Illuminating a Path of Charity in Australia: Acrux Shriners Granted Full Charter

Acrux Shriners Potentate Terry Webster and Oriental Guide Nick Clifton stood on stage at Imperial Session in July, gazing out over a sea of red fezzes. It was a moment they and their fellow Australian nobles had worked toward for 15 years. The room buzzed with excitement as Imperial Potentate Richard Burke called for a motion. Moments later, he declared that the motion had passed: Acrux Shriners was granted its full charter! The room erupted in applause.

With that, Acrux Shriners – the 202nd chapter to receive its charter since the establishment of the Imperial Council in 1876 – became the first Shriners chapter in Australia, a historic milestone that added a new continent to the global footprint of Shriners International.

“Receiving our charter was exhilarating,” Illustrious Sir Terry said. “We felt at home among the support, friendship and brotherhood. One unforgettable moment came when a noble shouted, ‘Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!’ in celebration.”

The reality of the new charter was felt stronger than ever on Aug. 1. Under an amazing morning blue sky, Shriners International Headquarters in Tampa, Florida, raised the flag of Australia in honor of Acrux Shriners. At our headquarters building, the flags of the United States and Canada fly at all times. Flags of countries or jurisdictions where we have chapters fly in a monthly rotation.

Acrux Shriners’ journey began 15 years ago when a small group of Freemasons from Victoria, a state in southeastern Australia, met in a café to discuss a noble idea: forming a Shriners club dedicated to supporting organizations that care for seriously ill or injured children.

Since that initial gathering, "Shriners Australia" has expanded from one club in Melbourne to nine clubs across the country, including Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. In the past year alone, they have doubled in membership.

Initially, Australian Shrine clubs operated under the jurisdiction of Aahmes Shriners in Livermore, California. In 2024, the Australian contingent was granted dispensation to officially form Acrux Shriners, based in Gardenvale, Victoria.

Attendance at Imperial Session was an unforgettable experience for the Acrux delegation. From the moment they arrived, they were welcomed as part of a larger family. They formed new friendships and are already looking forward to attending Imperial Session next year.

“Receiving our full charter gives us the ability to advertise and grow,” Terry said. “Our focus remains strong on growth, member retention and philanthropy. After fifteen years of dedication, our efforts have finally come to fruition. Now the real work truly begins!”