Royal Freemasons

13/01/2026

“I don’t usually celebrate my birthday, so this was the first celebration and the biggest one. I couldn’t sleep the night before.”

It certainly was the biggest birthday for Footscray resident, Tra, who recently turned an impressive 102 years old! 🎉

The centenarian credits exercise, among other things, as the secret to his long life. Still active, Tra enjoys walking laps around the home after meals.

Tra and his wife Thi Bay, who also resides at Footscray, have a huge family of seven children, seventeen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

When asked what he is most proud of in his life, Tra says, “Coming to Australia and bringing all of my family here. I am really thankful to be here.”

The celebration was certainly fit for a centenarian with members of Tra’s family attending as well as the Mayor of the Maribyrnong, Cr Mohamed Semra, who presented him with a special birthday certificate.

“I was really proud to have my family and the mayor there — It was a wonderful day,” says Tra. 🧡

06/01/2026

Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🧡🙏

We are deeply grateful to those of you who donated to our Christmas Gift Appeal — thank you for showing how much you care for our residents who are without families or loved ones.

Because of your generosity, more than 80 people in our care were delighted to receive generous gifts last Christmas.

As soon as donations closed for the appeal, our Lifestyle staff got busy shopping for just the right present for each person. Among the thoughtfully chosen gifts were beautiful picture books, watches, jewellery, scarves, hats, and handbags.

Seeing their reactions to their gifts is always a priceless moment — filled with smiles, surprise, delight, and even tears — as they realise they have been thought of in such a special way.

Thank you once again for your compassion and support. Your generosity has brought dignity and happiness to those who needed it most at Christmas.

24/12/2025

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and very happy New Year!

22/12/2025

🎄Nothing like a Christmas sing-along to get you into the festive spirit! 🎄

Family, friends, and residents at our Monash Gardens home came together for a joyful evening filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer.

We sang along to festive favourites like Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, and The First Noel — a heartwarming night to remember. ✨

18/12/2025

🌞 This summer, it's important to remember that high temperatures are particularly dangerous for older people, who don’t cope well with the stress of heat.

Here are some practical tips to stay cool, hydrated and safe this season.

15/12/2025

Yesterday’s tragic events at Bondi Beach remind us how important it is to speak out against antisemitism and all forms of intolerance. However this isn’t just about one incident—it’s about creating a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

The heart of what we do at Royal Freemasons is care. We support individuals—and by extension, their families and friends—without bias or discrimination. Our mission is simple: to ease the challenges of aging and infirmity with compassion and understanding.

Our team reflects the richness of global diversity, with people from many countries and cultures united by one purpose: to help. One of our core values says it best: "We offer access to our facilities and services to all older persons in need, regardless of religion, race, nationality, or background."

We celebrate diversity. We stand with those who need us and those who face vilification. And we call on everyone to join us in rejecting racism and intolerance—because together, we can make a difference.

10/12/2025

🐴✨ Pure joy at our Coppin Centre home! Two therapy horses spent the afternoon brightening the lives of our residents, bringing comfort, connection, and plenty of smiles.

Animal-assisted therapy isn’t just heartwarming — it’s proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and create meaningful moments of calm.

Thank you to our four-legged friends for making the day unforgettable! 🧡

03/12/2025

💝 There is no time like the ‘present’ to donate to our Christmas Gift Appeal! 💝

For most of us, a Christmas spent without family and loved ones would not be Christmas at all, yet a number of our aged care residents and In-home Support clients are alone during the festive season without the comfort of family and friends.

We are especially mindful of these people and do our utmost to make sure the feel especially cared for during the Christmas period but, as always, we want to surpass their expectations and delight them with a generous, personalised gift.

👇Hear from Emma about the joyful impact simply receiving a gift has on residents. 🎁

DONATE TODAY: donate.stripe.com/14k17Rb9rcbT9I43cc

18/11/2025

Royal Freemasons Lifestyle Coordinator, Trish, makes sure every day that residents at our Monash Gardens home remain connected to the things they love to do — the things that give them purpose and make them smile.

Warm, energetic and chatty, Trish has been in the role for an impressive 10 years and still loves every colourful and action-packed moment of it.

“I would rather do this than any other job,” she says. “My role is to make sure the residents are doing the activities they want to do. It’s part of our person-centred care approach, which is very holistic. We have a tonne of activities that we do here at Monash Gardens. Depending on resident preferences, we do craft, art, exercise, or board games. So long as the residents are happy, that’s our goal.”

👇Learn more about Trish in this video!

12/11/2025

🎁 We are delighted to be running our Christmas Gift Appeal again this year! 🎁 Did you know that a third of people living in residential aged care are socially isolated and rarely receive visits from family and friends?

At Royal Freemasons, there are a number of people in our Residential Aged Care homes and In-home Support services without family or loved ones, and Christmas time, when feelings of separation are heightened, is especially lonely for them.

Our dedicated staff do a wonderful job of making sure they feel cared for, but we want to go above and beyond and surprise them again year with a generous, personalised gift.

Will you help us?

In last year’s appeal, more than 60 of our aged care residents and In-home Support clients were all delighted to receive a specially chosen gift, just for them.

Emma, a Lifestyle Assistant at our Footscray home, says, “When the residents receive the gifts, their reactions are always heartwarming. Many are very surprised that someone took the time to think of them — you can see the joy on their faces. Some even tear up.”

“The Christmas Gift Appeal really makes a difference in the residents’ lives. It brings a real sense of connection and belonging. For residents who are on their own, receiving a gift reminds them that they are part of a caring community.”

There are many people in our care who will spend Christmas without family and loved ones, but with your generous support we can buy them a beautiful, personalised gift to remind them they are thought of, special and loved.

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.

11/11/2025

This Remembrance Day, residents at our Centennial Lodge home in Wantirna South joined the rest of the nation in observing a minute’s silence to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives for our country.

The day is particularly meaningful for resident Bruce who was in the Army Reserves, and Bob who was a Major General in the Army and served in the Vietnam War.

Lest we forget. 🧡

31/10/2025

👋🏻 Meet John, who has been a resident at our Springtime Residential Aged Care home in Sydenham for four years and loves every aspect of it — the staff, the residents, the care, the homely atmosphere, and the many opportunities to get involved.

“If people are looking to move into aged care, I don’t think you’d find a better place,” says John. “The staff here are very helpful, and not just the caring staff but also the ancillary staff are all wonderful people. If you’re thinking about aged care, consider Royal Freemasons… you’ll be very, very happy.“

To find out more about our Residential Aged Care services, visit royalfreemasons.org.au or call 1300 623 642.