Grati-Wednesday 11th February 2026

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some beautiful sentiments in the following gratitude letters. 

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

***

We were able to hand deliver the quilt today, made by Gail MacQ…. He was so humbled by the gift and absolutely thrilled. He is such a beautiful soul and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for organising this for this young Hero … did I tell you he raised $20,000 for 42for42.

***

Good Afternoon Bridget R,

Thank you very very much for the time take to produce such a lovely laundry bag.

It’s the perfect amount of British Nostalgia that I can use to wind everyone up onboard, as the sole British person amongst 160 Aussies.

 

I have been on exchange in Australia for the past 18 months, and will shortly return to the UK later this year.

However, I don’t think it will be very long before I return to Australia to catch up with the many great friends I have made here.

Thanks again.

***

Dear Lyn R,

Thanks very much for the laundry bag. It is stunning and exactly what I was imagining it would be.

I was born and raised in Brazil. Moved here about twenty years ago and Australia is now home to me and my family. Small things such as this laundry bag reminds me back home and my roots.

I have been to Tasmania a few times with Navy in Hobart, Davenport and Launceston. Tasmania is a lovely place. We are due to go back over there during Easter this year. 

Thanks again for the bag. And thank you very much for volunteering at Aussie Hero Quilts. As I said before these little things make a huge impact in our daily life while at sea and away from our home, family and friends.

All the best,

***

G'day Ruth S, 

I happen to be the lucky recipient of one of your awesome looking laundry bags. I love the jets on it, especially with me previously working on Super hornets and Growlers haha. I really appreciate the effort you put into it. Your support goes a long way. It's not always easy whenever we are asked to leave home, but gifts like this always put a smile on my face.

Thanks again,

***

Dear Jan-Maree,

 

We would like to thank you and the ladies Dorothy C,  Lynn F, Keryn M, Philomena H for the beautiful quilt that you hand made in memory of our son who passed away in 2024.  He was born prematurely in December 2001 and left us way too early.  He had a love for planes and a love for flying.  His dream was to be a pilot.  He entered into RAAF May 2021 and graduated as a Aircraft Technician receiving Dux Award in July 2021.  Little did we know he would tragically pass away exactly two years later. 

We were very touched when 35 SQN presented us this quilt in memory. 

I deeply apologise for the delay in my response.  The grief of losing our son has been overwhelming. 

I wanted to respond to your letter saying how much we appreciate what you do for our veterans and recognising their service.

Could you please pass on my many thanks and love to all the ladies that put in the hard work into our sons quilt which is treasured forever. 

***

Hi Ellen N!

First of all, thank you so so much for the quilt and washing bag! There was some delays in the mail here and then I went on leave to catch up with my girlfriend who flew over from Australia.

But I have now returned and managed to get a hold of my packages which included yours. It is exactly what I wanted, especially considering my Christmas in Australia is usually spent near the beach with family going for a swim, the colours and backgrounds you chose really help me feel more at home.

And of course I love the two dogs, I am missing my two pups alot this time of year and won't be seeing them for another 6 months, so having them on the quilt and seeing it each night before going to bed gives me a smile.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your ongoing efforts for Aussie Hero Quilts, I know it also makes such a big difference to the other guys here.

 

Thank you again for your efforts!

All the best to you and your family,

***

Hi Bel P!

Thank you so much for the quilt, its amazing and delivered overnight which was even better! My daughter absolutely loved it.  

***

Cheers Catherine D

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

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Request List 10 February 26

 Hi all

We have many requests for our defence people deployed on Op Kudu. You may ask what Op Kudu is about.

Since January 2023, Operation Kudu has supported the UK-led multinational training mission Operation Interflex, which was expanded in January 2024 to include a junior leader training program.

More than 2,000 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel have been trained by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under Operation Kudu.

PRIORITIES

Requests number 1 -30 are on deployment with some on border protection. So obviously we would like to get these requests completed.

It would be good to get these done and to their recipients.

As always, the requests are listed in priority order. There are many new and interesting requests that have come on this week.

