Ask each of the 21,000 Freemasons in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory this question, and you’ll probably get 21,000 different answers!

Freemasonry means different things to each member.

• Some would say it’s a personal development program which promotes family and community values.

• Others would describe Freemasonry as a chance for both social interaction and "philosophical brainstorming".

• Freemasonry also provides an opportunity for public service, and hands-on involvement in charitable or community issues.

The short answer to the question, "What is Freemasonry" is that it’s one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisations.

Made up of 5 million Freemasons around the world, it’s adopted the fundamental principles of integrity, goodwill, and charity as foundations for an individual’s life and character.

• So, a Freemason strives to be moral and ethical.

• He strives to show justice, act honourably, and be loyal.

• A Freemason teaches and practices concern for people.

• He cares for the less fortunate, and helps those in need.

• And all this is done, irrespective of cultural or ethnic background.

• Irrespective of religious beliefs.

• And irrespective of any differences in social standing or education.

The actual origins of Freemasonry have been lost in time, but it is known that it arose from the guilds of stonemasons which constructed Europe’s castles and cathedrals during the Middle Ages.

These craftsmen were in possession of highly prized skills in mathematics and architecture, which they in turn passed on to apprentices who had been accepted as being worthy of being taught the secrets of their trade.

These trainees advanced, depending on their proficiency, to become Master Masons.

In England in 1717 four Lodges decided to create a formal organisation by forming the first Grand Lodge. Freemasonry then spread across Europe and to other countries with amazing speed.

In Australia, Freemasonry can be traced to the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788.

The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales was officially formed in 1888, and later became responsible for Freemasonry in the Australian Capital Territory.

Freemasonry makes symbolic use of various practices and implements of those guilds from the Middle Ages.

The craftsmen of yesteryear adopted a series of exclusive signs and words to be able to demonstrate that they were trained masons, and to enable easy identification as they moved from site to site.

In that same way, the Masons of today use a series of signs and words to indicate their progress through the various stages of Freemasonry.

Stonemasons from centuries ago wore leather aprons to carry their working implements and to protect themselves from flying chips of stone.

Modern Masons wear an embroidered lambskin apron to distinguish rank. As the Mason’s proficiency increases, the design of his apron becomes more ornate.

Those skilled workers in times gone by used the square to test the accuracy of their stonework – to prove that it was square with the other sides and that angles were identical.

They also used compasses to mark out the ground from the scaled plans of their intended building.

Freemasonry uses the square and compasses to remind members of basic guidelines for their dealings with other men.

The square symbolises integrity, truthfulness, and honour, while the compasses symbolise the importance of self-control, or keeping emotion and prejudice within bounds.

Masons usually gather once a month for a daytime or evening meeting lasting two to three hours.

Like any organisation there’s a business element, with minutes, accounts, and plans for upcoming events to be read and discussed among the members.

But a Lodge meeting is also ceremonial, involving a series of formalised and symbolic presentations which use drama to highlight the codes of conduct by which a Freemason strives to live.

During a Lodge meeting, instruction is also provided to assist in a Mason’s daily life and personal development.

This may be on a range of topics, including public speaking, communication skills, leadership skills, or business management.

The final part of the meeting involves all Lodge members dining together.

With Masons coming from all age groups and from all walks of life, the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal with each other provides the perfect chance to "catch up", and yet another forum for an exchange of ideas.

Apart from these meetings, most Lodges organise regular social activities for the entire family.

Theatre parties, sports days, picnics – the holding of these types of events helps develop closer bonds, not just between Masons, but among their families as well

There are a number of Masonic charities actively involved in the care of young people, orphans, the sick, the aged, and those affected by natural disaster.

The William Thompson Masonic School Fund assists children aged up to 12, many of whom have experienced trauma and significant loss.

Through the fund, Masons help support these children financially to ensure they obtain the same opportunities and advantages as other young people.

The NSW Masonic Youth Welfare Fund helps needy youth at secondary and tertiary education levels.

The NSW Freemasons’ Orphans Society assists orphans from infancy, until they’re able to care for themselves.

The Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes is one of the largest non-sectarian providers of aged care in Australasia.

There are currently 16 facilities across the state, catering for more than 1500 people aged over 65 years. These homes are autonomous.

The Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution (RFBI) has been in existence since 1882, and has been developing retirement villages for aged care since 1960.

There are now more than 1400 residents in 18 centres across New South Wales.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides immediate assistance, financial or otherwise, to those in need or distress at times of national disaster.

It is most often used help anyone suffering personal loss as a result of flood, storm damage, earthquake, drought, or bushfire.

Freemasons are proud supporters of Surf Life Saving NSW.

Annually, that support is spread across a number of high profile events, including "Beach to Bush" Surf Education Tours, the Surf Rescue Challenge, and the World Surf Boat Championships.

NSW Masons provide winners and finalists with surf equipment, including inflatable rescue boats and rescue boards, for use by their respective clubs.

Freemasons look forward to continuing their partnership with SLS NSW, working together to educate the community and provide safe beaches for all to enjoy.

NSW Masons also supports the Keep Australia Beautiful Council’s Tidy Towns Award program.

NSW Masons recognise those individual members of the community who have shown outstanding environmental care and long term commitment to Tidy Towns.

In partnership with the Keep Australia Beautiful Council, we reward these citizens for their hard work with the presentation of Outstanding Individual Achievement Awards.

Freemasons also provide continuing support for a wide variety of community groups in their local areas.

Individually and collectively, Lodges donate their time and money to help an extensive list of beneficiaries.

These include Camp Quality, CareFlight, Burnside, the Red Shield Appeal, Cancer Research, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and countless other organisations in need of assistance.