The Independent Order of Odd Fellows maintains a structure of Lodges throughout the world. It was founded in 1819 in Baltimore, USA with the establishment of Washington Lodge No. 1. A fundamental aim of the organisation is to provide care for orphaned and neglected children as well as the elderly.
This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England. Since its foundation its mandate has been ‘to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, educate the orphan and bury the dead.’
In Australia in 2013, lodges operated in South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. In 2024, it seems that IOOF lodges exist in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.
