Councillor named Lodge leader

AFTER more than fifty years as a Freemason, a Golden Plains Shire councillor has been appointed the leader of Smythesdale’s local Lodge.

Ian Getsom was named worshipful master of the town’s Prince of Wales Lodge 40 in autumn, and said it’s a great honour after years of involvement.

“It’s a very prestigious and honourable role, to be the master of the Smythesdale Masonic Centre which has been going for many, many years,” he said.

“I’m in charge of all Lodge proceedings, building arrangements, and we control how the Lodge runs while conferring with other members.

“I’m the first councillor to become worshipful master with the Prince of Wales Lodge. I’ve come onto a bit of a list with others before me who were in law positions and police magistrates and things like that.

“Before this, I got right through to almost senior ward before but I was working in Melbourne with the government and had a lapse for a while but have been in action again since I’ve virtually retired.”

A member of Freemasons Victoria since 1971, Mr Getsom has been part of the local Lodge throughout his entire time with the organisation.

He was previously involved with organising Freemasons Victoria’s 125th anniversary during the late 1980s and held the role of steward.

Mr Getsom said a goal of his will be in bringing greater recognition around what the group does for the community.

“We do a lot of charity work like donating to the local schools each year, and that goes unnoticed. Nobody ever realises what Freemasons do,” he said.

“I’m bringing it more out into the open now, and inviting members of the public to come along to things we’ve got going on.

“Next Saturday, we’ve got a luncheon at Smythesdale at the Court House Hotel at midday and the general public are welcome.

“We had an event for some 65-year jewels at the Lodge which the public was invited in for as well which never used to happen. It’s important to keep in touch with the community.”

The local Lodge has about 30 members.