Homes which enables children and adults to read a much needed help in this day and age. Miscellaneous $36,353.00. Which covers a wide range of organizations in smaller donations. Chapters do some amazing work with local charities like Wentworthville Chapter who knit squares to make rugs for WRAPT with love and in any two years would knit 28, 40 x 70 cm Rugs. Imagine the use this gives to the underprivileged in far off places overseas. Harvest Festivals which give goods to Charities for their use. Members who knit and make things for Hospitals to use or sell, all add up to a magnificent public relation effort on behalf of our beautiful Order, I am sure all of the recipients are very pleased with our Efforts and on their behalf I thank you all. As Secretary for a Hospital Auxiliary I know Charity Dollars are difficult in these times but we Chapter Members are still able to make someone else’s life better by our love and concern for our fellow man again THANK YOU to the Chapters who sent the forms there were only 6 Chapters who did not, which would make a difference to the overall Total. Could I ask if a Chapter unfortunately closes, would they send me the final donation list, as I am sure this would inform the members on a more accurate figure. Thank You Most Worthy Grand Matron for the privilege of speaking and I have copies if anyone would like to receive one although our Worthy Grand Secretary Sister Lorraine Ellison will send a copy to each Chapter.  And I will again report to Magazines and Masonic Lodges.

Thank you Sisters and Brothers.

Narelle Ober Sessions Coordinator Emeritus O.A.M.