Congratulations Acrux Shriners
can now Walk the Red Carpet
July 2025 Officially the
1st Charter Temple in Australia
Our sponsoring Shrine Temple was Aahmes Shriners (www.aahmes.org). They are in Livermore California and were charged with overseeing the formation and running of all Shrine clubs being formed in Australia, until such time as dispensation was granted for Australia to form its first Shrine Temple, which is called “Acrux Shriners”. We thank Aahmes Shriners for their wonderful support over the years, in particular Illustrious Sir Mike Cornell and Lady Norma Cornell for their many visits and the huge support they have provided us.
Shriners Australia (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2366910170080888) was the governing body for all Shrine clubs in Australia, but this has now become the responsibility of Acrux Shriners (UD) (www.acruxshriners.org).
At present, we have:
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Brisbane Shrine Club in Queensland
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Hunter Valley Shrine Club in Warners Bay, NSW
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Melbourne Shrine Club in Victoria
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Perth Shrine Club in Perth, Western Australia
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Sydney Shrine Club in New South Wales
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Toowoomba Shrine Club
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Western Melbourne Shrine Club
At the Shriners International Imperial Session, held in Reno, Nevada on 29 June to 04 July this year, a vote was taken, and approval granted, for the creation of Acrux Shriners Temple here in Australia. Acrux Shriners, Under Dispensation (UD), has been granted jurisdiction for the “Commonwealth of Australia” and is now the governing body of all Australian Shrine clubs, much like a Grand Lodge has jurisdiction over its Lodges.
The Executive body of Acrux Shriners (UD) is called the “Divan” and the details of each member can be seen on the Meet The Divan Members Page by clicking on the “Biography” button under each member’s photograph.
The total number of members, currently, throughout Australia is around 220 Nobles and this is increasing at a fast pace. We are aiming to have 330+ members by the New Year, after which we will then apply to Shriners International for our full “Charter”. We need a minimum of 300 members before this can be done. All things going well, we expect to have our Charter by the first week of July in 2025 when the Imperial Session next meets.
In America, Shriners Hospitals for Children is committed to providing specialised care to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and certain other special health care needs, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. In Australia, we have the Royal Children’s Hospitals for Children, which do a marvellous job at treating children for a vast range of injuries, illnesses, and conditions.
We have no desire to reinvent the wheel here in Australia. We already have wonderful hospitals that support the needs of children.
In Australia, we focus on small, or boutique, charities that receive little or no government or community funding, where we can make a difference through our philanthropic and personal efforts to assist the seriously ill, injured, or incapacitated children. Shrine Clubs must comply with the constitution and rules of the Grand Lodge in their State and adhere to the tenets of Freemasonry. Each Shrine Club may determine the Children’s Charity they wish to support.
The Melbourne Shrine Club was formed on 10-10-2010 by a small group of Masons who wanted to be more involved in community charities, particularly involving children. We wanted to find another avenue where we could carry out the Tenets of Freemasonry, but in a more focused and community-oriented way. As Shriners, we are adding another perspective to the way Freemasons are viewed within the community, giving us more exposure and reinforcing our philanthropic efforts while at the same time providing us with tremendous satisfaction in helping children in our communities with serious injuries, illnesses, or impairments.
See Acrux Shriners U.D. of Australia has been mentioned receiving their dispensations granted in July at the 150th Imperial Session in Reno, Nevada in the Shriners International Magazine for Winter 2024
Affiliations
The Acrux Temple received its dispensation on 1 July, 2024 to develop Shrinedom in Australia. We have affiliations with almost all Masonic Grand Lodges on the Continent and are proud to be attached to both Freemasonry and Shriners International.
About Shriners
At Template Shriners, we embrace the values of Fun, Friendship, Family, and Philanthropy, creating a space where our members can engage in joyful activities while contributing to a greater cause. Our mission centers around supporting Shriners Children's, as we believe that together, we can make a significant impact. Whether you're looking to make lasting friendships or participate in charitable events, you'll find a welcoming community with us. Our History Goes Way Back in Time. All Shriners are Masons.
Our headquarters is Shriners International located in Tampa, FL. We are a unique organization that combines membership elements of fun, fellowship, and philanthropy, with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children in need through our healthcare initiatives for Shriners Children's.
