Tarek Rajendram has become the first Sri Lankan to be elected as Master of the Busselton Freemason's Lodge, Sussex, in its 119-year history.
He was recently given the honour at a special ceremony in the lodge rooms before 65 Freemason from around the South West.
"I consider it an honour to have been placed in the chair to lead Sussex for the next twelve months," he said.
"Initially, I was intrigued about Freemasonry and a close friend suggested I talk to his father, a long-time Freemason and a master of his lodge, who could provide me with information about the organisation," he said.
"The talk further fuelled my interest and when he stated that Freemasonry was an organisation that had at its core the philosophy of "making good men better" and promoted love, relief and truth I decided to apply for membership."
The outcome was that at 34 years of age he joined Freemasonry in 2005 and was initiated in a lodge in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.
"One of the advantages of Freemasonry is that you can reside in most countries of the World and find the hand of Masonic friendship extended to make you welcome in a strange land," he said.
"I chose to emigrate to Australia with my wife Lekha and two daughters Natalie and Linuki in 2013, and after settling down in WA and becoming an Australian citizen I made enquiries to join Freemasonry in Busselton."
He joined Sussex Lodge in 2015 and recently added to his Masonic career to join Naturaliste, another Busselton Lodge, as an associate member.
Freemasonry is an inspiring organisation promoting love, relief and truth and helping the community in which it lives.
"The craft has attracted dignitaries as well as ordinary citizens throughout the World only for equality to prevail once inside a lodge rooms that are the homes of Freemasonry," he said.
"I cannot speak too highly of the craft here in WA and recommend it to anyone who is thinking of joining an organisation that cares about the World in which we live".
You can contact Tarek if you are interested in joining the craft on 9355 3599.