M. Wor. Bro. Cooper, Fellow Grand Masters, Brethren and Guests.

Firstly, may I endorse the welcome extended to those who attended the Grand Master’s Reception last evening and on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania, extend a further welcome to all who have been able to attend the ceremony of Installation today.

It is gratifying to see so many who have travelled vast distances to be with us this week-end; particularly our Brethren and ladies from New Zealand, in light of the events which have occurred in Christchurch over the last few days. I believe I speak on behalf of all Australians present in saying, "our thoughts are with you, and all New Zealanders who have been affected."

The Installation of Grand Master is important to any Grand Lodge and I am humbled to adopt that role, for what is usually a three year term and will endeavour to emulate the successes of those Brethren who have travelled this path before me.

But, in order to attain these successes, we must also overcome the difficulties which face us. These difficulties of course, are not unique to Tasmania, but are similar to those which all Grand Lodges in our particular part of the world, are facing, or have faced for quite some time.

Without dwelling for too long on the negatives, I see our major task to be the retention of our membership at current levels and at the same time, introducing measures, which into the future, will see an increase in those levels. I say the introduction of measures, because fact suggests that what we have been doing in the past, hasn’t necessarily been right and change may be necessary to put us on the path to recovery. Remember, "If nothing changes – nothing changes".

I would like the Board of General Purposes to continue with the initiatives introduced by the former administration, such as (a). The upgrade of our Masonic Centres and (b), The Education Programme introduced by M. W. Bro. Yaxley and soon to enter its next phase.

Both of these activities are strongly allied to membership retention, because in today’s world, our newer members in particular, don’t want to spend their leisure hours in cold, unattractive buildings, with inadequate and sub-standard seating in drab surrounds.

We need to maintain the impetus provided by the former administration and in particular, M. W. Bro. Cooper. It would be too easy to take the foot off the pedal because of the successes we have achieved so far.

The Education Programme which was introduced by M. W. Bro. Yaxley during 2010, I commend to all Masons in our jurisdiction and in particular, the newer members of the Craft. The first segment wasn’t particularly well supported, so I urge the more established Brethren to get onboard and assist us by spreading the word and inducing those newer members to participate in what I see as a most valuable initiative. The second segment is planned for 2011 and details are available to anyone who may wish to participate.

Our Board of Benevolence has this year, a new President and I extend to V.W. Bro. McKenna, best wishes for an enjoyable and successful term of office. At a recent meeting of the Board,

M. W. Bro. Cooper launched an appeal for the relief of flood victims in Queensland, to which the Board has pledged generous support.

Brethren, there are people out there doing it tough, as a result of adverse weather events which have occurred during the last couple of months, not only in Queensland, but in every state, at varying degrees of severity. Invitations to subscribe to the appeal have been sent to all of our Lodges and I appeal to those Lodges and individuals, to give generous support, as their circumstances may allow.

I can’t let the moment pass without some words of gratitude. Firstly, I must thank the Freemasons of Tasmania for so readily accepting me when I made the move to Tasmania some ten years ago. The warmth of their welcome was overwhelming and I know that same sentiment is extended to our visitors on this occasion.

I must next express my sincere gratitude to M. W. Bro. Cooper for choosing me as his Deputy in 2008, but more especially for his patience and perseverance during that year, in what must have been seen as almost a nightmare with my faltering health. With his support and with the support of my friends in Masonry, I have now passed that trauma to be able to be with you today.

I also thank the organising committee for their tireless efforts in bringing this weekend’s activities forward. M.W. Bros. Kearon and Cooper met with me almost 12 months ago to start preliminary planning and we are now experiencing the fruits of their labours. Other behind the scene brethren have played their part magnificently and I also thank them for their participation. Without them, none of this would be possible.

I look forward to working with Brethren from all parts of the state, and with those charged with the administration of Freemasonry in Tasmania, in particular, with our new Grand Secretary, V. W. Bro. David Macrow, who brings to the office valuable skills and knowledge.

Congratulations David.

Of course we must also acknowledge the retirement of our esteemed Grand Secretary, R.W. Bro. Allan Sangwell, who has held that position for the 10 ½ years I have been in Tasmania and for quite some considerable time before that. He has always been a pillar of strength in that role and I’m sure his presence will be sorely missed. However, his successor can be assured that assistance is only a phone call away if needed.

Congratulations Allan.

I will now close this address by pledging myself to a faithful discharge of the Office of Grand Master, while also acknowledging that I too will need the assistance of these brethren and the support and friendship of every Mason in Tasmania and the supporting Grand Lodges of Australasia.

Thank You.

M. W. Bro. C J (John) Wallace

Grand Master