Please let me know if you can help.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 17 March 26 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 use 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

Rising Sun, Royal Australian Engineer (RAE) badge, Ukrainian figure, Berehynia the Protector (protective mother) Ukrainian Trident (We can send you Rising Sun and RAE badge plus the pics of Ukrainian figure and trident)	M	LB	1
Grey, Pink, Red, Blue, Australian Flag Dolphins, Sporting theme.	F	Q	2
Australian & Ukraine Flags, Pine Forest covered in snow, the Grim Reaper Saint Javelin, Text "OP KUDU 2026" (We can supply the Reaper, St Javelin image & emb text)	M	Q	3
Green background Australia and Ukraine Flags Skippy Badge, Grim Reaper Text 'We Dare' TT1 ROT XII (We can provide the Skippy Badge, emb text and Grim Reaper)	M	Q	4
Union Jack, Southern cross, Coat of Arms of Ukraine with text "OPERATION KUDU ROT XII" (We can provide emb text and the Coat of Arms)	M	Q	5
Australian flag, Ukrainian flag, text "OP KUDU XII" Skippy badge, Snow features with a green background (We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text)	M	Q	6
Australian flag, Ukrainian flag, text "OP KUDU XII" Skippy badge, Classic British landscape (We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text)	M	Q	7
Australian flag Ukraine flag  Skippy Badge  Saint Michael (image supplied) (We can provide the Skippy badge & St Michael image)	M	Q	8
Union Jack background, Australian, Finnish and Ukrainian flag beneath it. Skippy badge text "OP KUDU ROTO XII" (We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text)	M	Q	9
Australian flag at the top  Ukraine Flag underneath  Text "OP KUDU XII 2026" at bottom Delta Reaper (We can provide the reaper image & emb text)	M	Q	10
Skippy Badge Australian flag  Ukraine flag Text "OP KUDU XII Jan - April 2026 " Lords Cricket stadium and any other UK landmarks (London Bridge, castles etc). (We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text)	M	Q	11
Skippy badge Australian flag Delta Reaper Logo Ukraine flag  Mountain range in background (We can provide the Skippy badge & reaper image)	M	Q	12
OP Interflex logo, Australian flag, Eastern European patterns/theme Reaper logo somewhere hidden like Where's Waldo Skippy badge (We can provide the Interflex Logo, reaper & Skippy badge	M	Q	13
Rising Sun, Australian flag Ukraine Flag Ukraine trident ASLAV Text “OP KUDU XII 2026” (We can provide the Rising Sun, emb text & Silhouette of ASLAV to applique)	M	Q	14
Australian flag and Delta reaper side by side at the top, Underneath, Ukraine flag with Text “OP KUDU XII 2026” (We can provide Delta reaper image this can be printed or if keen appliqued, and text as emb)	M	Q	15
Australian and Ukrainian Flag Text “OP KUDU” Snowy forests (We can provide emb text)	M	Q	16
Australian flag Ukraine flag, Text "OP KUDU XII 2026" Ukraine trident (We can provide emb text)	F	Q	17
Skippy badge, Ukraine flag and Australian flag Ukraine trident St Christopher Snow-capped mountains with a tiger, Text "OP KUDU ROT XII "FOUR NINER FOX" 2026" (We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text, St Christopher image)	M	Q	18
Northern Territory theme, NT Flag, Barramundi, Water Buffalo Indigenous Dot/Xray painting. Colours Ochre, white, black	M	Q	19
Nature, bush walking, native flowers, warm tones, outback.	F	Q	20
Beaches, coastal view, Whitsundays. Turquoise, teal, blues with white.	M	Q	21
Colourful tropical birds, such as cockatiels, peach-faces etc., Australian native birds preferred, if possible.	F	LB	22
Australian animal themed, happy with whatever animals the ladies choose.	M	B	23
Queensland Reds themed	M	B	24
Aboriginal inspired design pattern featuring either the outback landscape or stars	M	B	25
