The Smith Family’s Philanthropy Manager, Ruby Ponsford, met with Grand Master M.W. Bro. Luke Wood on Wednesday 9 April, to personally thank Freemasons Tasmania and the Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Foundation for their sponsorship support in 2024 of seventy-five Tasmanian students and their families experiencing disadvantage.

 A Certificate of Appreciation was presented in recognition of the generosity of Freemasons Tasmania and the depth of their compassion for helping so many deserving students to succeed and stay engaged in their education – helping them to create better futures for themselves.

Smith Family Philanthropy Manager Ruby Ponsford presents Luke Wood with a Certificate of Appreciation for Freemasons Tasmania.

Tasmania is still the most socio-economically disadvantaged of all Australian states and territories.Recently released data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) highlighted the educational challenges Tasmania is facing. The data showed that in financial year 2023-2024, a third (32.5%) of Year 7 Tasmanian students from disadvantaged backgrounds were identified as needing additional support in numeracy, compared to 3.8 percent of students from advantaged backgrounds.

 Ruby said, “It is through the generosity of organisations such a Freemasons Tasmania that we are able to help so many Tasmanian students attain the best educational outcomes for themselves, via The Smith Family’s unique wrap-around financial, practical, and personal support provided students over the long term. We are so very grateful for their commitment and support.”