The Grand Representative program is designed to promote and foster fraternal international relationships between members. Representatives are appointed by Most Worthy Grand Matron to a particular overseas jurisdiction who in turn, appoint a member from their Grand Chapter. Together these members form a lasting friendship – sharing their ideas and experiences of their respective OES journeys.
Any member of the Order in Australia can apply to become a Grand Representative by completing details of their OES history on an Application – Grand Rep Appointment form and lodging it with the Worthy Grand Secretary.
The Present and Past Grand Representatives Association of Australia was formed in 1988 and its aims and objectives are “to promote, develop and foster a continuing interest of those who have been appointed as Grand Representatives by exchange of ideas beneficial to Grand Representatives in particular and the Order of the Eastern Star in general”.
Grand Representatives can apply to join this association for a small fee paid each biennium by completing the Application – Renewal Form 2022 – 2024. This entitles them to attend Association meetings and luncheons that are organised from time to time.
The Association has 2 Office-bearers – the President and Secretary/Treasurer – who are elected by Association members. The Patron of the Association is the Worthy Grand Fraternal Correspondent. The Association meets at regular intervals, ending each biennium with a special luncheon open to all Present and Past Grand Representatives, their visitors and all overseas counterparts. Further meetings are conducted in the major States to allow members who cannot travel, the ability to meet fellow representatives and share their experiences. Some States in Australia have formed a Present and Past Grand Representatives Sub-Group to support the members in their local State area.
Contact details for the Association and the sub-groups are as follows:
Present and Past Grand Representatives Association of Australia
President: Carita Swann
Secretary/Treasurer: Margaret Kennedy
WG Fraternal Correspondent: Kenneth Paul
WG Secretary: Mrs Beth Littler