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Join in the fun of the Wakanyanas. There is plenty of fun, a two-course summer meal, beverages to purchase, more fun, a guest speaker, raffles and auctions.

Date: Thursday, December 28, 2023
Time: 12 Noon-4pm
Address: Queenscliff Masonic Centre, 60 Learmonth St, Queenscliff.
Attire: Summer Casual

Tickets: $40 each.
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How to get there:
• If you are coming from Melbourne, take the Bellarine Hwy from Geelong to Queenscliff.
• If you are coming from the Mornington Peninsula, you may want to take the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry, with or without your car. If there is enough interest, we may be able to arrange a mini-bus from the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal to the Queenscliff Masonic Centre, then back to the ferry after the event.

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How you and your Lodge can help


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Apart from attendees having a great time, Wakanyanas is committed to raising funds for Cottage By The Sea.

Cottage by the Sea is an Australian children’s charity, that aims to give more children more opportunities to have fun, to be inspired and to broaden their horizons.

Founded in 1890 in Queenscliff, Cottage by the Sea provides tailored programs within a holiday environment. Over a history spanning more than 130 years, the purpose has remained unchanged. Thousands of children have been supported toward a better future.

How You Can Help

• Attend and have a great time. Bring a partner and/or friends. Tickets are $40 each, and includes a good summer meal. Beverages are available. There are raffles and auctions. Tickets are available through www.TryBooking.com.au

• If you cannot attend, buy an ‘Absent Friends’ ticket for $40 each, and support Cottage By The Sea.

Sponsorship Packages

• Tin. $10.
• Alfoil. $20.
• Bronze. $50
• Silver. $100
• Gold. $250
• Platinum. $500
• Diamond. $1000.
Or Even More – The Sky Is The Limit.

All sponsors – whether they be individuals, businesses or Lodges – will be acknowledged in the Wakanyanas official program available on the day, and also at this website for 12 months. Sponsorship payments can be paid through www.TryBooking.com.au

How Your Lodge Can Help

Here is a challenge for your Lodge to make a donation. Why not challenge another Lodge to beat or better your Lodge’s donation?

Online. Take out a sponsorship package. Whether it be $10 or $1000, all donations will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.

By EFT. You can make your donation by EFT. (Ivanhoe Lodge is accpeting donations through its account: BSB 633 000. Account: 144 000 510. Bendigo Bank, East Ivanhoe. All donations will be passed on. The account is audited.). Please mark your donation as ‘Cottage’, and include your identify.

By Cheque. Yes, we’re a bit old-fashioned too. If you or your Lodge would prefer to write a cheque, make it payable to ‘Ivanhoe Lodge’, which will pass on every cent to Wakanyana’s donation toward Cottage By The Sea. Post your donation to Ivanhoe Lodge, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095.

We are also happy to invent other ways for you to donate. If you want to pay cash in a brown paper bag, please call the Grand Scribbler, Ash Long on 0450 399 932. Email: ash@Long.com.au

And Here’s Another Idea …

Your Lodge might consider having a group visit to Wakanyanas on December 28. Maybe you could hire a bus to Queenscliff and return? Perhaps you could buy a ticket for each of your Lodge widows? The aim is to have some fun, and ‘bring happiness to others’.


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What to expect on ‘Wakas’ Day?

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In the time following Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Freemasons, their families and friends, gather at the Queenscliff Masonic Centre at lunchtime on December 28 for Wakanyanas.

A welcome is accorded by the ‘Big Chief’, which in 2023 is Terry Lodge, followed by a toast to His Majesty The King.

A History of the Wakayanas is recited by the Grand Scribbler, followed by a Dress Inspection. ‘Rectification’, in line with tribal custom, takes place for those who fail to meet appropriate dress standards.

One of the traditions is an Initiation Ceremony for all newcomers. This ceremony is led by the Mis Director. The key words are Wakanyana (‘Love In Plenty’), Boonanara (‘It Is Good To Be In The South’), and Aramona (‘Sit Down’).

Business of the day is quickly handled. In 2022, the meeting agreed to provide 50 per cent of the cost of 10 children to holiday at Cottage By The Sea.

Lunch is served, and an entertaining guest speaker is introduced.

