06 March 2026

Weekly Dispatch 6th March 2026

 Hello Friday!!!

Another week of Amazing Quilts and Laundry Bags being sent off to our ADF pers!!

I think we can all agree, a great display of quilts and laundry bags, yet again from our amazing volunteers....

Please enjoy!!!

🌟 🌟 🌟

This week we dispatched 14 Quilts which takes our yearly total to 120 and our grand total to 17,710!!

We dispatched 6 Laundry Bags which takes our yearly total to 477 and our grand total is 38,354!!

Also 1 Stay Mat takes our total to 2 this year and grand total of 81!!

Bobbie S with the Mystery BOMers, embroidery by Joan B, quilted by Philomena H

Bridget R

Bridget R

Cheryl F

Deni G and embroidery by Joan B

Ellen N

Heather B and embroidery by Joan B

Heather B

Lisa N

Lyn R

Lynn F, blocks by Dorothy C, quilted by Philomena H, embroidery by Joan B

Marti J

Rachel B

Shirley D

Sue N

Bev U and embroidery by Joan B

Bev U and embroidery by Joan B

Bev U and embroidery by Joan B

Bev U and embroidery by Joan B

Jenny N

Nikki S

Stay Mats are given to recipients with dogs used to put on the floor
to give a dog a place to stay when in various unfamiliar locations

Nikki S
πŸ§΅πŸ¦˜πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸͺ‘

04 March 2026

Grati-Wednesday 4th March 2026

   

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Welcome to the first post for March.  I am sure the years are moving by quicker and quicker these days. Only seemed like it was Christmas a week ago.

There are some awesome letters which definitely pull at the heart strings.  Grab a cuppa or cool drink, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!
***

Good Morning Joy H,

 

I can’t put into words how much receiving this quilt meant to me. It is the only piece of mail I have and will have whilst over here, and knowing it was on its way gave me something to look forward to.

 

The stitching and design are absolutely perfect. I used it on the couch last night and it was genuinely comforting. Thank you for the time, care, and effort you put into creating such a magnificent piece.

 

I know your note said it isn’t intended to be an heirloom, but that is exactly what it will become for me.

  

Warm Regards,

***

Good Morning Joy H,

 

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks for the gorgeous quilt that arrived for me yesterday.

 

The time and care you have placed into creating such a unique and beautiful quilt – that I will keep both as a momento of this operation, but also about my service and the different parts of myself that you have kindly stitched into the fabric.

 

I look forward to it keeping me warm throughout this winter and one day seeing my children bundled up in it.

 

Please see attached the photo with my quilt – the joy on my face! It has without a doubt lifted spirits.

 

Kind regards,


 

***

Dear Janice and Jeff B (and MacTavish)

I can't thank you enough for the Aussie Hero Quilt!! I was seriously knocked over when I pulled it out - a masterpiece!

A bit about me; I have served for 20 years this year, in all places and many roles! But mostly (as now) as an Infantry Officer.  I met my wife in the Army, and we now both serve in Perth, but getting ready for a move to Canberra mid year. We have three little kids (9,7,5 years old), which is why I asked for ANZAC and poppy themes - I hope to give it to them.

For now the quilt decorates my bed in our little camp here, impressing my mates here.  That there are Australians like you and Jeff out there makes me love our country a little more!  My wife also deployed last year and got a quilt too! The world needs more generous and selfless people like you to balance out all the rest!  Hearing about your volunteering humbles me.

Thank you for the quilt and for the amazing service you give to our community.

***

Good afternoon Fiona C,

 

I’ve just received my Quilt and am very happy with it.

 

Thank you very much for the amazing effort!

 

Kind regards,


***

Dear Heather B,

Last week we presented a stay mat to each of our graduating veterans.  As one of our veterans unrolled it for their newly received dog, your letter dropped out.  We read it to the entire team and graduating veterans.  Thank you for your lovely and touching words.

