Grati-Wednesday 9th September 2026

     

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Hope you have bought your tickets to our very special 15th Anniversary Thank You Weekend.  Only 39 sleeps till the Saturday night dinner.

Please enjoy another wonderful collection of gratitude letters and images. 

Grab a nice warm cuppa or cold drink (depending on where you live!), sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

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Operation Southern Discovery 2026-2027

This is the third year that AHQ&LB has supported the troops heading to Antarctica on Op Southern Discovery. On Monday 31 August, I attended Anglesea Barracks in Hobart to present some quilts and laundry bags to the first group of expeditioners who are in town for their induction at the Antarctic Division. They will be travelling south later this year, either on the icebreaker or on RAAF supply flights.

The group includes a meteorologist, as they say, no one goes outside until she gives the word; an Army Comms team finalising the installation of a new Comms system; Navy hydrographers; and the RAAF crew assisting with the flights in and out of Wilkins Air Base.

I had to laugh, Hobart has had some sunny, balmy, warm (for us) days recently, but the Queenslanders were feeling the cold – and then two days later, now officially Spring, there’s snow on the mountain! They may need their quilts!

Always a pleasure meeting them and seeing their happy faces.

Anne Hrn

Quilt tops by Bobbie and the Mystery BOMers, quilted and finished by Philomenaa and the Garage Girls

LBs by Clarissa L and Anne H

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Evening Bridget R, 

I wanted to take the time to thank you for the stunning laundry bag you made for me. Everything that you did to make it unique and personalised was spot on and greatly appreciated. There is not another one even close to it, the Commanding Office even commented on how amazing it was. 

A little about myself. I am married with 2 children, 15 and 12, both in high school at in Dundas. My daughter wishes to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a flight attendant with QANTAS and my son is a keen gamer that dreams of becoming a pilot some day also for QANTAS. 

I have served in the Navy for 27 years and have so far made it to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I am currently serving on HMAS Arunta based in Sydney. I am the Catering Manager of a team of 7 chefs as well as the regulator for the Maritime Logistics team onboard consisting of 28 personnel in total. I have attached an image of myself holding the laundry bag along with one of my chefs standing behind the lunch meal we were about to serve. 

I am a passionate sailor and chef that's always seeking to provide the best meals for whichever team and platform I serve on. Over the years I have served 12 ships in the Fleet and hosted countless official receptions and cocktail parties for foreign dignitaries in their countries. 

My family and I have closely followed Aussie Hero Quilts over the years and have met the founder. We were one of the first to donate to her after losing her house years ago. 

Thank you again for all that you do for our serving veterans; your heartfelt quilts and laundry bags are received with much love and appreciation. 

Regards, 

*This photo depicts a typical spread of food on offer during meals times.  It's affectionately called SCRAN, which means Shit Cooked (by) Royal Australian Navy!!!!

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Below are four thank yous from the Chaplain onboard HMAS Stuart for their recently delivery of laundry bags

Dear Sue-Ellen S,

Thank you so much for sending the laundry bags that you made for crew members onboard HMAS Stuart.

The 2 packages of bags arrived recently and the laundry bags will be distributed to some of the crew who have been eagerly waiting their turn.

*It means so much to our members as I explain the thoughts and prayers that go into making these for them.

Unfortunately, we do struggle to get many of them to reply directly to the maker of their bags. (They’re an interesting generation - let me just put it that way…but we love them just the same)

However, I do hope you might hear from them - I certainly remind them to - even if just a txt message and a ‘selfie’, or an email to acknowledge the joy that having one gives them. 

In any case, please be assured of the impact your faithful efforts have had. The bags get used every single day as they collect their washing, and then heavily once a week as they do their own washing and drying in the onboard laundry.

They are all very proud of their respective bags, and often add various patches or badges throughout the course of their deployments and work*.

Kind regards,

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Dear Angela T,

I’m emailing to say a big 'Thank You' for sending the laundry bags that you made for crew members onboard HMAS Stuart.

The bags will be distributed to some of the crew who have been eagerly awaiting their turn since we started distributing them about a month ago.

Author repeated the passages marked by * at the start & end in the above thank you.

It was also wonderful to hear of the rich Defence heritage that you and your husband come from through your family-lines.

