22 October 2025

Grati-Wednesday 22nd October 2025

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!


 Grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

***

Hi Heather B! 

You made my laundry bag with the fighter jets and helicopters on it. I only received it today as I’ve just come home from Europe! I just wanted to message you and say thankyou so much, I love it! 


I am currently posted onto HMAS Perth.  I’m 22 years old, so I joined straight out of high school and have been in for a little over 4 years now. My main motivation behind joining was that two of my older brothers were in the Navy at the time. I’ve done two deployments, which has taken me to many countries. It’s a unique way of spending my 20’s that’s for sure.  


I live in Western Australia now, with my partner and my dog Bailey (I included him in the photo because he’s so cute)


Thankyou for sharing your story with me, it sounds like you have many heroes in your life. I thank them for their service, but I also thank YOU. These laundry bags are one of the coolest things I think we get to receive, and they aren’t possible without you so thankyou for what you do! I can’t wait to stroll down to the laundry with my fighter jet bag! have an amazing long weekend.



***

Hi Ellen N,

I'm so sorry for such a late reply and really appreciate the pirate laundry bag you made and love the design. 

The laundry bag arrived safely with good timing as well.
I was born in Sydney and grew up in Western Sydney. I joined straight out of high school and don't regret one bit! My dads a chef and my mum takes care of my two younger sisters, I'm the first in my family to serve in Australia but both my parents are from Bangladesh and tell me about my family who fought for my countries independence. 
I think its awesome that you've travelled all across Australia, the first trip on Eyre we will be circumnavigating Australia and hope to see all of Australia, as well as catch plenty of fish on my way. This will be the first time I go to sea and hope to make some good memories. In my spare time I love doing martial arts and came nationals in kickboxing and full contact karate and currently trying out judo but I'm getting thrown around like a ragdoll, but to chill out I like playing video games. I've done 2 years in the Navy and can't wait to see where my career in the Navy leads as I hope to travel and learn a lot on HMAS Eyre.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement, as I serve my country with pride.

Kindest Regards,

***

Dear Janis K,


"Al-ssalum Alikum",

which in fact does not mean hello, but it is said all the time as a greeting nonetheless, meaning 'peace be with you'. Anyway...

I am so grateful for your wonderful talent and creativity that has gone into making my quilt. My friend and partner, both from my workplace back home in NSW, were rather crafty and well

'ahead of the game' in placing my order many weeks ago, so I could receive this beautiful quilt earlier than most here in the UAE. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time, kind thought and energy that has gone into it. I absolutely love it!


My 3 nieces and 5 nephews are my whole world, in terms of my heart anyways. Four children from each of my two siblings, who live on opposite sides of the country making it a little tricky to see them in person, but it doesn't make me love them any less! This situation will be even more tricky next year when I move to the NT. My mum, who lives in Perth (we are 5-generation West Aussies), will have her 3 children in 3 different states for a few years! Just more traveling for her, she says.


It is lovely to hear your family are all close by and I bet they love coming to visit you both on your 2 acres; something I aspire to have one day also.


Thank you also for the lovely care packages; so thoughtful and what beautiful pouches I get to keep as well as the quilt! I am a little extra appreciative I think, as I too have a crafty side to me, however I crochet mostly these days with some knitting here and there. This skill has allowed me to make toys for years for the 8 kids of course, who now range in age from 2 to 18. The best thing is my second niece has learned how to crochet and she makes wonderful toys, scrunchies and most recently a beautiful granny-square bag. One of her pretty purple flowers is inside this envelope, as a tiny token of gratitude from me to you.


Thank you so much Janis, it really is such a fabulous gift and decoration for my room for whilst I am over here.

Best wishes,


***

Good morning Toni F,

 

I am writing to extend a very very big thank you for my laundry bag you made for me in 2019. For some bizarre reason it has only landed on my desk today almost 6 years later, but none the less it is now in my possession and I couldn’t be more grateful.