These mats aren’t just something for our dogs to sit on — they give our dogs a clear place, a sense of routine, and comfort when they’re out supporting those who serve and their families. They help our dogs do their job calmly and confidently. That, in turn, helps the people they’re there to support feel safe and at ease.

Your kindness ripples further than you may ever see — through the handlers, the families, and every interaction where a calm dog makes all the difference.

Thank you for being such an important part of what we do. We are truly grateful.

I have attached a photo for you.

With heartfelt thanks πŸΎπŸ₯°  ,



***
Cheers Bel P

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

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

03 March 2026

Request List 3 March 26

Hi all

On the request list this week you will see at number 1 a request for service specific laundry bags. At headquarters we keep a small supply of the three services’ laundry bags with crests for when the need arises. Our supplies are low or nil. So, the call is going out if you would like to make random Navy, Army and/ Air Force themed laundry bags.

If you would like to make one or more, please get in touch. We will send you with the crests. We are not asking for anyone to make ten of one service. We need ten in total for each service. We have many keen laundry bag makers, so these may be snapped up by those who get in early.

 

PRIORITIES

Requests number 1 LB see above

2-36 are on deployment. Listed in order of priority. 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 7 April 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

I keep a stash of random gender-neutral military themed LBs with service crests on them for all three services.  Now I have NO Army bags with Rising Suns on them, but I also need more of the RAAF and RAN bags. I use these for members in hospital or compassionate need or other special purpose.  Storage is limited but 10 of each would be great. If you would like to make one or more of these please let me know. These need to be posted to Headquarters AHQ.  We will send you the appropriate crest.

M

LB

1

Rising Sun, Army, ACT Brumbies fan, Harry Potter
(We can supply the Rising Sun)

M

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

Australian flag,
Ukrainian flag,
text "OP KUDU XII"
Skippy badge,
Classic British landscape
(We can provide the Skippy badge, emb text)

M

Q

4

OP Interflex logo,
Australian flag,
Eastern European patterns/theme
Skippy Badge
Reaper logo small somewhere hidden like Where's Wally
(We can provide the Interflex Logo, reaper & Skippy badge

M

Q

5

Tudor Rose Emblem (can provide copy of Tudor Rose for applique)
Ukraine Flag
Southern Cross overlaid on Ukraine Flag (OR Australian Flag)
Ukraine Trident
Text “OPERATION KUDU XII”
(We can provide copy of Tudor Rose and text emb)

M

Q

6

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

7

Operation Mazurka, 2026, Egypt, pyramids, sandy colour theme, Aussie Flag, Red kangaroo emblem

M

B

8

RAN crest (small)
Surfs Up Movie Themed
(We can provide the RAN crest)

M

Q

9

Rising Sun, Australian Flag, Ukraine Flag, Ukraine Trident, the motto "Glory to Ukraine" in the Ukrainian language
(We can provide the Rising Sun and Ukraine Trident and can have the text embroidered.) 
He has chosen the above because he wants to honour the Australian Unity with Ukraine during their fight against invasion.

M

B

10

Queensland Reds themed

M

B

11

Dark Blue, AFL (Port Adelaide), Cavalry Light horseman, Australia

M

B

12

Desert/Egypt Theme, Pyramid, camel, beige colours

F

Q

13

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

14

Rising Sun
AAAVN Corp badge
Army themed
Toned down background
Long-haired Jack Russel dogs
Red macaw
Yellow-naped amazon parrots
(We can provide the Rising Sun, Corp badge and images of members dog and birds)

M

B

15

Rasta colour scheme (green, yellow and red )
Black silhouette of a camel (camels are one-humped here - very important!) and date palm on desert background

M

Q

16

RAAF Crest
RAAF (F-35),
Surfing/Ocean Australian Nature/wildlife
1 or 2 Barnacles (for my partner)
Auora Australis

M

B

17

Rising Sun
RAAOC Corps Badge 
Army Themed
(We can provide the Rising Sun & RAAOC Corps badge)

M

Q

18

RAAF Crest
Air Force theme with Fast jets like F/A-18F Super Hornets
(We can provide the RAAF Crest - and silhouette of Super Hornet if needed)

M

B

19

Indigenous artwork patterns in warm/rich earthy tones (warm/dark reds, browns, dark oranges, dark purples, blue)

F

LB

20

AFL Collingwood themed, Black and White stripes with logo if possible

M

Q

21

Blue theme, red poppies, Australian flag and kangaroos!

