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A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS

Our 100 Year History

"Charity sees the need, not the cause"

In adverse circumstances, good people stand up and develop solutions for the needs they see. William Thompson was such a person.

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During World War I following the death of his son Horace on the Western Front, William, at the time the Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of New South Wales (1914-1924), recognised the need to support children of Masons who were orphaned by war. In 1922, he founded the William Thompson Masonic School at Baulkham Hills and, in the following year, the NSW Masonic Schools Welfare Fund (now A Start in Life).

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As community needs and government welfare changed over the years, so too has the fund, ensuring its ongoing relevance. In 1972, the constitution was expanded to provide support to any youth deemed to be in necessitous circumstances needing assistance with their education, regardless of race, religion or masonic affiliation.

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​Today, A Start in Life is an autonomous trust, supported by individuals, businesses, trusts and philanthropic foundations. The current scale of assistance provided to students could not be achieved without this breadth of support. Guided by a determination to assist young Australians in necessitous circumstances overcome barriers to their education, A Start in Life is proud of the work we do each year to help students reach their full potential and enjoy a brighter future.

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Top Image: 1938. Senior girls completing flag drills and foil exercises in the gymnasium at William Thompson Masonic School. 

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Bottom Image: 2019. Alumni at their school reunion, celebrating the 100th anniversary of William Thompson Masonic School.

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Contact Us

To find out more about what we do, who we support or how to donate, you can contact us using this email form.

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Thanks for getting in touch!

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DGR No 62593

All donations of $2 and over are eligible for a tax deduction

A Start in Life

Mailing Address
PO Box 20606

World Square NSW 2002

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Office Address
Suite 702 / 370

Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000


Telephone

(02) 9264 3017

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Student Enquiries 

studentassist@astartinlife.org.au

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Finance Enquiries
finance@astartinlife.org.au

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Marketing, Fundraising and Supporter Enquiries
communications@astartinlife.org.au

A Start in Life acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout this nation. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and communities and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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A Start in Life © 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

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