My preference for design is something that symbolises Australian unity with Ukraine in their struggle against invasion. Suggested possible symbology below (nothing was found below - emailed member)	M	B	26
Rising Sun, Australian Army history & heritage (not camo patterns), silhouettes, paintings, etc. link to the soldiers of the past in conflicts like WW1 & 2, and other major conflicts of 1900s. (we can provide the Rising Sun)	F	LB	27
Independent & alternative rock music from the 1990s. For example, band album covers, such as Nirvana, NIN Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Radiohead, Silverchair, Powder Finger, etc.	F	LB	28
RAN crest (small), Surfs Up Movie Themed (We can provide the RAN crest)	M	Q	29
Surfs Up Movie Themed	M	B	30
Gym and Hajime no Ippo (Anime/ Manga) Theme. Please also include exactly 1 cup of milk somewhere	M	Q	31
RAAF crest with service details Incorporate a green military tunnel tent (11x11 style), Super hornet and a C-17 Globemaster. Likes flowers, Vintage-country style, Favourite colour is blue. (We can provide RAAF crest)	F	B	32
Lionel Messi (Argentine soccer player - plays for Inter Miami CF) and Lebron James (US Basketball player - LA Lakers team)	M	Q	33
Disney/Pixar Themed	M	Q	34
South Australian Coat of Arms	M	Q	35
XBOX game theme: Tomb Raider/Assassin Creed/cyber punk/Grand Theft Auto	F	Q	36
HMAS Brisbane with ocean themed sea monsters (We can provide the Ships crest, RAN crest & ships silhouette)	M	Q	37
Military Police themed with Explosions	M	Q	38
Dogs (Australian Shepherds and Border Collies)	M	Q	39
Optimus Prime fighting Megatron with Explosions	M	Q	40
Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons.	F	Q	41
HMAS BRISBANE with shark teeth on bow with explosions in background. (We can provide a RAN & ship's crest and a silhouette of the ship)	M	Q	42
The Big Lez Show (Australian comedy cartoon-like web series)	M	Q	43
Dragon Ball Z	M	Q	44
Physical Training Instructor 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	45
F22 Raptor, (fighter jet) Steel Cat (HMAS Brisbane nickname) with Explosions (We can provide ship's silhouette, & RAN & the ships crests)	M	Q	46
The Steel Cat (HMAS Brisbane nickname) with lots of Cats and Explosions (We can supply the photo of the ship and an image/silhouette of HMAS Brisbane)	M	Q	47
Ronnie Coleman (American former Bodybuilder) and body building in general  (images available)	M	Q	48
Liverpool FC (Mo Salah, Virgil, Gerrard, King Kenny)	M	Q	49
Star Trek Deep Space 9	M	Q	50
Surf's up the movie themed	M	Q	51
Greek Themed Food Truck with Explosions	M	Q	52
HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed (We can provide the Brisbane crest, RAN crests & the ships silhouette)	F	Q	53
HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed (We can provide the Brisbane & RAN crests)	M	Q	54
HMAS Brisbane firing Tomahawk Missile with Explosions (We can provide a RAN crest& a silhouette of the ship)	M	Q	55
Melbourne Storm NRL Team	M	Q	56
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs team with NWA artist in a ballerina concert.	M	Q	57
Transformers	M	Q	58
Goat with explosions	M	Q	59
Tanks through the ages	M	Q	60
Fortnight - the game	M	Q	61
Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) themed, Arthur Morgan (main character from RDR2), Red and Black	M	B	62
Running (Road and Trail), Mountains, Camping	M	Q	63
Ocean colours. Great Barrier Reef, Personal cruising boating. CIS Comms logo. Navy White Ensign. (We can provide the CIS Comms badge logo)	M	Q	64
Tropical Sunset, Tropical rainforest	F	Q	65
4WD, Sunrises, Beach, Blue and green.	M	Q	66
Cobra Kai (American Karate drama TV show)	M	LB	67
90's Japanese cars	M	LB	68
The Witcher (Books/Video Game) (My favourite), PlayStation, 4WDing. Predominately blue, silver, or black.	M	LB	69
Retro Arcade	M	LB	70
