Grati-Wednesday 29th October 2025

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!

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

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Hi Joy H,

 I got back from leave last weekend and upon my return your wonderful quilt and laundry bag were waiting for me here; I love it, and it’s everything I was looking for, so thank you very much! It will make a fantastic heirloom for my family, and in fact I now have two of them (the other one from a previous deployment), so now my two boys (8 & 5) can fight it out over who gets what! I can tell you too, that while it is a lovely quilt, it won’t be going in a glass case – I’ll make sure that it is well used and loved! Probably just as well that my boys are expert cubby builders too.

I think it’s a huge coincidence that you’re from the South Coast of NSW, as I know the area very well – I was posted to HMAS Albatross for two years. Even further back than that, I spent a huge chunk of my life on the south coast, as my Dad built a couple of houses there and lived there until he died last year. So the fact that you’re from such a beautiful part of the world that holds a very special place in my heart is genuinely a lovely coincidence.

Finally, I just wanted to say thank you for the sheer effort that goes into making 269 quilts and 168 laundry bags! That’s obviously a huge chunk of your time over the past 10 years, and I can tell you it’s very much appreciated. The AHQ team are a wonderful little army on the home front, and knowing that we have your support is great for morale. 

Thank you again Joy, your efforts are sincerely appreciated.

 

Cheers

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Hi Heather B,

I just wanted to let you know that the absolutely beautiful quilt you made has arrived safely and been received by the recipient. I delivered it to his home, and he was genuinely amazed and deeply touched.

Although the recipient had heard of Aussie Hero Quilts before, he was completely ‘blown away’ (his words) by the thoughtful and generous gift. The quilt you made for him was so personal and beautifully crafted — truly a work of art.

Thank you so much for the time, care, and love you put into creating such a meaningful masterpiece. I think we all know who the real heroes are — the Aussie Hero Quilters. As Veterans, we don’t seek glory or recognition, but gestures like this mean a great deal. It’s incredibly special to feel appreciated.

With sincere thanks and warm regards,

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Dear Bev F,

 

I have received quilt you made for me.

 

Thank you so much to yourself and Joan B for taking the time to create such a personal piece, I love it and I will treasure it.

 

It was such a touching surprise, I really appreciate the connection to my current job, previous job and the overarching reference to my faith in God, which is at the centre of all I do.

 

Thanks again, and for sharing your story with me. Sounds like you have lived a very blessed life.

 

Kind regards,

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Dear Clarissa L,

This is a short note to thank you for the wonderful gift of the personalised laundry bag. I was truly humbled to receive such a bespoke and thoughtful gift in my 39th year of service. You

are correct, the thrill of flying low-level in a P3 over stormy seas will forever be a key memory of my career.

Thank you for your contribution to the morale and welfare of our Australian service personnel through the quilts and laundry bags. As a commander, I assure you that the recipients of your gifts truly appreciate the work of you, Jan-Maree and all the volunteers.

Once again, my grateful thanks for the gift. I wish you, your family and all the Aussie Hero Quilts volunteers health, safety, happiness and peace. Please give the black lab a scratch behind the ears from me.

Sincerely

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Cheers Catherine D

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

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