F

LB

22

Colours: bluey-green, yellow Theme: chickens

F

B

23

Quilt - Green, ANZAC, Army, Poppies, Rising Sun. Also, if you can fit in the Sydney Roosters, that would be awesome.  If you could include the on the quilt - RSM AUSCON - Rotation 59A OP MAZURKA 2026

M

B

24

Tri Service Themed (Navy/Army/RAAF), include submarines, tanks & jets.
Multinational Force & Observers logo with details

M

B

25

Air Force themed. Blues and blacks with hints of red. With the words below on it. JORDAN MFO EGYPT 2026

M

B

26

Navy Blue and white. AFL Carlton Football Club theme.

M

Q

27

1 RAR/Infantry/ Skippy badge/Army/ ANZAC Themed quilt

M

Q

28

Green, ANZAC, Army, Poppies, Rising Sun. Also, if you can fit in the Sydney Roosters, that would be awesome.  If you could include the on the quilt - RSM AUSCON - Rotation 59A OP MAZURKA 2026

M

B

29

Star Wars, the empire, Darth Vader

M

B

30

Star Wars, Rebels, Yoda

M

B

31

Air Force themed. Blues and blacks with hints of red. With deployment details.

M

B

32

Army Aviation theme(helicopters)/ANZAC theme/Egypt

M

B

32

Blue -Horses, CrossFit, Dog (Black, Shepard), Mountain climbing and biking, running, beach, sky diving

M

Q

33

Blue colours, diving in the ocean, pyramids and coffee

M

B

34

ANZAC Themed

M

LB

35

Dark blue bag with Airfield Engineering Wombat Logo in middle (supplied) alongside HQME logo.
Text "OP ACCORDION 2026" at the bottom.
(we can supply the two logos {and text if required})

M

LB

36

Nuclear Symbol
American Eagle
Blue and white or even Blue white and red in colour

M

B

37

Green, Running, English and Australian Flags

M

LB

38

RAAF / ANZAC themed with a bit of a Port Adelaide Footy touch to it if possible, please 

F

Q

39

Cartoon like pictures of Frozen and Shrek

M

B

40

Anything Red Bull
Formula 1 or MotoGP
I absolutely love CATS lol.

M

B

41

Black background with grey submarine silhouette
Red kangaroo symbol in the middle and Southern Cross stars in rings in white.  (image available of design)

M

B

42

Beach
Kangaroo
Australian landmarks

M

B

43

Poppies at sunset theme
Sunset for me is the best time of day, the most reflective to be thankful.

F

Q

44

Navy Crest
Navy Theme
Colours Red, White and Blue
Naval Police Coxswain  & Marine Technician (Electrical) badges
Deployments
Op ACCORDION
Op HIGHROAD
Op SAMOA ASSIST
Op RESOLUTE
Op CELESTA 
Op RELEX II 

Ships/Establishments served on
HMAS Cerberus
Fleet Support Unit - Sydney
HMAS Success
HMAS Arunta
HMAS Tobruk
HMAS Kuttabul 

Exchange postings in United Kingdom & Honolulu, United States.
(We can provide Navy Crest & list of Deployments, can provide ship/establishment crests)

F

Q

45

Fortnight - the game

M

Q

46

Gym and Hajime no Ippo (Anime/ Manga) Theme.
Please also include exactly 1 cup of milk somewhere

M

Q

47

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

M

Q

48

XBOX game theme: Tomb Raider/Assassin Creed/cyber punk/Grand Theft Auto

F

Q

49

HMAS Brisbane with ocean themed sea monsters
(We can provide the Ships crest, RAN crest & ships silhouette)

M

Q

50

Military Police themed with Explosions

M

Q

51

Optimus Prime fighting Megatron with Explosions

M

Q

52

Legend of Zelda,
PokΓ©mon,
Harry Potter,
Dungeons and Dragons.