 

The design is perfect and I’ve instantly grown fond of it, this has made my day. It’s awesome that yourself and the organisation thought of me and took the time to craft this up. I love that it carries the Navy crest and my initials along with the other fabrics colours and designs which I am going to explore.

 

I have read your letter and thank you for taking the time to express such detail throughout. Is your son still serving? It was nice he provided that heartfelt link to the organisation.

 

I am still serving, about to reach 15 years and I am very proud of this. I’d like to think I am giving my absolute all every day and will continue to do so for this great country and its people.

 

I would like to thank you again and I wish you all the best! Sorry this email find you many years later but I though you would find this kindly.

 

***

Hi Ellen N,

 I recently received the laundry bag you made for me, and I wanted to thank you sincerely for it. The design is fantastic — I really like the colours and patterns, and it’s clear you put a lot of care and effort into making it.

I’ll definitely be repping it proudly and using it regularly while we’re at sea. It’s a great personal touch to have something handmade and unique out here.

Thank you again for the time, effort, and kindness you’ve put into your work — it really means a lot.

Wishing you all the best,

***

Hi Melissa G,

A quick note to let you know I received my fishing-themed laundry bag yesterday. Thank you so much.

I’ll be home in February and plan to spend a few days out relaxing on the water to make up for being away.

Many thanks,

***

Hello Kathy W,


May I first thank you for my beautiful quit.  It has taken pride of place in my quarters and must have taken you so much time and care to craft. It has boosted my morale to no end and will serve me well as the northern days shorten.


I hope to return soon with my wife and two year old daughter as it is a beautiful spot of the world. The world has certainly become a more unsettled place lately but I'm glad to do my small part to make it safer for our families. Your support means so much to me and my team and I cannot thank you enough.


***

Anne Hnr recently made another presentation to members for Operation Southern Discovery. 

Quilt tops were made by Bobbie and the Mystery BOMers, quilted by Philomena H and finished by the Garage Girls. 

The laundry bags were made by Heather B (2), Ruth S, Louise M, Gayle W and Cath H.


***

Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!


🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻






21 October 2025

Request List 21 October 25

 

Hi all 

It is down to only a few sleeps till Aussie Hero Quilts converges on Canberra for the Annual Thank You Weekend. For those that can’t make it, please know that you will be missed and we would love you to join us next year if you can. We will do our best to share lots of the fun on our blog, which you can also access via Facebook. 

For those that are coming along, don’t forget your name tags, credit cards (if you are going on the bus trip) and your sense of humour as there will be lots of fun stuff happening. If you are bringing a quilt/bag for display on the Saturday night, please remember to hand it in on the Friday night and don’t forget to collect it at the end of the dinner. Please let Cath know you have taken your item so she can cross it off the list. 

You should have received a document yesterday with all the info you need for the weekend. Please let us know ASAP if you did not receive it. 

Looking forward to seeing you all there. 

 


PRIORITIES

1-6 are the priorities this week

The first 6 are for folk on deployment overseas so obviously we would like to get these requests completed. Post can be so unreliable to some of our overseas locations so it can take a while to get parcels to them so the sooner they are in the mail the better.

As always, the requests are listed in priority order.

Please let me know if you can help.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 25 Nov 25 please, or earlier if you can manage this.  If you cannot make that date, please let me know. Do reach out if you have any timing issues and we’ll resolve one way or the other. In fact, if you are going to be late posting it please let me know BEFORE you post it.  Also, if this time frame is too tight for you, there are options, just email me to discuss, thank you.    

Request Information

When selecting a request, remember, you do not have to include everything they have asked for. Footy quilts do not need to have the logo or even the team’s name. Using the team colours is all that is required. Simple is perfectly acceptable.  A number of these requests have given you favourite colours as well as footy teams or other hobbies and interests. It is fine to make a quilt using their favourite colours but please include at least one of their interests.  It is fine to keep it simple. 

