Local knights get status upgrade

THE Ballarat founding group of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, Australasia was been granted the status of a Commandery at the end of February.

Members of the Order and guests came from South Australia, Tasmania, and all parts of Victoria to attend a service of thanksgiving and to celebrate the installation of the Prior of Victoria, Dame Barbara Abley AM CJSJ, as well as the inauguration installation of the first Commander, Dame Val Sarah AM CGSJ.

The Service was followed by a lunch at The Ballarat Golf Club, during which Grand Prior Chevalier David Wilckens KJSJ, presented the proclamation approving the founding group’s elevation to a Commandery by the Petit Conseil in Malta.

Most people are familiar with St. John Ambulance Service, the leading provider of first aid service, training and equipment in Australia.

They may not be quite as familiar with The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, Australasia, which is part of an international Order of Chivalry, dedicated to providing charitable support to those in need. It’s an ecumenical Christian order descended from the Knights Hospitaller who founded a hospice in Jerusalem in the 11th century.

Today, Members of the Order express their faith through the provision of direct, life-changing intervention to aid people in their own communities and in countries torn apart by war, disease or devastating natural disasters, in accordance with their motto ‘For Faith and for Service to Humanity’.

Locally, the Commandery of Ballarat supports Ballarat Hospice Care, Berry Street, and the Salvation Army among others, and plans are underway for two fundraisers – the Opening Night of BLOC’s ‘Mamma Mia’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday, 14 May, and an Antiques Valuation during the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.