An election is held for officers including the Mis-Director, Grand Scribbler, Tracker and Tail Twister. The Tax Collector offers a report. The ‘Big Chief’ is appointed for the next year, and a Past Big Chief’s certificate is presented.

An enteratining auction, traditionally under the control of Don ‘Grumpy’ Robinson’, is held. Be prepared to bid … and to pay upo, even if you didn’t bid!

The Corroboree usually closes about 3.30pm-4pm after singing and much merriment.

$175,000 raised for Cottage By The Sea

More than $175,000 has been raised over the years by the Wakanyanas for the Cottage By The Sea.

Since its establishment in 1890, the overarching purpose of Cottage by the Sea is to provide a happy and healthy childhood for all children

Throughout its long history, the Cottage has provided short term care within a holiday environment for children in need. Over time, the circumstances of the children attending the Cottage has varied, from convalescing children, children affected by war, fire, flood, or disadvantaged in key life areas.

The lifeblood of the Cottage has always been its community of dedicated volunteers and supporters whose unerring commitment has helped it endure and grow to meet increased demands.

This timeline serves to recognise the rich history of the Cottage and the many people involved over its 130-year journey.

The foundations of Cottage by the Sea begin with Elizabeth Calder and Annie Hitchcock in 1890, who were inspired by the Countess of Meath (England) to form a Ministering Children’s League (MCL) in Victoria.

The early work of the MCL involved tireless fundraising and travelling throughout Victoria and interstate, to encourage the formation of branches.

In 1895, the original 11-room Cottage, designed by architect Beverley Ussher of Melbourne and built by J.C. Taylor of Geelong, was completed. Initially, the Cottage provided care for 12 children in need and was a place to which they came for restoration and health.

The early 1900s saw the Cottage primarily used as a recovery centre for children with typhoid fever, rheumatic fever, diphtheria, pneumonia, spinal disease and hip disease.

The Calder Memorial Wing was built in 1912, adding a much-needed four-bed ward and nurse’s room. This played a vital role in 1919, when it was used as an emergency ward during the influenza epidemic.

1935 – In operation for 40 years, the original, timber Cottage reached a point of serious deterioration. A Building Appeal was launched to fund its replacement, and £10,000 was consequently raised. In 1936, the Cottage was demolished, and a new brick Cottage was designed by P. Scott Williams.

Construction was completed in 1938. However, the new establishment was only occupied for five months before the Defence Department took it over as a World War II military hospital in 1939, displaying the Red Cross on the roof and sides of the building to alert enemy planes.

It wasn’t until 1943 that the ownership of the Cottage was returned to the MCL, allowing camps of up to 40 children to run. In the summer of 1945 – as WWII ended – the Cottage reserved its camps for children of POWs – selected by the AIF Women’s Association.

1956 – The Calder Ward was rebuilt as a modern brick playroom attached to the Cottage.

The 1960s saw a large proportion of migrant and indigenous children staying at the Cottage.

The Cottage continued to cater for 40 disadvantaged children, staying for approximately one month each. Common activities in the 1970s included many outings to the beach, visits to the Fort, Lighthouse, as well as ferry trips to Sorrento. A yearly visit from Father Christmas in a bright red Queenscliff Fire Brigade Cart was a highlight for the children.

The Cottage continued its development in the 1980s, including construction of the Activity Hut, the Marine Room, a new three-vehicle carport to house a new Cottage bus, and the new playground was opened.

In 1984, government funding ceased. With no funding, the Cottage had to re-evaluate and improve its methods. It signalled the transition to a completely non-profit and non-government funded children’s charity, a first for the region. Additional fundraising and in-kind support from Branch members, service clubs, and a generous public ensured the ongoing viability of the Cottage. In 1985, the annual cost to run and maintain the Cottage and its programs was $178,388.

The Cottage Centenary Year was celebrated in 1990 at Princess Park, Queenscliff.

1993 – Reconstruction of the Cottage kitchen took place.

1995 – The Ministering Children’s League in England closed and made a generous donation of £10,000 to the Cottage.

The Cottage committed to a restructure of Board functions in 1996, and introduced smaller, shorter camps, which were deemed more beneficial to children and families.

In 1998, the name formally changed from Ministering Children’s League Inc. to Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff Inc and a Constitution was created. The annual cost to run the Cottage was $532,495.

