FREEMASONS from Lodge Myall 1058 have again donated $1000 to Tea Gardens Public School to help support local families in need.
The money is the third $1000 donation the school has received from the lodge.
“We make these donations in the hope that underprivileged or needy children in the local area can benefit,” Lodge Myall’s Worshipful Brother Bob Burbank told News Of The Area.
“We trust the school to make sure the money goes where it is needed.”
“We try to keep our donations local. We have given to the Free Clinic Bus in the past, and also approached several other organisations in the local area.”
The lodge has previously contributed $1000 to the locally-run Free Clinic Bus, whose volunteer drivers ferry locals to medical appointments in Maitland, Newcastle, and points in between.
“We try to keep our donations local,” Mr Burbank said.
“We have given to the Free Clinic Bus in the past, and also approached several other organisations in the local area.”
Lodge Myall is nearing the end of its fourth year of operation, having formed in the wake of the closure of the former Port Stephens Lodge.
It still meets at the Masonic Hall on Myall Street every fourth Saturday of the month at 10am.
The lodge’s Senior Warden Tony Ward accompanied Bob Burbank to present the symbolic giant cheque to school principal Mark Clemson last Friday, 4 September.
Mr Ward celebrates 61 continuous years with the Freemasons this year, and was a member of the original Port Stephens Lodge.
Mr Burbank has been with the Freemasons since 1984. As the current local Lodge’s Worshipful Brother, he said he appreciates any opportunity to help out locals in need.
By Thomas O’KEEFE