Having a son serving so extensively with the Australian Army must be an incredibly proud thing to witness as you have supported him over the years - and continue to support even now.

Your son’s service record to date sounds as though he’s had many amazing experiences, and no doubt challenges, throughout his career - thank you for sharing that with me (it will encourage my wife and I as we support our son, too).

We have a son serving with NSW Police, and now training to be a Detective. Our youngest son is in his second year at ADFA (Canberra) studying Cyber Security, having become a junior Officer in the Navy 3 years ago. 

May you continue to find much joy in your continued service with Twin Towns Services Club - as you look forward to retiring in a few years time.

Kind regards,

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Dear Janice L,

Thank you so much for sending the laundry bags that you made for our crew members onboard HMAS Stuart.

We have been receiving these from people like yourself from all over Australia, and it a thrill to get to know a little about you and your family.

Your husband is an example of someone who has known Defence service for a significant part of his career and has also been able to make the adjustment to ‘civvy-life’ reasonably well.

This will be a real encouragement to those onboard Stuart who receive a laundry bag that you have made!

The bags will be distributed this coming week and it means a lot to our members as I explain the thoughts and prayers that go into making these for each of them.

Author repeated the passages marked by * at the start & end in the above thank you.

May you continue to enjoy being a Grandee and the community involvement with local Park runs, as well as the joy of producing these amazing Laundry Bags for serving members of the RAN.

Kind regards, 

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Dear Jenny R,

Thank you so much for sending the laundry bags that you made for crew members onboard HMAS Stuart.

I have been away on a training course, so returned to my cabin this past week to a list of letters from people like yourself from all over Australia.

Thanks too for the lovely Tim-Tams!  I’ve shared them with the Officers on my deck who were thrilled.

The bags have been distributed to some of the crew who have been eagerly waiting their turn.

It means so much to our members as I explain the thoughts and prayers that go into making these for them.

Author repeated the passages marked by * at the start & end in the above thank you.

They are all very proud of their respective bags, and often add various patches or badges throughout the course of their deployments and work.

Kind regards,

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Hi Steph F,

I just wanted to drop you a heartfelt "thankyou" for the fabulous work you have done on the DCD mat I received last week.

I did find the sweet treats (luckily before my wife did!) so thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. Please don't doubt your sewing abilities - I think they are top shelf and the mat looks awesome. My Assistance Dog Isabel loves her new mat and we'll certainly get a lot of use out of it.

Since Isabel came into my life 18 months ago, everything has improved 100%. I can now confidently go shopping, to the movies, on public transport and even to the AFL, something I was unable to do for a number of years due to PTSD. The work DCD does is absolutely fantastic and they have made such a positive impact on the lives of so many serving and ex-service members and their families.

Thank you so much for volunteering your time and excellent skills to the program and believe me, without people like you we would be in a less happy space!

Kind regards

Isabel's would be one of these Stay Mats send to DCO by Steph earlier this year.

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“I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to you and everyone involved with Aussie Hero Quilts for the handmade laundry bags recently received by our personnel.

 

While a laundry bag may seem like a simple item, it represents something far more significant to those serving far from home. The time, effort, care, and personal touch that go into every bag serve as a tangible reminder that Australians back home are thinking of us and appreciate the service and sacrifices made by ADF members.

 

The bags have been exceptionally well received by our personnel. In an environment where the days can be long and challenging, receiving something handmade and personal provides a welcome boost to morale and reinforces the connection between our deployed members and the community they serve.

 

Your organisation's dedication to supporting serving and former Australian Defence Force members is truly remarkable. The countless hours contributed by you and your volunteers have undoubtedly brought comfort and encouragement to thousands of Australians over the years, and we are proud to be among the many beneficiaries of your generosity.

 

Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers who contributed to this effort. Their craftsmanship, kindness, and commitment are deeply appreciated by every member who received a bag.

 

Thank you for everything you and Aussie Hero Quilts do in support of Australia's servicemen and servicewomen. Your contribution makes a real difference, and it is valued more than words can properly express.”

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G’day Janis K,

 

What a great quilt, I absolutely love it.

 

Thank you for all your hard work. Everything was on point.