The turn of the century saw a range of new energised programs introduced at Cottage by the Sea, designed and implemented by qualified staff and generously supported in many areas by a band of donors and dedicated volunteers.

The mission to provide fun and opportunity to children continued, with a focus on the children being accepted as individuals with different needs, expectations and responses, as well as enjoying life’s simple pleasures, learning new skills, and making new friends.

The Cottage appointed its first full time General Manager, Tony Featherston, who had the responsibility of securing funding to resource the updated programs. These resources, along with staff recruitment and training, have allowed the Cottage to become self-sufficient in the programs we offer.

The programs and activities have expanded and developed and have been enhanced by the Cottage’s fleet of three buses, four trailers, and a boat.

In 2003, Cathy Freeman was appointed Cottage Patron, a position she held for 12 years before stepping aside to concentrate on her own foundation.

2006 – The Cottage purchased the adjoining Riptide property, providing flexibility to run smaller camp sizes.

By the end of the decade, annual camp attendee numbers eclipsed 1000 children.

2008-15 – The programs that are synonymous with the contemporary Cottage were introduced. The REEF program, which works with students in years 6-7; and the Mentor Program, an ongoing program for REEF graduates. As well as the introduction of the National Program.

2010 – The Cottage celebrates 120 years of service by becoming debt free.

2011 – The Cottage by the Sea Foundation is established to help secure the financial future of the Cottage and its ability to keep offering children a very special holiday.

2014 – Frank Costa, entrepreneur and philanthropist, is named Cottage by the Sea Patron.

2014-15 – The Cottage moves into the world of social media and undergoes a major rebranding and the motto is formed “Providing disadvantaged young people with inspiration, fun and opportunity”

2016 – Access Audit and a Safety Audit commissioned finds the Main Cottage in need of improvement.

2016 – 2019 – Fundraising efforts provide sufficient funds to undertake Capital Works to propel the 80-year-old Cottage into the 21st century.

2019 – Adam Wake is appointed CEO of Cottage by the Sea.

2020 – Cottage by the Sea embarks on major renovation works. The installation of a lift, ambulant facilities and a number of other improvements makes the Cottage accessible to children of all abilities.

2021 – Cottage by the Sea mourns the loss, and honours the memory, of patron Frank Costa AO

As the Cottage moves into the future, it continues to operate as a not-for-profit, self-funded children’s charity that receives no government funding. As a result, it relies entirely upon the generous support of our donors, branches, volunteers, businesses and community groups, trusts and foundations.

2022 – Media personality Rebecca Maddern is named Cottage by the Sea Patron.

‘Bringing Happiness To Others’

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The 2023 theme of Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Anthony Bucca is ‘Bringing Happiness To Others’. It is a theme that has been well applied to the Wakanyanas aim over 107 years of assisting Cottage By The Sea.

The Wakanyanas founders – Tom Sealey, Jack Kelsall and Harry Hirst – started the funds rolling with some small change in 1916. Since than more than $175,000 has been raised and donated by the Wakanyanas days to supporting Cottage By The Sea.

In the early days of the Wakanyanas get-together, there was a crayfish supper, with Freemasons in informal clothes – strictly, not ties – presided over by a Big Chief, and controlled by a Mis-Director.

Many methods of raising money have taken place over the years, including races on the Front Beach at Point Lonsdale, sand castle building and treasure hunt, and a tarpaulin collection at the beach. In order to attract people, the Dinner Bell (an old ship’s bell) from the Terminus Guset House was used.

Tennis and bowls competitions were organised, as well as a healthy competition between guest houses. Many generous donations were made over the years. A community doorknock was held. A New Years Day party for the Cottage children – each receiving sweets and ice creams – involved games and races.

Guest speakers at the Wakanyanas over the years have included the Rev. Chris Goy, Professor Sir Lance townsend, Professor Laurie McCredie, Ken Brown of Rhetoric Lodge, Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman, Judy Patching, Red Talbot, John Sullivan , Norm Martin, Ron Blaskett and Gerry Gee.

The Wakanyanas has been held at the Queenscliff Masonic Centre since 1943.

The event has also been accompanied with a respectful nod to Australian aboriginal lore, with Wakanyanas meaning ‘Love in Plenty’.

The ‘tribe’ came together each year with their ‘corroboree’, many of the visitors coming from across Victoria. In decades past, they were termed ‘Walkabout Men’.

