Branding Ceremony 2025

"In the sweetness of friendship, let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." - Khalil Gibran. 

Ask people what it means to be a Widows Son, and you are bound to hear a different answer every time. Our connections to the Widows Sons are deeply personal. The essence of being a Widows Son embodies a profound sense of connection, camaraderie, and renewal. Much like the laughter that fills the air among dear friends, this bond nurtures our spirits and brings warmth to our hearts. Each individual’s perspective is uniquely intertwined with personal experiences and memories, reflecting the myriad ways love and loss shape our lives. It reminds us that, in the simplest of moments and the smallest gestures, we find solace and strength. Just as the dew refreshes the morning, our shared stories and support invigorate our souls, reminding us that even in the face of grief, we can find joy and laughter in each other’s company.

Every year, the Widows Sons from across Victoria gather on Australia Day weekend. This annual event is a remarkable occasion that allows members to express their gratitude for one another while fostering deeper connections within the community.

During this special weekend, attendees have the opportunity to meet new faces and strengthen existing friendships. The program features presentations highlighting significant achievements from the past year, showcasing the dedication and contributions of various members.

In addition to celebrating successes, the event also aims to support important charitable endeavours, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to giving back to the community.

Participants enjoy inspiring talks from guest speakers who share their insights and experiences, further enhancing the gathering. A highlight of the weekend is the branded member vests, symbolising the unity and identity of the Widows Sons. This festival of camaraderie, reflection, and celebration not only honours traditions but also paves the way for new friendships in the years ahead.

For many, the weekend festivities kicked off as early as Thursday evening, with an air of excitement and anticipation palpable in the cool night. The arrival of caravans, campers, and trailers transformed the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colours and shapes as families and friends began to set up their temporary homes among the trees. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the area, the gathering grew steadily, with newcomers trickling in and adding to the lively atmosphere.

Friday night unfolded like a cherished tradition, filled with the sound of chatter and the clinking of glasses as guests broke the ice with one another. Stories flowed freely, weaving a rich tapestry of shared memories that echoed through the branches overhead. Laughter bubbled up, harmonising with the rustling leaves, while the scent of campfire smoke mingled with the aroma of grilled food, drawing everyone closer together.

As darkness fell, karaoke emerged as a highlight of the evening, drawing enthusiastic performers and an eager audience alike. The melodies and off-key renditions rang out long into the early hours of the morning, creating a symphony of joy that reverberated through the night, uniting everyone in celebration under a starry sky.

On Saturday, a wonderfully relaxing day unfolded, with many of the children eagerly flocking to the pool, where laughter and splashes filled the air. The sun glinted off the water, creating a perfect oasis for fun and games. As evening began to settle in, a steady stream of attendees made their way to the dorm, which soon buzzed with excitement and a sense of anticipation.

The aroma of grilled meats wafted through the air, promising a delightful culinary experience. Dinner was a vibrant feast, featuring a colourful array of fresh salads tossed with zesty dressings, accompanied by succulent barbequed meats that were cooked to perfection, delighting everyone’s palate.

As the night matured, anticipation grew for the charity poker night, an event designed not just for enjoyment but also to support a worthy cause. The atmosphere was electric, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition, as participants gathered around the tables, ready to test their skills and raise funds for those in need. It turned out to be an incredible achievement, blending fun with philanthropy in a memorable way.

As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, countless revellers opt to keep the celebration alive, gathering around the warm glow of the campfire. Laughter fills the air, drinks flow freely, and stories are shared, creating an enchanting atmosphere that extends the festivities deep into the night.

Australia Day dawned bright and promising, setting the stage for a day filled with new adventures. The morning began with a hearty bacon and egg breakfast, complete with all the cherished accompaniments that made it feel like a true feast. Once the plates were cleared and everyone was fueled up, the group set out to explore the captivating landscapes nearby. Some ventured to the serene Thompson Dam, while others chose to journey to the historic town of Walhalla. There, the inviting lodge was opened up by Ian “Crossy” Cross, a member of the Widows Sons, welcoming all to enjoy the warmth and camaraderie that filled the air.

After the day's events, the members of the Widows Sons reconvened at the camp, their spirits high and camaraderie palpable. They settled in for the Annual General Meeting, a time for reflection and connection, surrounded by fellow Freemasons, friends and family. Afterwards, some newer members, Darryl “Dizzy’ Davis and Norm “Postie” McWilliam, were presented with their patches. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, we eagerly anticipated the feast that was to follow. When the moment arrived, the gathering transformed into a vibrant celebration, with tables overflowing with an array of delicious dishes that beckoned enticingly. Laughter and stories filled the air, nourishing our hearts as we shared the joy of friendship and fellowship.

The evening also played host to another event to raise charitable funds: the raffle!  The prizes are an impressive selection. However, the prize everyone had their hearts set on was an incredible fire pit adorned with a Freemason logo upon its flank. The honour of taking it home belonged to Vice President Nicholas “Bones” Sell, who managed to make a regular appearance at the prize table. As the raffle progressed, the unmistakable Masonic values once again shone through; prize winners began to give their winning tickets to children in attendance, ensuring no child left empty-handed. Widows Sons were able to raise more than $1000 to go towards our charity fund, a wonderful accomplishment for all who supported the events.