 

Your letter was wonderful and painted such a vivid picture of your life and hobbies. It was the first time I had ever heard of Aussie Hero Quilts, and I agree that it is a fantastic organisation. Receiving a quilt has made me feel very lucky. I also received a laundry bag, which has come in very handy.

 

Reading about your background was really touching and made me think of my own family. It reminded me of my mum, who has been knitting Trauma Teddies for the Red Cross for the past 20 years, providing comfort to sick children in hospitals on the Gold Coast.

 

I live in Medowie, which is about 15 km from Newcastle. I have three adult children, two boys and a daughter. I am also lucky enough to have four grandchildren. I joined the RAAF later in life at 34 years old, back in 2009. My role in Defence is an Aircraft Structure Technician. You could think of it like a panel beater in automotive world but for aircraft, and I think you probably have a good idea of my hobbies from the design of the quilt!

 

On a completely different note, I should mention that Canterbury are clearly the greatest team in the NRL, regardless of what the ladder says! I also follow Footscray in the AFL. Some of my best childhood memories are of travelling 17hrs to Melbourne for family holidays and going to Bulldogs games with my grandmother. She was probably Footscray's number one fan, and I reckon that's where my love of sport comes from.

This was my first deployment to a war zone. Thankfully, everything went well and I have now returned home. I am slowly settling back into normal family life.

 

Your quilt will always be a great reminder of what I achieved during the deployment and of the incredible support we receive from people back home.

 

I have already put the quilt to good use. It has been on my side of the bed since I received it this week, this has made my wife giggle. I think she is jealous. I don't think she'll let me keep it there permanently, but I'll certainly keep trying!

 

Thank you again for all the time, effort, and care you put into making the quilt. It is greatly appreciated and will always hold a special meaning for me.

 

Kind regards,

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“A batch of our random laundry bags has arrived with one of the submarines who requested them and it sounds like they hit the mark.

 

Good afternoon Jan-Maree,

I just picked up the parcels with our order, and I would like to thank you and everyone involved for organising and making the laundry bags.

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Good afternoon Angela T,

 

I wanted to thank you for the excellent Dobie bag! I have been meaning to get one since I joined a little over 3 years ago, and finally thanks to you I have one.

 

I also wanted to say thank you to you and your family for the service they have provided our country, both historically and contemporaneously with your son.

 

I hope all is well in in Tweed Heads. I completed medical school at Griffith and did placement at Tweed Heads hospital so I know the area well. Wishing you and your family all the best now, and good luck with your retirement in a couple of years. It sounds like you’ll have a well-earned rest.

 

Kind regards

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Dear Jenny R,

I hope this email finds you well.

I recently received one of the beautiful laundry bags you lovingly made through Aussie Heroes and Quilts. I wanted to take the time to sincerely thank you for both the wonderful gift and the heartfelt letter that accompanied it. (as well as the snacks, my mum and I used to eat them together all the time)

Reading your letter was incredibly touching.

Knowing that someone who has never met me took the time to sew something by hand and write such a personal message meant far more than I can put into words. Your kindness is a wonderful reminder that there are people back home thinking of us and supporting us while we are away. I will certainly treasure and make good use of the laundry bag throughout my time in the Navy.

I was especially moved by the stories you shared about your family's long history of service. The sacrifices made by your Uncle and the many other members of your family who served our country are truly humbling. Thank you for sharing those memories. It is clear that your appreciation for Defence members comes from a place of genuine understanding, and that makes your generosity all the more meaningful.

I could also relate to your family's connection with Defence. My sister serves in the Royal Australian Air Force, so military service is something our family understands and is very proud of. While my journey has only just begun, it is comforting to know I have family who understand the unique experiences that come with serving.

I'm also from Queensland, Ipswich, so it was lovely to read that you're from the Sunshine Coast. There's always something special about hearing from a fellow Queenslander while you're away from home. It made your letter feel even more personal.

This is my first year in the Royal Australian Navy, and although it has been a big adjustment at 19, it has also been an incredibly rewarding experience. Receiving thoughtful gestures like yours reminds me that the work we do is appreciated by people across Australia, and that encouragement means more than you might realise.

Thank you again for your generosity, your service to the Defence community through Aussie Heroes, your time as a nurse, and for the care and time you put into every stitch of the laundry bag.