F

Q

53

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

M

Q

54

Dragon Ball Z

M

Q

55

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

56

Ronnie Coleman (American former Bodybuilder) and body building in general
 (images available)

M

Q

57

Liverpool FC (Mo Salah, Virgil, Gerrard, King Kenny)

M

Q

58

Star Trek Deep Space 9

M

Q

59

Surf's up the movie themed

M

Q

60

Greek Themed Food Truck with Explosions

M

Q

61

HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed
(We can provide the Brisbane crest, RAN crests & the ships silhouette)

F

Q

62

HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed
(We can provide the Brisbane & RAN crests)

M

Q

63

Melbourne Storm NRL Team

M

Q

64

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs team with NWA artist in a ballerina concert.

M

Q

65

Transformers

M

Q

66

Goat with explosions

M

Q

67

Tanks through the ages

M

Q

68

Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) themed,
Arthur Morgan (main character from RDR2),
Red and Black

M

B

69

Hydrographer/Survey,
Fishing (Barramundi),
Blue and white

M

B

70

Running (Road and Trail),
Mountains,
Camping

M

Q

71

Video games, Monster Hunter (Mizutsune), Purple

M

LB

72

Ocean colours.
Great Barrier Reef, Personal cruising boating.
CIS Comms logo.
Navy White Ensign.
(We can provide the CIS Comms badge logo)

M

B

73

METOC,
Snowboarding,
Groodle,
Ocean, Blue and White,
Sydney Roosters 

M

B

74

Tropical Sunset,
Tropical rainforest

F

Q

75

4WD,
Sunrises,
Beach,
Blue and green.

M

Q

76

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

Q

77

Cobra Kai (American Karate drama TV show)

M

LB

78

The Witcher (Books/Video Game) (My favourite), PlayStation, 4WDing.
Predominately blue, silver, or black.

M

LB

79

Retro Arcade

M

LB

80

King Dedede (character from Nintendo's video game 'Kirby')
Red, blue, yellow and white coloured theme

M

LB

81

Videogames/Orange/Blue

M

LB

82

Rapper 50 cent

M

LB

83

Doom Eternal Theme (video game)

M

LB

84

Wolverine

M

LB

85

Blink 182 American Rock Band

M

LB

86

One Piece, Zoro vs King battle

M

LB

87

Queensland Maroons themed

M

Q

88

Kookaburras and mines

M

Q

89

Random PokΓ©mon themed, include mega Lucario if possible

M

Q

90

Boats and fish
(Blue and black coloured)

M

Q

91

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

92

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

93

Navy Crest with service details
Guided Missile Frigate (FFG)
Ships Crests-
HMAS Canberra which I served on for 12 years.
HMAS Melbourne
HMAS Adelaide
HMAS Sydney
Would like crest of HMAS Canberra and image (supplied)

(We can provide the Navy Crest with details, ship's crests and image of HMAS Canberra)

M

Q

94

RAAF crest
RAAF themed
Fighter Jets.

F

Q

95

Rising Sun
Royal Australian Infantry Corp Badge
Royal Australian Regiment badge
Australian flag and New Zealand flag (Was born in New Zealand so it would be great to include a little NZ touch if possible)
(We can provide the Rising sun and Corp badges)

M

Q

96

RAN Crest with service details
Radio Operator badge
Interests - piano, singing, angels, gardening, baking, cross stitch/crafts
- outdoors (country & beach), sunsets
Favourite colours: pink, aqua
(We can provide an embroidered RAN Crest with service details and RO badge)

F

Q

97

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

98

Navy Crest
Colour red
Border collies
Australian flora
(We can provide the Navy crest and image of border collie)

F

Q

99

Traditional/neo-traditional tattoo designs 
HMAS YARRA (MHC 87) crest
(We can provide the crest)

M

Q

100