Our story began in 1906, founded on a deep commitment to benevolent relief.
For over a century, Masonic Care WA has supported older Western Australians. Founded in 1906 to assist orphans and widows, we opened our first aged accommodation in Mount Lawley in 1963. Today, as a not-for-profit organisation, we continue this tradition, offering a range of living and care options across WA.
Our communities are safe, welcoming, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Residents enjoy vibrant lifestyle programs, low-maintenance living, and flexibility as needs evolve.
Compassionate, professional care ensures each person feels valued and supported. With locations across WA, we offer the freedom to choose a community that suits your lifestyle, and provide peace of mind for residents and their families.
Our History
In 1906, His Grace the Most Reverend Charles Riley established the Widows and Orphans Fund through the Western Australian Freemasons to support families facing hardship after the Boer War. This fund provided vital assistance to aged brethren and to the widows and orphans of deceased members, with resources drawn from lodges, voluntary contributions, legacies, and community fundraising.
This spirit of compassion evolved over the decades. In 1962, under His Excellency Sir Charles Gairdner, we established Cottage Homes for the Aged, offering accommodation to returned servicemen and veterans at risk of social isolation. Recognising wider needs, we partnered with the WA State Housing Commission to create affordable rental villages—open to those in necessitous circumstances, regardless of Masonic affiliation. Many villages were named after Past Grand Masters, honouring our Masonic heritage.
By 1979, we opened our first residential aged care home, named after Past Grand Master Howard Solomon. In 1993, incorporation as Grand Lodge of Freemason Homes for the Aged Inc. broadened our reach while preserving the 1906 mission of supporting Freemasons, their families, and others in need.
In 2015, under Dr William Babe, we purchased land in Middle Swan for future development. The first stage— the Dr Bill Babe Centre —opened in 2023 with Middle Swan Residential Care.
Today, our services continue to prioritise people in necessitous circumstances:
Residential Aged Care
Around half our residents are concessional or hardship admissions, unable to afford standard aged care.
Retirement Living
We operate lease-for-life villages, with all surpluses reinvested into social housing, aged care, and benevolent programs.
Rental Housing for Older People
We provide affordable rentals for over-55s who meet income and asset criteria. Currently, 100% of tenants are experiencing financial distress.
While our Constitution honours our Masonic origins, access is based on need, not affiliation. From compassionate relief to our role today as a leading provider of aged care and housing, we remain guided by our values of empowerment, integrity, respect, inclusion, safety, and improvement.
Our history
1906
1962
1979
1993
1993-2022
2023
Our commitment
- To support every individual's unique history and needs.
- To ensure a culture-focused system of care.
- To provide opportunities for residents to thrive, learn and socialise.
- To give the best standard of care possible.