The RAOB began in the Harp Tavern (opposite the Drury Lane Theatre) by the artist Joseph Lisle and comedian William Sinnett along with other stage hands and theatre technicians in August 1822. It drew its then name of The Buffaloes from a popular song of the time "We’ll chase the Buffalo?". This first meeting is historically the 'Phoenix Lodge No.1'. As members toured the country with various shows lodges were opened in other towns.
The Order currently has a three-tiered system of Minor (Private) Lodges, Provincial Grand Lodges (Local Governing Body) and Grand Lodge. Each Province may also have a Knights Chapter and Roll of Honour (ROH) Assembly, the minimum entry requirement being that the member has attained the appropriate degree to be admitted.
Charitable funds exist at Lodge, Province and Grand Lodge levels to assist members of the Order and/or their dependents requiring assistance.
The Grand Lodge owns and operates two convalescent homes to provide rest and recuperation facilities for members, their wives or widows recovering from illness or medical treatment.
There are four degrees within the RAOB:
-
-
Brother (1st degree) (Kangaroo)
-
Certified Primo (2nd degree)
-
Knight Order of Merit (Knight Sir) (3rd degree)
-
Roll Of Honour (Right Honourable sir) (4th degree)
-
In a Minor Lodge, there are 11 Officers:
-
-
Worthy Primo
-
City Marshal
-
City Secretary
-
City Treasurer
-
City Chamberlain
-
City Tyler
-
City Constable
-
City Registrar
-
City Minstrel
-
City Waiter
-
Alderman of Benevolence
-
