our humble beginnings

Freemasons on the Central Coast, formerly Karagi Court Limited, was established in 2008 from the dividends received from investments from the sale of Karagi Court Retirement Village at Bateau Bay.

A short history

In the 1960s, a number of Freemasons met at the Gosford Masonic Centre to plan a solution to the increasing number of Masons living alone and who were losing their ability to live independently.

At that time, the only solution was to move into retirement villages in the Sydney area, but many were reluctant to do so because of family ties and friends on the Central Coast.

This group of Freemasons decided that what was needed was a Central Coast Retirement Village in Bateau Bay and, following advice from their solicitor, Karagi Court Ltd was formed.

With help from Wyong Shire Council and a substantial loan, this dedicated band formulated a plan to build 10 units – the first stage of the retirement village.

On 20 August 1978, the MW Grand Master Noel W. Warren unveiled a plaque to commemorate the completion of Stage 1 and, over the following years, Karagi Court Ltd purchased the land outright, repaid the loan and built a further 52 retirement units.

Thirty years later

In 2007, building regulations concerning retirement units changed and to comply with these regulatory changes, Karagi Court Ltd had a tough choice – raise a considerable amount of money to upgrade the whole site, or sell.

A committee was formed to investigate and to decide the future of Karagi Court. In 2008, it was decided that the upgrade path was not viable and that the best solution was to sell the retirement village and, with the proceeds, develop a charity to support the community and community organisations on the Central Coast.

By the end of 2008, the village had been sold and the Board of Directors had developed a new constitution. At the beginning of 2009, Karagi Court made its first donations to the Central Coast community.

In June 2009, the Board began asking the lodges of the District to make donation recommendations which, if approved, would be made under their name. The only stipulation was that a plaque had to be purchased and erected acknowledging the donation from that particular lodge. Donations made solely by Karagi Court were made in the name of all Freemasons on the Central Coast.

Freemasons on the Central Coast

In 2022 it was noted that there was growing confusion within the community over the ‘Karagi Court’ name, and how it related to Freemasonry. Even masons within District 21 (The Central Coast), didn’t fully understand the relationship. At this point, the Board decided to start using the trading name ‘Freemasons on the Central Coast,’ thus removing the historic ‘Karagi Court’ name from all communications within the community, and declaring that all support is from Freemasons – on the Central Coast.

However, individual lodge charity initiatives, even with our assistance, are still attributed to the specific lodge involved, as before. Our role is to assist Freemasons supporting our community; and to promote the good deeds of all Freemasons.