An early press article said: “The corroborree, misdirected by a band of self-seeking elders, often gets out of hand until thge culprits are brought to order by the ‘Big Chief’ backed by the fedup but vocal tribesmen whose racucous calls of ‘Aramona’ (sit down) set them back on their heels. After a self appointed ‘Yac Yac’ has been forced to finish his yabba yabba, the relieved tribesmen settle down to a crayfish supper and ‘Boonanara’ (it’s good to be in the South) puts them in a contented and genrous frame of mind.

“Through the years, the ‘Tribe’ has harboured a mixed bag of didjeriduers, thunder stick droners, debil dodgers, witch doctors, scouts, trackers and spear throwing ‘Yac Yac’ men, among them being Bob Menzies who declared, when stones rained on the roof at Point Lonsdale, that the Philistines had desceneded upon the tribesmen: Tom White, the Turk trickster; Tom Holloway, the poll splitters; Oppy, the pedal pusher; cricket enthusiasts ‘Walkabout Walker’ and ‘Mia Mia’ Towns who always need when to draw stumps.”

Past Big Chiefs


Founded on December 28, 1916

Founders: Tom Sealey, Jack Kelsall, Harry Hirst

1918 – Tom Sealey
1919 – Jack Kelsall
1920 – Bill Boustead
1921 – Harry Hirst
1922 – Rev. Tom Ruth
1923 – Ossie Brown
1924 – Joss Carter
1925 – Otto Bayer
1926 – Val Anderson
1927 – Gilbert Rule
1928 – Perce Taverner
1929 – John Stewart
1930 – No meeting held
1931 – Bill Northey
1932 – Lou Walker
1933 – Dr Reg Towns
1934 – Albert Charlestown
1935 – Sir Tom White
1936 – Fred Campbell
1937 – Bert Gill
1938 – Evan Richard
1939 – Lyston Chisholm
1940 – Sam Brown
1941 – Cyril Jeffrey
1942 – Jack Christopher
1943 – Les Webb
1944 – Bob Fawcett
1945 – Stan Patrick
1946 – Tom Morrish
1947 – Vic Trood
1948 – Tom Holloway
1949 – Harry La Roche
1950 – Elmer Glew
1951 – Les Crockford
1952 – Modesty Shepherd
1953 – Max Johns
1954 – Len Richards
1955 – Frank Boyle
1956 – Reg Talbot
1957 – Frank Hakainsson
1958 – Lance Adams
1959 – Tom Canterbury
1960 – Neil Stewart
1961 – Clyde Warren
1962 – Sir Hubert Opperman (pictured)
1963 – Laurie Gray
1964 – Max Cromie
1965 – Ian Callaghan
1966 – Tom Cowley
1967 – Fred Murgatroyd
1968 – Eric Jewell
1969 – Phil Graham
1970 – Graeme Mowat
1971 – Bert Bryant
1972 – Simo Simpson
1973 – Bob MacDonald
1974 – Frank Taylor
1975 – Geoff Rankin
1976 – Dr Bill Straede
1977 – Frank Wilson
1978 – Rod Roddick
1979 – Len Jinnette
1980 – Jack Jennings
1981 – Ian Bertram
1982 – Frank Taylor
1983 – Dirk Lodge
1984 – Ray Lawrence
1985 – Norm Ellard
1986 – John Sullivan
1987 – Roy Donohue
1988 – Patto Patterson
1989 – Geoff Stonehouse/Justice Lindsay Williams
1990 – Col McHugh
1991 – John Stephenson/Major-General Frank Poke
1992 – Alf Potter
1993 – Dennis Larsen
1994 – Gus Henderson
1995 – Jim Jinnette
1996 – Brian Grinter
1997 – Rick Stonehouse
1998 – Howard Timbury
1999 – Ian Murray
2000 – Len Hopper
2001 – Alan Whitten
2002 – Ross Knight
2003 – Bill Welton/John Evans
2004 – Keith Broadbent
2005 – Frank Jenkins/Bruce Bartrop
2006 – Alan Lindsay
2007 – Geoff Lamb/Garry Sebo
2008 – Don Robertson
2009 – Bob Jones/Garry Sebo
2010 – Rodger Marsden
2011 – Garry Ewert/Vaughan Werner
2012 – Bob Pullin
2013 – David George
2014 – Tom Beecroft
2015 – Don Rainey
2016 – Don Rainey
2017 – Les Kelly
2018 – Clive Hardeman
2019 – Peter Hirth
2020 and 2021 – No meetings due to COVID
2022 – Peter Juliar
2023 – Terry Lodge



Our Song – The Rigmarole

Specially composed for The Wakanyanas
by Past Big Chief J.C. Kelsall

Let’s join togther in a song set to a well-known tune
It matters not what it’s about, save that it is free from gloom.
We’re ‘Wakanyanas’ everyone until the crack of doom –
Now we’re enjoying a holiday.

