On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Freemason Lodges of Bank Place, Evolution, Garibaldi, and Victorian Naval and Military, came together to host A Touch of Spring Gala at Casa D’Abruzzo Club in Epping, raising vital funds for Northern Health Foundation to continue supporting cancer services at Northern Health, and the overall vision of building a Cancer Wellness Centre, here in the north.

Guests were welcomed into an elegant evening featuring a three‑course meal, live music, and a dance floor alive with energy. The gala also offered a range of ways to participate in fundraising activities on the night, including a table raffle and a silent and live auction with prizes up for grabs including a luxury Bali Stay.

The event not only offered a delightful night out but also reinforced the vital collaboration between Northern Health and local philanthropic organisations. Ticket sales supported the Foundation’s work to enhance patient care and healthcare services.

A heartfelt thanks is given to the support of the event sponsors who made the evening possible; Casa D’Abruzzo Club, Josie and Rino Minniti’s Cancer Fundraising Group, AECS, Forensic Engineers, NorthLink, Care Dental Group, and RMIT University. A sincere thank you is also extended to Josie Minniti OAM, Professor Peter Brooks AM, along with special guest speaker Professor Wanda Stelmach, the Northern Health Community Choir for their joyful preformance on the evening, and the four Freemason Lodges and Freemason Foundation for their support.

Peter McWilliam, Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, spoke on the event saying, “A big thank you to everyone who supported the spring gala dinner, especially the four Freemason lodges, Casa D’Abruzzo, our wonderful event sponsors, and the Northern Health Foundation staff for all their help in making this a very successful evening that exceeded our expectations. Thanks also to Professor Wanda Stelmach, who enlightened us on how we started this journey, and the importance of this for [oncology] patients.”

Through events like this gala, Northern Health Foundation continues to build momentum toward its long-term goals, including the Cancer Wellness Centre, and improved patient services across the northern suburbs. These efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for local residents.

With the success of A Touch of Spring Gala, Northern Health Foundation looks to the future with optimism, eager to expand its circle of supporters and deepen its impact across northern Melbourne. The generosity shown at the gala underscores the strength of community spirit and the difference that collective effort can make.

Thank you to all four Freemason Lodges for their support in hosting this event and to the Freemason Foundation for their support.