“Some people question the purpose of the Craft. Some fear what they think of as ‘secret men’s business’.

“This book explains that the purpose of Freemasonry is to do good, to build better lives and to be of service to society.”

Dr Greg Levensten, Grandmaster United Lodge of NSW and ACT.

Freemasons have been active in Australia since Joseph Banks came ashore with Captain Cook.

This silent band of brothers exists in almost every town and suburb of Australia.

But who are they?

What are they up to?

Are their rituals really secret?

In an effort to dispel some of the tales

surrounding the Freemasons, the Canowindra Library has been presented with a book which details the history, present and future of Freemasonry in Australia.

The book was presented on Friday afternoon, by local representative David Francis and Dr Greg Levensten, Grandmaster United Lodge of NSW and the ACT.

The book lifts the lid on freemasonry in Australia.

It reveals the secrets of the craft and the stories of many famous Freemasons – Don Bradman, ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, ‘;Dally’ Messenger, Sir James Hardy, Chips Rafferty and ‘Bud’ Tingwell amongst them.

Ten Australian Prime Ministers and many of the adventurers, inventors, entrepeneurs and pillars of society we have come to know and admire were Freemasons.

The book is now available for all to borrow in the Canowindra Library.