CHORUS:
Hurrah! Hurrah! for the ‘Wakanyana’ Lodge,
Hurrah! Hurrah! for the Point, where heat we dodge
We’re Brothers all, and on the Square down by the deep blue sea,
And ‘Boonanara’ sing in all sincerity.

We meet from various centre at this Season of the Year,
Renew Masonic friendship – give the grip – which we revere;
Our crayfish supper’s just the thing, only with temperance beer,
When we’re enjoying a holiday.

CHORUS:
Hurrah! Hurrah! etc.

We’ve left behind the cares of life, to have a yearly dip,
The cost of living’s clean forgot whilst gazing on the Rip,
And old-ins initiate the kids as on the beach they skip
When we’re enjoying a holiday.

CHORUS:
Hurrah! Hurrah! etc.

We’re genuinely sorry foir those Brethren who’re not here,
They don’t know what they’re missing, and for them we drop a tear,
Their bank account won’t suffer – though the Tariff’s now so dear,
Still we’re enjoying a holiday.

CHORUS:
Hurrah! Hurrah! etc.

The last verse of this ‘Rigmarole’ it must not make us weep:
Blame the ‘cray’ and not the song – if you fail to sleep;
Here’s my hand, good Brother, until again we meet –
Down at the Point for our holiday.

CHORUS:
Hurrah! Hurrah! etc.



THE OLD BASS BOTTLE

An old black bottle washed by the sea
An old bass bottle came floating up to me
And inside the message with these words written on
Whoever finds this bottle finds the BEER all gone.

The Wakanyanas Story

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Three mutual friends – all Freemasons – decided to have a supper at Barry’s Cafe in Point Lonsdale on December 28, 1916.

They all chopse crayfish and after their meal, there was some small change left, only a few shillings, which they gave to the Cottage By The Sea.

Several friends were invited to join them at supper on December 28, 1917, where the foundation was laid down for the Wakanyanas Group. Again a donation was made to Cottage By The Sea.

The founders were Tom Sealey, Jack Kelsall and Harry Hirst, who based their founding of the Wakanyanas on the principle that Freemasons enjoying a holiday, should have a ‘get-together’ as near to December 28 ecah year, enjoy themselves and raise funds to assist underprivileged children to have a holiday.

Originally Wakanyanas met at the cafe in Point Lonsdale, but otgrew this venue and so moved to the Point Lonsdale Public Hall. Wakanyanas continued to grow and so larger premises were required. So, in 1942, the tribe moved to the Queenscliff Masonic Centre, where it still meets today.

Former Prime Minister Bro. Sir Robert Menzies, sports legend Bro. Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman, and parliamentarians Tom Holloway were all active participants in Wakanyanas.

In the intervening years, Wakanyanas has raised in excess of $175,000 for the Cottage By The Sea. In addition to financial aid, those attending are asked to bring along items of toiletries to be given to the children on their arrival at Queenscliff.

Each year a ‘Big Chief’ is elected to take charge of the next year’s meeting. Elected tor 2023 is Terry Lodge.

At Wakanyanas the principle of ‘That rank is but the Guinea Stamp, the Man himself the gold’ is observed, so when attendees are called upon to introduce themselves, they give their name, lodge name and number, and the name of their wife/partner if they are present only. If you stray from this simple practice you will be fined.

So, each year, from the Grand Master to the newest Entered Apprentice, Freemasons join together to enjoy fellowship, a delightful meal and listen to a guest speaker. Most importantly, they raise money for the under-privileged children to have a holiday on the beach.

One of the highlights of the day is the charity auction, where a ‘Grumpy’ auctioneer derives enormous pleasure in extracting dollars from senior Freemasons in particular.