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Who we are

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 Western Australian Freemasons Homes for the Aged (Incorporated) 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.

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who we are

Our history

1906

The genesis of the operations of Grand Lodge Freemasons Homes for the Aged was seeded in the formation of the Widows’, Orphans’ and Aged Freemasons’ Benevolent Fund. The Fund targeted families of returned soldiers, the poor and homeless.

1962

Freemasons established Cottage Homes for the Aged which was the first development of aged accommodation for disadvantaged older persons in Western Australia.

1979

Howard Solomon Hostel and Nursing Home (now Howard Solomon Residential Care) was established and officially opened by WA Premier, Sir Charles Court; another first for the Organisation to deliver residential care services.

1993

Cottage Homes for the Aged registered itself as an incorporated association under the name Grand Lodge of Western Australian Freemasons Homes for the Aged (Incorporated). The inaugural Constitution reflected the objects of the Widows’, Orphans’ and Aged Freemasons Fund from 1906.

1993-2022

Expanded operations to 12 retirement villages, 10 rental villages for older persons and Howard Solomon Residential Care, servicing almost 2000 residents.

2023

Middle Swan Residential Care, our newest facility officially opens, expanding the organisation to 24 service locations, now including two residential aged care facilities.

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.

Our commitment is to you.

our commitment

We are with you every step of the way

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