The atmosphere shifted as anticipation filled the air, drawing attention to the main event that everyone had been waiting for: the Banding Ceremony. This moment was more than just a formal gathering; it was a profound rite of passage that held significant meaning for every participant involved. As members stood together, their hearts raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, each one reflecting on their individual journeys and the bonds they had formed. The ceremony promised to evoke a deep well of emotions, from joy and pride to nostalgia and hope, as they prepared to celebrate their unity and commitment to one another. It was undoubtedly a highlight that would resonate in their memories long after the event concluded.

Further setting the mood were inspiration and heartfelt emotional talks and speeches from speakers to set the tone. Paul Levey shared his perspectives of the Widows Sons through the eyes of a newer member. Spiro Perdikomatis gave a revelling talk on Freemasons First, then a Widows Sons, the importance of keeping sight of the values of Freemasonry above all. John “T-Bone” Miller gave a beautiful insight into how Freemasons practice the principles that reflect values of equality, integrity and fraternity through his wonderful talk on “Meet on the Level and Part on the Square”. The final talk of the evening before the ceremony commenced was held by President Peter “Daze” Weeks, a beautiful recap of where we are and where we are headed.

The moment had finally arrived, thick with anticipation and sincerity. As the Branding Ceremony commenced, a gathering of nearly a dozen Master Masons and members of the Widows Sons stood solemnly, each wearing vests that would soon bear a mark of profound significance. The atmosphere was charged, filled with the rich scent of burning leather that wafted through the air, evoking a sense of tradition and brotherhood that all the members cherished.

With meticulous care, Branding Master Stuart “Rew” Dall pressed into the top left side of each member’s vest, just above the heart, leaving a bold "WS" emblem that signified the highest honour a Widows Sons member could receive. This act was not just a branding; it was a rite of passage, an irreplaceable moment that bound the brothers together in shared emotion. Many struggled to contain their feelings, their faces reflecting a mix of joy, pride, and reverence as they celebrated the deep connections forged through this sacred tradition.

All the newly inducted members proudly received their Membership certificates during the ceremony, a moment that marked their official welcome into the group. Each certificate was presented with a handshake and a warm smile, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

The celebrations carried on into the early hours of Monday morning, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. After we all enjoyed a hearty breakfast together, the atmosphere shifted as we began to clean up the dorm. Each of us took on a different task: some swept the floors while others gathered dishes and tidied the common areas.

As the sun rose higher, a sense of nostalgia set in. One by one, we started to say our final goodbyes, each moment heavy with emotion, almost sombre. We exchanged hugs, shared our favourite stories from the weekend, and promised to stay in touch. With new friendships solidified and cherished memories etched in our hearts, we gradually made our way out of the event, carrying with us a bittersweet mix of happiness and longing.

A final moment of reflection:

Through the course of the weekend, I was introduced to an activity that is considered common practice in the Winser household by Emma “Emu” Winser. The Winser family often come together to reflect on something Good, Bad and Funny. Taking this philosophy, I would like to leave you, the reader, with my own “Good, Bad and Funny” for the 2025 Widows Sons Annual Australia Day Branding Ceremony.

Good: I made it a priority to build strong relationships with remarkable individuals around me. Each interaction allowed me to deepen our connections, fostering an environment where trust and understanding could flourish. Through shared experiences, we created lasting friendships and unforgettable memories that I will cherish for years to come. Whether it was through meaningful conversations, collaborative projects, or simply enjoying each other's company, these bonds have enriched my life in ways I never could have anticipated.

Bad: I am acutely aware that it may be quite a while before I have the chance to further develop and deepen these relationships, which makes each interaction feel even more significant.

Funny: I am somewhat torn as to what to place here, as so many things left me in a state of inability to breathe. So, there are two things I'd like to state. Firstly, the beautiful naivety of children reminds me of the purity of innocence. From children receiving Jump scares that left them in a state that was reminiscent of a Loony Tunes cartoon, I'm talking levitation with arms and legs flailing about trying to escape, or children deciding to play hide and seek, and after a lengthy period of time, when the game thought over, a realisation, one had not yet returned. After a search party was dispatched and the player was located without incident, they asked inquisitively, “Did I win?” without knowing the extent of what had occurred, a gentle reminder of how pure and precious our children are.

The Second thing that I am reminded of is the absolute unrelenting way Widows Sons Treasurer Charles “Chucky” Heatley can rapid-fire jokes until your ribs start to hurt.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their own experiences of the “Good, Bad, and Funny” from the weekend. It would be wonderful if you could share your thoughts in the comments, as it allows us all to appreciate different perspectives!

So, thank you all, from the members and supporters who attended to the family who came in support of their own loved ones, I feel you are now a part of the greater Widows Sons family. I cannot wait for the next one.