If there is more than one request on this list that you would be happy to do, I suggest that you send me a list of requests and tell me how many you want to be allocated…. i.e. one of the following please….  There are always a few requests that everyone wants to do (and I can never pick them) so if the first one you ask for is taken then I can allocate another from your list if I have a list. 

Any queries you might have, please don’t hesitate to contact via the AHQ email as per usual with any queries and we will assist you from there.  We may not know the answer, but it will be our pleasure to research and get back to you.   

A reminder, when you are ready to post the quilt or laundry bag you’ve created, please provide the name given you in any correspondence with the admin team.  This helps the volunteer admin team keep a track of what’s been sent etc. 

CPL Wanda Quilt

TG 3456 

AFPO XX 

ADF 

Sydney NSW 2890

Also, please use the Aussie Heroes PO Box address on your parcel in the event the parcel is Returned to Sender - the PO Box is a safe place in the event of any mishaps with postage. 

Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) 

PO Box 248,

Cherrybrook, NSW 2126 

Don’t forget to take a photo of your completed quilt or laundry bag to email to AHQ with the name of the recipient and we can include in the Weekly Dispatches blog and add to the tally of quilts and laundry bags sent off to the troops.  I personally love viewing the photos of those projects dispatched – so inspiring. 

If you are using an AHQ supplied prepaid satchel, please kindly use the AHQ address for the return address– also for your own packaging – if a parcel is Returned to Sender it is likely we can expedite its journey to the recipient from Sydney.

Please also please hold on to the Tracking number (the pink sticker that you should remove before posting – we’ve experienced mail delays lately (haven’t we all?) and having the Tracking number is very reassuring to keep an eye on the parcel’s progress in arriving at its destination. 

Don’t forget, if you look at today’s Request List and need help choosing, please feel free to get in touch to discuss, we will be ready to reply and offer guidance by email. Our goal is to help you find a request that you will be comfortable with doing. If you need a crest etc we may be able to post embroideries / printed fabric images or email some of these to you. 

Helpful info may be gleaned here  http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2019/07/information-post-for-those-that-sew-for.html    I look forward to seeing the photos of completed quilts and LBs when they are ready to post off. 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE copy the ENTIRE line if you wish to nominate for a quilt or laundry bag.  

For example…. 

Marvel Theme. Ironman     M       LB      1 

This is really important to make sure that neither you nor I copy the wrong number which could lead to me giving you the wrong details for specific request.  If you find it hard to copy and paste, please copy the line out as above.  

Decoding The Columns 

The first column is the theme or preferences requested. 

The second column indicates the gender of the recipient. 

The third column is as follows. 

B=both quilt and laundry bag (feel free to nominate to JUST do the laundry bag if you wish) 

Q= just a quilt 

LB = just a laundry bag 

F= female 

M= male 

Please let the Admin crew know if you have any other questions....Just email friendsofahq@gmail.com  

Looking forward to seeing what you want to make this week. Happy stitching! 

Cheers, 

Jan-Maree

P.P.S.  Don't forget to check out AHQ on the Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Red,
RAAF Blue,
Cricket,
Airfield Defence Guard (ADG),
Poppies,
2SECFOR 
(We can provide RAAF crest and 2SECFOR crest)

F

Q

1

RAAF Themed Quilt with RAAF Aircraft.
Previous deployments and squadrons include 13SQN, 65SQN, School of Military Engineering, Officer Training School and OP ACCORDION
(We can provide the RAAF and unit crests)

M

B

2

RAAF Crest,  No 2 Security Forces SQN crest,  Airfield Defence Guard,  Blue Beret,  PMV Bush Master, Army Camo Quilt,  Mag 58 machine Guns  (We can provide the RAAF Crest and SQN crest.  We can also provide silhouettes of the Bushmaster and machine gun for applique)

M

Q

3

Rising Sun,
AUS flag,
UAE flag,
Desert and ANZAC/Remembrance Day theme

M

Q

4

Rising Sun, 
RAAOC, and
OP Accordion crests,
Light green/khaki
Sydney,  Ironman and running
(We can provide the Rising Sun, RAAOC and OP Accordion crests)

F

Q

5

Navy blue,
Mountains,
Tri-colour border collies

M

Q

6

North Queensland Cowboys

M

Q

8

Trucks & 4WD

M

Q

9

Brisbane Broncos

F

Q

10

Roger Ramjet on a dark Navy Blue Background.

