A Friend in Need
Odd Fellows Offer Support
LJ (Les) Hibbens (1918–1988) was actively involved in all aspects of civic life in Wee Waa. In addition to being elected to the Namoi Shire Council in 1951, Les was District Grand Master of the North West District of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows (1951-2).
When Les Hibbens was awarded this certificate, Friendly Societies were on the wane, a remnant of Victorian-era culture transplanted by the early settlers. Before social security existed, they were integral to working people’s fiscal well-being, providing members with sickness, unemployment, and funeral benefits.
Odd Fellows’ monthly contributions ensured their and their dependents’ future financial security, but members were not just contributors to a fund. Fraternal networking was fundamental to the social fabric of colonial communities. Members met bi-weekly, bound by allegiance to their motto, ‘Amicitia, Amor et Veritas’ (Friendship, Love and Truth).
A combination of coded visual and gestural language, ceremonial ritual, oaths of secrecy and wearing flamboyant regalia at meetings and events instilled unity. On the flip side, the meaning was hidden from outsiders to foster exclusivity.
In this certificate, the angel with outstretched wings sheltering women and children and the two working men seated at the monument’s base framed by acanthus leaves suggest celestial protection, strength and camaraderie from cradle to grave.
Friendly Society membership declined during times of war, with the rise of the union movement and the advent of taxpayer-funded social security.