Who We Are
Shriners Believe in Brotherhood... Shriners are a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children and families in need. Our backgrounds and interests are diverse, but we are bound together by our shared values and a desire to have fun, do good, and build relationships that can last a lifetime. To be a Shriner, you have to be a Master Mason First.
What is a Shriner?
A Shriner is a man who professes a faith in God. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and Ethical truths to serve mankind. A Shriner binds himself to like-minded men in a Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethical, social, cultural, and educational differences. In fellowship, with his brothers, a Shriner finds ways in which to serve his God, his family, his fellow man, and his country. A Shriner is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, enlightenment, freedom and liberty, honesty and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor. A Shriner is such a man!!
Our Goals
Philanthropy:
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Support children in need through medical care, education, and scholarships.
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Fund and operate Shriners Hospitals for Children, providing specialized medical treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay.
Brotherhood:
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Foster camaraderie and friendship among members.
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Promote a sense of belonging and community through shared values and experiences.
Community Service:
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Engage in local community service projects to improve the quality of life in their areas.
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Encourage members to volunteer and contribute to charitable causes.
Family Support:
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Provide support and resources for families of children receiving care at Shriners Hospitals.
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Create a welcoming environment for families to connect and share experiences.
Cultural and Recreational Activities:
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Organize events and activities that promote fun, fellowship, and cultural enrichment for members and their families.
Our Inspirations
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Masonic Principles:
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Rooted in the values of Freemasonry, including integrity, compassion, and charity.
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Historical Legacy:
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Inspired by the founding principles of the Shriners in 1870, emphasizing fun and philanthropy.
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Children's Health:
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Driven by the mission to provide hope and healing to children with complex medical needs.
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Shriners Children's Philanthropy
Overview
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Mission: To improve the lives of children by providing specialized healthcare and support services through a network of hospitals and clinics.
What is a Fez?
Shriners is a part of a fraternity that was founded in 1870. We are a fraternity of men dedicated to brotherhood, fun, and philanthropic activities.
One of the most iconic symbols of our fraternity is the fez. Worn by members of the Shrine, the fez is a red felt hat that is adorned with a black tassel and scimitar logo.
It was chosen as our symbol by our founder. The fez is a symbol of our commitment to our international brotherhood and philanthropy. It stands out in a crowd and has become a well-known symbol that represents a true Shriner.
Why Scimitar Logo?
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The scimitar stands for the backbone of the fraternity, its members.
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The two claws are for the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy.
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The sphinx stands for the governing body of the Shriners.
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The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year.
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The emblem also bears the phrase “Robur et Furor,” which means “Strength and Fury.”
How It All Started at the Knickerbocker Cottage
The Knickerbocker Cottage Story
William J. Florence
In 1870, there were several thousand Freemasons in Manhattan, many of whom lunched at the Knickerbocker Cottage at a special table on the second floor. There, the idea of a new fraternity for Masons, stressing fun and fellowship, was discussed. Together, Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence established a separate fellowship to fulfill those ideals.
While on tour in Marseille, Florence, an actor, was invited to a party given by an Arab diplomat. The entertainment was a musical comedy. At its conclusion, the guests became members of a secret society. Florence took notes and drawings at his initial viewing and on two other occasions, once in Algiers and once in Cairo. When he returned to New York in 1870, he showed his material to Fleming.
Walter M. Fleming
Fleming created the ritual, emblem, and costumes. Florence and Fleming were initiated on August 13, 1870, and they initiated 11 men on June 16, 1871.
The group adopted a Middle Eastern theme and soon established a Temple, although the term Temple has now been replaced by Shrine Auditorium or Shrine Center. The first Temple established was Mecca Temple, established at the New York City Masonic Hall on September 26, 1872. Fleming was the first potentate.
In 1875, there were 43 Shriners in the organization. To encourage membership, the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America was created at the June 6, 1876 meeting of Mecca Temple. Fleming was elected the first imperial potentate. By 1878, there were 425 members in 13 temples in eight states, and by 1888, there were 7,210 members in 48 temples in the United States and Canada. By the Imperial Session held in Washington, D.C. in 1900, there were 55,000 members and 82 Temples.
Acrux Shrine Office Information
Opening Hours - Australian Eastern Standard Time
Mon
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat
9:00AM - 3:00PM