(Can send a picture for inspiration)

M

Q

11

Warhammer 40K Black Templar Space Marine Black and White theme

M

LB

12

Initials on quilt,
 Photography,
 Outdoors, camping, beach,
 NO PINK

F

Q

13

Text - '1st Joint Public Affairs Unit 2002-2025 along the bottom.
Joint/tri-service colours: pale blue, red, and dark blue with the 1JPAU crest
(We can provide 1JPAU crest).

F

Q

14

Rising Sun,
AAPRS badge,
RuneScape bald character,
Silhouette of Australian animals
(We can provide the Rising Sun, AAPRS Badge and a picture of the RuneScape character for reference)

M

B

15

Bear in the big blue house TV show

M

Q

16

Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines

M

Q

17

Poseidon defending a sail ship from a Kraken

M

Q

18

Ancient Greek ships sailing across the waters with Poseidon

M

B

19

American bull dogs,
Ship cannons 
Black, white and red colour

M

LB

20

Old School RuneScape
(image available).

M

LB

21

Blue/Black sunset

M

B

22

Leopard print
Rastafarian,
Surf,
Snowboarding,
Chicken joe

M

B

23

Motorcycles - Harley Davidson

M

Q

24

Navy crest with position underneath
Green
Propellor
(We can provide Navy crest with text & silhouette of propeller)

M

B

25

NRL/Footy - North Qld Cowboys.

M

Q

26

Clearance diving branch crest Dive
Shark

Blue
Ocean
(We can provide the crest.)
 

F

Q

27

Retro Balmain Tigers theme

M

LB

28

Dim Sims and Cigarettes

M

LB

29

Khabib Nurmagamedov & Craig Jones & Jon Jones (UFC Fighters)

M

LB

30

Magic The Gathering Card game themed - dark colours

M

LB

31

North Queensland Cowboys.
Propeller /ships
(We can provide a propeller silhouette for applique)

M

LB

32

Dolphins NRL team,
Navy Ships

M

LB

33

LEGO Transformers

M

LB

34

Muted colours - sage, sky blue etc.

F

B

35

Duck themed - green/blue checked fabric

F

Q

36

RAAF crest with personal details         
Air force PTI crest
Deployment info on embroidered patch
Sunflowers, green leaves
(We can provide the RAAF crest)

F

Q

37

RAAF theme.
Hobbies and interests include Triathlon and Snorkelling.
Favourite colours are Pinks, yellows and blues.
 

F

B

38

UFC (Fighting theme) and Rock climbing

M

LB

39

RAN crest with personal details
red, white and royal blue 
A picture of a tall ship
Music notes,
I play the tenor saxophone in a local jazz ensemble 
Theatre perhaps the comedy/tragedy masks.  North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL
HMAS Stalwart, HMAS Brisbane (DDG) HMAS Parramatta - Commissioning Supply Officer. (We can provide the RAN crest and the ships crests) 

M

Q

40

Mission: Impossible theme
(link provided to google search for idea's for theme)

M

B

41

Air Force themed,
RAAF crest,
464 Squadron Badge,
Blue, White and red
(We can provide RAAF crest, 464 Squadron badge)

F

Q

42

Air Force themed,
 RAAF crest,
 464 Squadron Badge,
 Red, Dark Blue, Grey, Light Blue and White,
 (We can provide RAAF crest, 464 Squadron badge)

