From the Masters & Wardens' "Freemasonry in Victoria" website:
Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry! The purpose of this website is to tell you some more about our organization and to try to satisfy your curiosity.

Included are some papers for you to read. We hope you will have the chance to read them, and that they will answer most of your questions. We want to deal with any further questions you may have, so feel free to ask questions at any time. We believe that becoming a Mason is a significant occasion in your life, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable with what is involved.

Masonry has a different meaning for each of us, but for all of us, it includes the practice of morality. It is often said that the basic principles of Freemasonry include brotherly love, relief, and truth. That is to say, we strive to be friendly, kind, and sincere in our dealings with others. Masonry also recognizes each individual’s right to his own beliefs and practices. For this reason, we are not allowed to discuss matters of religious or political controversy in the context of the Lodge. This love and tolerance for all men, so fundamental in Masonry, leads to mutual respect and honor.

In Masonry, you will find men of good will and high ideals; men who believe in a Supreme Being and who try to live in a spirit of universal brotherhood. In general terms, a Masonic Lodge is a place where all can work together with a rare unanimity, looking towards a brighter tomorrow.

Freemasonry recognizes that you have obligations to your family, your work, your religious beliefs, your community, and yourself. These must take priority, and Freemasonry does not interfere with your ability to meet these obligations. It simply attempts to share brotherly love and fellowship, and to offer a helping hand. Although it is a fraternity, it is neither a service club nor a benevolent society. It does participate in and support many charitable activities. One of our first lessons is our responsibility to care for others.
As a member of the fraternity, you will have rights and corresponding duties. You will be expected to maintain the regulations of the fraternity; in general terms, to be obedient to your Worshipful Master and his officers, when acting in the discharge of their duties; to pay the dues that you may owe promptly; and to attend meetings when requested. These basic duties are common to every Lodge; others will be explained as you advance through the degrees.

The privileges that accompany these duties are equally important. They include the right to attend all meetings of the Lodge when qualified; the right to participate in voting on Lodge affairs; and the privilege of visiting other Lodges on appropriate occasions, when you are properly qualified.

Your regular attendance at our meetings will give you a chance to learn more about Masonry, as you listen to our age-old ceremonies and discuss them with your brethren. You will also be able to enjoy fraternal fellowship and develop new friendships.

We encourage you to share your feelings about becoming a Mason with your wife and family, and to discuss Masonry and its objectives with them.

There is much more that might be said; this website has barely scratched the surface. For now, however, let us conclude by saying that we look forward to having you in our midst. All of us recall our admission into Masonry with a mixture of nostalgia and joy. You may be sure that an interesting set of experiences lies before you; they will be dignified, instructive, and sometimes even inspiring. In addition, once you are a part of Freemasonry, you will have many opportunities to do, to learn, to seek fulfillment, and to help others. Go forward with confidence and joyful anticipation!

You should expect certain costs. A one-time initiation cost ranges from $300.00 to $500.00. Annual dues are approximately $110.00 – $275.00.
FREEMASONRY ENJOY IT! – BE A PART OF IT! – ASK QUESTIONS!

Other Papers of Interest to the Seeker:
Return to Becoming a Freemason Main Page!