People like you make a genuine difference to those of us serving, and I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated.

I wish you and your husband all the very best with your travels, your foster dogs, and the many projects you have planned in retirement. I hope you continue to receive many letters from grateful recipients, because your kindness truly deserves to be recognised.

With sincere gratitude,

.

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Good Afternoon Helen W,

 

I am the proud owner for the laundry bag you sewed. Thank you so much for your contribution to Aussie Hero Quilts, seeing the flowers and bright colours on my new laundry bag has put such a smile on my face!

 

I am moved by your letter. Sometimes as a serving member I cannot understand it is hard to understand what my loved ones might be thinking and feeling but hearing your story reminds me that you serve and sacrifice for your country just as much – if not more – then we do. It made me happy to read about your journey with your daughter, I imagine that was quite a powerful thing to do together.

 

I have been serving in the Navy for almost four years now, and have enjoyed it immensely so far. I have spent most of my time in Sydney but have been able to travel to Victoria, Townsville, Cairns, Canberra and the Snowy Monaro during my time.

 

In my spare time I enjoy knitting and am currently knitting a sweater made of Alpaca wool it purchased at the Royal Easter Show (I am not a fast knitter though and I have been working on it for 4 months!). I also like to go rock climbing and horse riding when I have the time.

 

I have two uncles who served in the Royal Army and the Royal Australian Army and a cousin who served 3 tours in Afghanistan with the Royal Australian Army. They inspired me to join the Navy when I finished my university degree.

 

Thank you again for your letter and the laundry bag. It never ceases to amaze me when the community comes together to support us and our families.

 

 

Yours Aye,

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Hello Jan-Maree,

 

I sincerely thank you and Clarissa L making my day. Today I received my very own laundry bag made by Clarissa. I was left absolutely speechless.

I am particularly touched Jan-Maree that you personally went out of your way to make it happen.

It is something that I will cherish for a long time.

 

You and your team are the real hero’s Jan-Maree. What AHQ does for our people is nothing short of amazing.

 

Thank you Jan-Maree and the stars at AHQ.

 

Have a great day

 

Yours Sincerely

 

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Hello Clarissa L,

 

Thank you very much for my laundry bag. It was a fantastic surprise conspired by the lovely Jan-Maree and my CO.

I had a grin ear to ear when I saw all the ships and Units I have served in. The level of detail and care you put into my laundry bag is absolutely outstanding.

I will cherish my bag for a long long time and can’t wait to put to sea and use it.

It will also serve as a conversation piece during those late nights in the laundry.

 

I thank you for continued contribution to service. You, and all at AHQ really do amazing things to support our people.

 

Thank you very much Clarissa, you truly made my day.

 

Yours sincerely

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Dear Jan-Maree and Philomena H

I wanted to sincerely thank you for my Aussie Hero laundry bag presented to me by Pello last week. Receiving your gift was such a lovely surprise, and I am genuinely grateful for your thoughtfulness and all that you do for the Aussie Heroes.

It's a fantastic gift that will be put to good use.

Regards,

 

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Hello Team,

Firstly, a great big thank you for the effort and time your team would have put into my Laundry Bag (made by Ruth S).

Please pass on my gratitude and appreciation to your team from veterans from all services. 

Cheers

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 Hello Jenny N, 

I am writing to thank you for your wonderful laundry bag. I was a lucky recipient of the vibrant chicken number. Very fitting as my family and I dream of one day having our own farm, when we eventually settle in one place! It is beautiful.

Thank you also for sharing your story about your family and connection to Defence. It was lovely to read. 

My husband and I are a dual serving couple. I am a cook in the Reserves and he is in transport full time, both Army. We balance our every day life being parents to two small kids, 5 and 7 now. Our calendar is a nightmare between both of us organising courses and deployments etc trying not to overlap each other. Thankfully our children are such little champions and somehow so far we have made it work. 

Time away is tough though, I have been quietly hoping one day I will receive my own special Aussie Hero bag. But your words of encouragement certainly mean a whole lot more. 

It will be hard not to crack a smile when I'm carrying this beautiful chicken bag around base  I'm sure it will bring a smile to others too! 

Thank you again, 

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Cheers Bel P

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

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