F

Q

43

Air Force themed RAAF crest, 464 Squadron Badge, Red, Blue and White,
(We can provide RAAF crest, 464 Squadron badge)

M

Q

44

Air Force themed RAAF crest,
464 Squadron Badge,
Red, Blue and White,
(We can provide RAAF crest, 464 Squadron badge)

M

B

45

Air Force themed, RAAF crest, 464 Squadron Badge, Red, White and blue. (12 images available), (We can provide the RAAF crest and 464 Squadron badge)

F

Q

46

Air Force themed RAAF crest, 464 Squadron Badge, White, Red, Blue (We can provide the RAAF crest & SQN badge)

M

B

47

Air Force themed with RAAF crest, 464 Squadron Badge with Battle Honours, Squadron Logo, text as requested & photo. 
Red, Blue and White
(We can provide the badges, logo, text and image)

F

LB

48

Buenos Aires,

Australia,
England,
White, red & black

M

Q

49

Movie: Buck Rogers

M

Q

50

Greyhounds,
Cricket,
Red & yellow

M

Q

51

Drums & Royal Australian Navy,
RAN crest
(We can provide the RAN Crest and an image of the band drums)

M

Q

52

Drums
(We can provide an image of Band drums)

M

Q

53

Weights, gym & anchors

M

Q

54

Saxophones

F

Q

55

Bass Guitars / Speakers

M

Q

56

Joint Service Logo,
Australian Flag,
Rustic, earth browns tans and creams.
Australian cowboy like theme with bull skull and horns (like the RM Williams logo),
Boots, dusters and slouch hats.
Pattern in western poncho type design. (We can provide the Joint Service Logo)

M

LB

57

Star Wars,
Dragons,
Dice,
Blue, Green, Black

M

Q

58

Rock climbing

M

LB

59

Lord of the Rings

M

LB

60

Torres Strait flag on a black bag

M

LB

61

Red and black - Fairies

M

LB

62

Blue,
Lord of the Rings theme

F

LB

73

Snorlax (Pokémon) any colour

M

LB

74

Tan/Khaki - Lumberjack

M

LB

77

Geese

M

LB

78

Sky Blue,
Manchester City

M

LB

79

Solitaire card game

M

LB

80

Japanese anime (Pokémon)

M

LB

81

Lionel Messi (Argentine soccer player - plays for Inter Miami CF) and
Lebron James (US Basketball player - LA Lakers team)

M

Q

82

Marvel Superheroes

M

Q

83

A cartoon version of DDG 41 - HMAS Brisbane, with the phrase FUN 41 written above in big font, rainbow colours.
Written down the bottom I would like the phrase 'reach for the skies'

M

Q

84

South Australian Coat of Arms

M

Q

85

HMAS Brisbane with ocean themed sea monsters
(We can provide the ship crest)

M

Q

86

Dogs (Australian Shepards and Border Collies)

M

Q

87

Liverpool FC

M

Q

88

Legend of Zelda,
Pokémon,
Harry Potter,
Dungeons and Dragons.

F

Q

89

Elsa & Anna from Frozen The Movie

M

Q

90

Viking wombats

M

Q

91

Navy crest,
Image of HMAS Brisbane, 
Moana
HMAS Brisbane in text
(We can provide the Navy crest and image of ship)

F

Q

92

Celtic/Nordic

M

Q

93

The Steel Cat (HMAS Brisbane nickname) with lots of Cats and Explosions
 (have request clarification on what image they are wanting in regards to Steel Cat)

M

Q

94

Shrek

F

Q

95

Papua New Guinea flag and Bird of Paradise

F

Q

96

Penguins

M

Q

97

The Big Lez Show (Australian comedy cartoon-like web series)

M

Q

98

Physical Training Instructor with some Bears and Unicorns incorporated for my kids.
Colour scheme more masculine colours with a little feminine.
(We can provide PTI rate badge or could be easily appliqued)

M

Q

99

Skittles

M

Q

100