Installation of Justin Dorward
Lodge Southern Cross celebrated the Installation of W Bro Justin Dorward as its new leader during a well-attended ceremony at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The evening brought together members, visitors, and Grand Lodge representatives for a night of tradition, reflection, and optimism. With the theme “Gather. Grow. Give.”, the new Worshipful Master outlined a vision focused on connection, shared growth, and meaningful contribution. Led by Installing Master Albert Attoh and honoured by the presence of Grand Lodge leaders including RW Bro Garry Sayer and Past Grand Masters Lesley Norman Hicks and Derek James Robson AM, the event marked a confident step forward for the Lodge.
What is an Installation?
An Installation is a special event where the Lodge officially welcomes its new leader for the year ahead. While it follows time-honoured tradition, it’s really about celebrating continuity, trust, and shared purpose. It’s also a moment to recognise the full team stepping into new roles, all contributing to the life of the Lodge in the year to come.
Installation Ceremony Highlights
The Installation ceremony was led with care and clarity by Installing Master Albert Attoh, whose calm presence set a respectful and welcoming tone for the evening. Every part of the ritual struck a thoughtful balance between honouring tradition and embracing the Lodge’s sense of community. The large number of visitors in attendance was a clear reflection of the respect and goodwill WBro Justin Dorward has built across the district, a direct result of his active presence and genuine engagement with many Lodges over the past year.
Visitors included representatives from the following Lodges, each bringing warm fraternal greetings and a strong show of support:
- Lodge Antiquity
- Lodge Royal Empire
- Lodge Castlereagh
- Lodge Toxteth
- Lodge Kellerman
- Lodge Germania
- Lodge Ionic
- Lodge Ku-ring-gai
- Lodge Highways
- Lodge Horizons
In addition, Lodge Southern Cross was honoured by fraternal visits from:
- Lodge Miguel de Cervantes
- Lodge Artarmon United
- Lodge Balgowlah
- Lodge Rudyard Kipling
Justin's Theme : Gather. Grow. Give.
WBro Dorward shared his focus for the year ahead with three simple yet meaningful words: Gather, Grow, Give. His message encourages members to gather not just for meetings, but to connect in genuine and personal ways. He spoke of growing through shared experiences and thoughtful reflection, and of giving by supporting each other and contributing to something greater than ourselves. At its core, the theme is a call to show up, as friends, as Brothers, and as part of a wider community built on trust, care and shared purpose.
Guests from the Grand Lodge
We were honoured by the presence of a formal Grand Lodge Delegation, led by RW Bro Garry Sayer, and including Past Grand Masters Lesley Norman Hicks and Derek James Robson AM. The delegation also featured one of our very own members, VW Bro Andy, whose inclusion was a proud moment for Lodge Southern Cross and a reminder of the talent and commitment within our own ranks.
Their attendance brought added significance to the evening and was warmly appreciated by all present. It served as a powerful reminder that while Lodge Southern Cross is a close-knit local community, it is also proudly part of a broader, deeply connected Masonic family across New South Wales and the ACT
Looking Ahead
After the ceremony, the Festive Board came alive with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the joyful hum of conversation. Members and guests gathered around the table not just to eat, but to share stories, celebrate the occasion, and enjoy the simple but powerful act of breaking bread together. The raffle added a light-hearted spark to the evening, with cheers and good-natured banter filling the room as prizes were drawn.
With a renewed focus on community, growth, and service, the year ahead promises to be both meaningful and memorable.
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thank you goes to W Bro Albert Attoh, who led the ceremony with grace and care, and to the Grand Lodge representatives whose presence elevated the evening.
We also extend thanks to:
All visiting Brethren who made the effort to attend
Everyone involved in setting up, preparing and hosting the event
The families and partners who support our members quietly and consistently behind the scenes
It takes many hands to make a night like this happen, and every one of them is appreciated.