Happy Wednesday Friends!
One of our long-time volunteers Marianne R recently presented a quilt she made to its worthy recipient. It was the first time she had presented a quilt, and the experience was significant.
Marianne said, "We know from the AHQ thank you weekends how much our laundry bags and quilts are appreciated
by all involved in every request, but hearing candid remarks from military personnel was impactful".
"The recipient was very happy with his quilt, and his wife felt it had to be displayed at home, which was great", she added. "My husband accompanied me to the presentation, and we both discovered that anyone we spoke to at the morning tea knew about Aussie Hero Quilts and many had already received a quilt or laundry bag".
"One Sergeant shared with us that words couldn't describe how it felt to have received something unique that was his to use and keep. It was not only the practical aspect of the laundry bag he'd used regularly during his tour of duty, but also the thought, effort and workmanship that endured long after his return."
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G'day Stephanie F,Your Taylor Swift quilt arrived and I'm over the moon with your efforts. I absolutely adore it! There are a few swifties on camp so it was quite the talk of the town when I opened it at the mess. The snacks - hot drink sachets, Tim Tam's and hair care are going down a treat as I write to you. Gosh you nailed it!
Feeling so spoilt.
Thanks again Stephanie, this means a lot.
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Good Morning Ruth S,Thank you so much for the Laundry bag, it is perfect and greatly appreciated. My children helped pick the design for me and they were so excited when I sent them a picture of it. Other than getting home to see my family next year, I cant wait to be able to get to a game when they are in Adelaide next season.Thank you again so much for the laundry bag and extra surprises, little things like that make the times away from home and family easier.Kind regards
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Good Morning Pennie T,
Thank you so much for the Quilt, its perfect and greatly appreciated. My kids helped me pick the designs, they were very excited when it arrived and I sent them a photo. Yes I am Victorian originally, but currently also posted overseas.
It's little things like these that help during long periods of time away from home and family, I can not thank you enough and express how grateful I am to have received something that you have spent time and care on creating.
Thank you again.
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Good Morning Hilary P,
I am writing to thank you for your amazing quilt, which I have just received. You’ll be happy to know the quilt has had quite the journey around Australia, attempting to chase me down before finally reaching me in Canberra. Unfortunately I now work in a building where I am not able to bring my phone, so I had to take it home and get a photo there. My cat George couldn’t resist getting in the photo too.
I am truly grateful for the time you spent making this quilt for me. It means a lot to have a memento to remember my time onboard HMAS Sydney, which I sadly left at the end of last year for the cold of Canberra. While it’s definitely a change from the sleek warship – which I definitely agree needs some more wardrobe space - I look forward to bringing this quilt on my future travels to have a piece of Sydney with me.
Thank you again for the time and effort yourself and the Aussie Hero Quilts community have given to myself and the Australian Defence Force. Everyone I speak to who has been lucky to receive a quilt or laundry bag remembers the story and memories from where and how they received their items, and I look forward to remembering the beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the places Sydney took us last year, every time I see this quilt.
Yours Sincerely,
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Good Afternoon Ruth S,I just wanted to thank you for the lovely laundry bag you made. It is greatly appreciated, used often and certainly does brighten my day!Thank you!
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Dear Janelle S,
I don't know if you know, but your laundry bag made it's way to me. I wanted to thank you very much for your lovely letter and the laundry bag you made. It is very well crafted and has already proven to be useful . It has a bit of character to it too, which I appreciate. There is something very special about receiving something that has been made by hand and with care, rather than pulled of a shelf.
I enjoyed reading about your home town. The way you described the seasons, the frost, and the wind turbines gave me a clear picture of home landscapes that feel steady and familiar. It sounds like a place with a sense of rhythm and community. Please also pass on my regards to your husband in his retirement. The work you both do in your community says a lot about the kind of household you keep
Thank you as well for sharing a little about your family. I know what Army life can ask of families, and your understanding of that comes through clearly. It means something when support comes from someone who truly knows what it is to watch deployments come and go, and the quiet resilience that sits behind that
By way of background, I served in Townsville, then spent a period in Canberra. I later moved to Brisbane. Before my Australian service, I served in the British Army, which gives me a total of 37 years of military service. I have since transitioned out of uniform, but as you would understand well, the identity and experiences stay with you long after the last posting order
I deployed to AMAB in 2020 and received an Aussie Hero quilt during that trip. I wrote back to the lady who made it and I very much hope my message reached her. Your gift arrived with that same feeling. These items are practical of course, but they are also reminders that we remain connected to home, to the ordinary and the familiar, and to people who care. It may appear a small gesture at first glance, but it is significant. It lands quietly and sincerely.
Your nine years of sewing for Aussie Heroes, along with the quilts you make for your church and for Operation Christmas Child, speak to a steady kindness and a strong sense of community responsibility. It is the sort of contribution that holds things together, often without fanfare, and it is deeply valued.
Thank you again for your time, your thoughtfulness and your generosity. It is warmly appreciated.
With thanks,
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Good morning Janice B,
Two more happy recipients presented with their quilts last week.
Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!
AHQ 2025 Calendars for Sale
For the very low cost of only $20 you can purchase a 2026 AHQ calendar.
If you would like to place an order, please email Bel Payne via AHQcalendars@aussieheroquilts.com.au with your mailing details. I will acknowledge the email and include the bank details for payment.
Orders will only be taken by email. Do not leave a message under this blog or on the FB post.
