LODGE Aviation 688 was re-formed late last year, and members flew to Moree recently as part of a  NSW and ACT Freemasons’ statewide fundraising initiative.

The group, made up chiefly of former airline pilots, visited Silverton, near Broken Hill, in November and earlier this year flew to deputy grand treasurer Joe Corrigan’s property Lachballin, near Cowra, as part of Project Celestial, an open-air lodge room created for 150 Masons by the banks of the Lachlan river.

They were in Moree in early May, and their next trip will be Tweed Heads Masonic Centre in August.

Lodge Aviation 688 landed at Lodge Courallie in Moree May 9, and was hosted by worshipful master, Doug Hill.

Some flew from Bankstown Airport and some drove from all corners of New South Wales to spend three days in Moree.

Lodge Aviation 688 was originally consecrated in 1946 at Bankstown Airport. Most of the 79 original members were believed to be Qantas staff.

Over time, membership fell away and in late 2023, the lodge returned its charter to Grand Lodge.

Lodge Aviation 688 with Lodge Courallie members in Moree in May (Image Supplied).

However, the group, headed up by worshipful master Clive Lipscombe, a commercial pilot with 50 years’ experience based out of Newcastle, is back in the air.

“Lodge Aviation 688 is made up of ex-airline pilots and people with interests in aviation,” Mr Hill said.

“About 30 members came to Moree. There were two aircraft involved, and a lot of the other guys drove from all over the place, including Tweed Heads, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Lake Macquarie, Bankstown and Burleigh Heads.

“They prefer to go to smaller, country centres like Moree so they can put money back into the community and do a bit of fundraising along the way,” he said.

“Money is donated in each town, and the local lodges are responsible for distributing donations where they see fit. They also held a raffle while they were here, and that raised extra money as well.

The group flew out – and drove out – on Mothers’ Day.

“We held a breakfast for them at the lodge before they left,” Mr Hill said.

“They stayed in Moree for three days and supported local businesses and motels, and some went and had a look at Moree on a Plate – it’s a great boost for the local economy.”

Lodge Aviation 688 is soaring to new heights, and flew into Moree recently to help boost the local economy and fundraise for local organisations (Image Supplied).

Lodge Aviation 688 chiefly raises money for children’s charity Little Wings, a not-for-profit organisation that provides free, safe flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in rural and regional centres across New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland.

Freemasons from Inverell Lodge, Narrabri Lodge and Tamworth Lodge also travelled to Moree, to attend a Masonic meeting at Lodge Courallie.

Mr Hill said Lodge Aviation 688 has what is known as a ‘roving charter’.

“This means they can hold meetings anywhere in New South Wales and they basically took over Moree Lodge Courallie,” he said.

“We were visitors in our own lodge, which is very rare – it’s only happened twice in the time I’ve been with Moree Masons.

“The roll-up was quite good and we had a great time. Some members went to Moree on a Plate and others did quite a bit of shopping in town.

“It was a good weekend and just goes to show how the local economy can get a good boost by visits like this,” Mr Hill said.

Meanwhile, Lodge Courallie is busy organising the Moree Masonic Debutante Ball in July.

Ball co-ordinator, Gwanita Hill, said 10 debutantes and their partners were last year presented to nearly 200 guests and Masonic dignitaries from across New South Wales, including United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT Grand Master, Les Hicks.

“Last year’s ball was a remarkable event and very successful, and we’re confident this year will be the same, if not better,” Mrs Hill said.

“There has been plenty of interest already, and we expect quite a few young ladies stepping up to make their debuts in July.”

Persons interested in taking part in the 2025 Masonic Debutante Ball in Moree or seeking more information can contact Gwanita Hill on 0409 072042 or email [email protected].

Lodge Courallie Moree Masonic Debutante Ball

When: Saturday, July 12

Where: Moree Services Club

Time: From 6pm

Enquiries: 0409 072042 or email [email protected]