A bumper crop of tales and photos for you this week. Enjoy!
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This wonderful fellow is a great example of the
relationships that can develop with our recipients. Even whilst serving in the
Navy, Crystal, was a staunch supporter of our organisation, and that
relationship continues now that he is retired. This year Crystal has provided
two beautiful time pieces to be auctioned during our dinner. We are so grateful
to have his support and especially his friendship.
“What AHQ Means to Me
My Introduction to AHQ
I met Jan-Maree in 2016, not long after her devastating
house fire. Before I met her personally, Jan-Maree had already met some of my
staff after I asked them to seek her advice on using a sewing machine to make a
canopy for a dessert bar. She invited them to her home to learn sewing skills
and meet the sewing ladies, and this soon became a regular activity while I was
posted to HMAS Watson.
The Impact of the Laundry Bags
Not long after, I was posted to HMAS Canberra as we prepared
for an overseas deployment. A truckload of Aussie Hero Laundry Bags was
provided to the ship’s company. It was a fantastic initiative, as we could
finally identify our own laundry bags with ease.
Supporting the Charity
Over the years, I have attended charity dinners and assisted
with preparations. During COVID-19, a work colleague and I designed and made
the well-known miniature bed centrepieces used on tables. I have also had the
honor of presenting quilts and laundry bags to a number of recipients.
AHQ does an outstanding job of making people feel valued and
supported, often during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Jan-Maree Ball, the sewing ladies, and the many volunteers do remarkable work,
and I feel privileged to help whenever and wherever I can.
I wish Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags a very happy 15th
Anniversary.
Crystal Clear – Rtd, CPO RAN"
"A Personal Connection
In 2023, my son, Scott Clear (Crystal), told me that Aussie Hero Quilts would be sending a small quilt to my wife, who was receiving palliative care at home. It was a beautiful and thoughtful gesture that brought her comfort while resting in her recliner and later during her final days in the palliative care ward.
In May 2024, I was presented with my own personally designed Aussie Hero Quilt by my son at the Anglesea Barracks Sergeants’ Mess. It was a deeply meaningful moment for me and my family.
Well done on your 15th Anniversary.
Jack Clear"
Rtd, WO1 ARA"
“Why do I sew for Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags?
I served as an Army Reservist for 12 years while working in
a full time job. Later I studied full
time to complete a Social Work Degree and complete Mental Health
Accreditation.
Towards the end of my career I was employed by Veterans
Affairs in the role of Counsellor at Open Arms.
While I was at Open Arms, I saw an article in our online
newsletter about the work that AHQ does for Defence Force Personnel.
I phoned the contact number, spoke with Jan-Maree and the
journey began. Over the past four years,
I have made 90 laundry bags and 58 quilts.
I have loved making every one of them.
I enjoy creating the
Recipients wishes into a fabric design.
Before I send them off to their forever homes, I hug them and wish them
good speed through the postal system to their destinations.”
“To the wonderful team at Aussie Hero Quilts,
I want to say a heartfelt thank you for the incredible gifts
you’ve given me over the years. I received my first quilt and laundry bag while
deployed on HMAS Toowoomba in 2013, and my second quilt upon retiring in 2024.
Both arrived at moments when I needed a reminder that service is seen, valued,
and appreciated.
Across nearly 45 years in uniform — serving two Monarchs,
two countries, and countless sailors — your quilts stand out as some of the
most meaningful tokens I’ve ever received. They carry warmth, pride, and
genuine care stitched into every panel.
It’s also been a pleasure to contribute wildlife photos for
use in other quilts. Knowing that my images have become part of the comfort you
provide to others is something I’m truly proud of.
Thank you for everything you do. Your kindness reaches far
beyond the quilts themselves.
A personal message from my family: Carole, Kotis, and Kaleb
want you to know how much your quilts have meant to them as well. They’ve seen
firsthand the long years of service, the sacrifices, and the weight that comes
with a life in uniform — and they’ve seen the comfort your quilts brought into
our home. To them, your work isn’t just a gift to the veteran, but to the whole
family who stands behind him. They are deeply grateful for the love, care, and
honour you’ve shown us.”
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These three ladies, Hilary, Karen and Karina, are relatively new members of the group called “The
Garage Girls” and they meet at my home most Fridays. They really are unsung heroes
because they complete all sorts of behind the scenes tasks as well as taking on
quilts and laundry bag requests themselves.
Hilary
I heard of AHQ when I saw a segment on Better Homes and
Gardens. However I was working full time at that stage. Some years later JM
gave a presentation at a Trefoil group and I was very impressed by the effort
that went into making personalised quilts and laundry bags. It’s so nice when
you are a quilter to be asked to make a quilt as it is a very contagious hobby.
You can only make so many quilts for family and friends! The quilts are great mementos of some of their military
service, and the laundry bags are also a very practical part of their kit. We
are always inspired by the stories that we hear and proud to be part of the
team
My friend Hillary introduced me to Aussie Hero Quilts last
year. I was intrigued by the idea that service men and women could be supported
in a similar way that they were during WW1 and WW2. My mum spoke about sending
packages to her father who was a career soldier up until the Korean War. My dad
and my other grandfather also served.
The stories of the quilts' recipients are heart warming. It
is great to be a part of a community, doing something worthwhile and as a bonus
I am learning new tricks and techniques all the time.
I joined Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags through word of
mouth because I wanted to use my sewing skills to give back to Australian
Defence Force members and veterans. Knowing that a handmade quilt or laundry
bag can bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that someone appreciates
their service makes volunteering incredibly rewarding. Being part of such a
caring and supportive community has made the experience even more meaningful.
The group uses a wide variety of sewing skills that have broadened my skills
set, this makes me more determined to give my best. I am a busy Grandmother of
3 grandchildren and have the time to produce a handful of quilts and many
Laundry bags during the short time I have been a member of this dedicated group
.
Many thanks for the opportunity
“Thank you so much for asking me to be a part of this. When
I was wounded in 2010, in Afghanistan, I was saddened that when I was in
hospital in Germany, I was given a quilt made by the Americans and I was given
nothing by any Australian organisation. It seemed to me as if we weren’t
looking after our wounded as well as the Americans were.
So when Jan-Maree contacted me and organised me a quilt and
a laundry bag, it made me very excited.
I have always loved the one the Americans gave me and it has
had a place on my bed since I was wounded in 2010, however;
I have my Australian one proudly displayed in my home for
all to see. I appreciate everything that you do Jan-Maree and I thank you for
organising me such a beautiful quilt.”
#Aussieheroquilts #AusAirForce #AusArmy #AusNavy
#15yearsofcaringforourADF
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