King Dedede (character from Nintendo's video game 'Kirby') Red, blue, yellow and white coloured theme	M	LB	71
Videogames/Orange/Blue	M	LB	72
Rapper 50 cent	M	LB	73
Doom Eternal Theme (video game)	M	LB	74
Wolverine	M	LB	75
Blink 182 American Rock Band	M	LB	76
Rally Cars / Transformers	M	LB	77
One Piece, Zoro vs King battle	M	LB	78
Navy Crest with personal details incl PM keys Stars, Planets, Globes, Fish, Sea life, Boats Red, white and blue colours (not too modern or cartoonish please)	M	Q	79
Rising Sun with details, Corp Badges for Artillery and Military Police, Army theme Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Maroons (We can provide the Rising Sun and badges)	M	Q	80
Navy themed, with ships and crests from HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06), HMAS Sydney 5 (DDG 42), HMAS Yarra 4 (MHC 87) (We can provide the ships crests)	M	Q	81
Queensland Maroons themed	M	Q	82
Kookaburras and mines	M	B	83
Traditional/neo-traditional tattoo designs  HMAS YARRA (MHC 87) crest (We can provide the crest)	M	Q	84
Australian theme - Beaches, outback, BBQ, larrikin ADF, RAAF crest C17, F/A18 Classic Hornet Hawk 127 (We can provide the RAAF crest)	M	B	85
Random Pokémon themed, include mega Lucario if possible	M	Q	86
Boats and fish (Blue and black coloured)	M	Q	87
Video games, Monster Hunter (Mizutsune), Purple	M	LB	88
Papua New Guinea flag, Spearing, Ocean, Tin Corned beef, Rice, Tomato sauce	M	Q	89
METOC, Snowboarding, Groodle, Ocean, Blue and White, Sydney Roosters	M	B	90
Hydrographer/Survey, Fishing (Barramundi), Blue and white	M	B	91
Rising Sun, RAAF and Navy Crests,  Joint service themed. Hobbies are watching Formula 1, playing golf and Four-wheel Driving. (We can supply the Service crests)	M	B	92
Rising Sun, Army theme, Australian Flag Royal Australian Ordnance Corps Blue colour (We can provide the Rising Sun and Corps badge)	M	Q	93
Navy Crest, Navy themed, job Electronics Technician. Ships : HMAS Adelaide HMAS Torrens HMAS Darwin HMAS Tobruk HMAS Success Shore postings included: HMAS Cerberus (Training Division, where he retired) Melbourne Recruiting Fleet Support Unit West Fleet Support Unit Garden Island Tri-service posting at RAAF Base Laverton, which was a particularly memorable part of career. Passionate Formula 1 fan and a lifelong supporter of the Richmond Tigers AFL Football Club, both of which are important parts of who he is. (We can provide the Navy and ship crests)	M	Q	94
Navy Crest Crests from HMAS Larrakia HMAS Bathurst Nuship Pilbara, Freemasons (Australian) logo. I am a chef, so anything related to cooking will be suitable as a background. (We can provide the Navy Crest, ships crest and Australian Freemason Logo)	M	B	95
Rising Sun Skippy badge Army theme that reflects infantry units 5 RAR, 2 RAR, 5/6 RVR and 6 RAR. (We can provide the Rising sun and unit badges)	M	Q	96
Navy Crest with service details Guided Missile Frigate (FFG) Ships Crests- HMAS Canberra which I served on for 12 years. HMAS Canberra HMAS Melbourne HMAS Adelaide HMAS Sydney Would like crest (For Queen & Country) and image (supplied) of HMAS Canberra (We can provide the Navy Crest with details, ships crests and image of HMAS Canberra)	M	Q	97
Navy Crest Navy theme Nurse Enjoy netball  Favourite colour is pink (We can provide the Navy Crest)	F	Q	98
Rising Sun with details RAAC Corps Badge Army themed please (soldier silhouette / camo / poppies) Loves Dogs (pictures available) "MRTF 1" emb text "MTF 2" emb text (We can provide the Rising Sun, Corp badge, dog images and emb text)	M	Q	99
Rising Sun with details RAAC Corps Badge Army themed please (soldier silhouette / camo / poppies) Loves Dogs (pictures available) AMTG-1 IRAQ (2005) SECDET X IRAQ (2006-7) (We can provide the Rising Sun, Corp badge, deployment details and dogs photos)	M	Q	100