Request List 9 October 2023

G’day all,

Oh my goodness, the weeks are flying by.  Less than two weeks til our weekend in Canberra now.

Our Raffle is now online so head over to our Website if you would like to buy some tickets. https://aussieheroquilts.org.au/ahq-raffle  Tickets are $5.00 each or you can purchase 3 for $10.00 or 8 for $20.00.

Tickets purchased online will be randomly issued to you and you will be notified via email of the numbers that you have been allocated.

Spaces for Afternoon Tea at Government House are all gone and if you are going you should have received an email from me arranging carpooling. Please let me know if you can fit someone in your car or if you need a lift.

Tickets are still available for the Volunteers’ Gathering at ADFA on the Friday night but sales close at lunch time on Thursday 12^th. I am really pleased to be able to confirm that our guest speaker is Prof Annette Gero, author of Wartime Quilts. This is a really special event. I have a surprise or two planned for the night as well.

You can still book in for the Bus Trip and also for the dinner but all sales close Saturday 14 October.

Make sure you don’t miss out.

Priority Requests

Huge thanks go to those that took on the Priority Requests from last week. Requests 1-4 inclusive are all for folks who are deployed and who will be deployed until after Christmas. I would really like their quilts and bags to arrive with them before Christmas.  If you can help please email me!  

Laundry bags

Again, there are not a lot of LB requests on the list this week.  I am again hoping there will be more to come next week but everyone is busy so it is not always easy to get the details as soon as I would like. If you would still like to make a bag or two this week we do need some for the next round of soldiers headed to Malaysia for their three month Rifle Company Training.

Here is the request list for this week. Happy hunting. I hope you can find something that tickles your fancy.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 13 November 2023 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 PMKEYS number given you in any correspondence with the admin team.  This helps the volunteer admin team keep a track of what’s been sent etc.  The PMKEYS number is included in the address details we supply for your recipient e.g.  the 7-digit number in bold below. 

CPL Wanda Quilt 8765432 

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 and PMKEYS 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 a 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

Laundry bags are needed for the latest group of infantry soldiers in Malaysia You need to pay the postage to Sydney, whatever that rate is from your location, plus you need to add a customs form.  If your parcel is over 2kg you will need the large customs form.	M	LB	0
Maroon coloured quilt with Brisbane Broncos (NRL) and Brisbane Lions (AFL) with GO BRISBANE at the top	M	Q	1
Music - Guitar, Vocals Sport  - Ice hockey Outdoor - Fishing, camping, hiking	M	Q	2
Charcoal Gray, German Shepherds and Geese.	M	B	3
Corgis in a Royal Theme	M	Q	4
Brisbane Broncos (NRL) or Birds	M	Q	5
Newcastle Knights, Beach, Tooheys New,  Cricket Boxing. Please include RAN Communications Rate Badge. (we can provide image of Rate badge on fabric)	M	Q	7
TV Show – Stranger things	F	Q	8
Quilt - Melbourne Storm	M	Q	9
Star Wars , NFL (USA National Football League)	M	Q	10
Green/Black, North QLD Cowboys (rugby league team), Lord of the Rings	M	Q	11
RAAF Crest, 34 SQN crest with text 34SQN aircraft BBJ (737 Boeing Business Jet) FALCON 7X (we supply Crests and text and a silhouette of the aircraft for applique or a photo to piece in)	M	Q	12
AFL(Carlton Blues) / Navy theme RAN crest (We can provide the RAN crest)	M	Q	13
RAAF Crest, 34 SQN crest, with text 34SQN RAAF Flying/Aircraft, theme. aircraft BBJ (737 Boeing Business Jet) FALCON 7X Dark blue or khaki colour (we supply Crest and text plus silhouettes of aircraft or printed pictures to include)	M	Q	14
Snow skiing, running & Siamese cats.  Text MLO Sydney on quilt somewhere.	F	Q	15
Star Wars the clone wars (Cartoon TV Show)	M	Q	17
Navy crest Port Adelaide AFL supporter (we can provide the crest)	M	Q	18
Navy Themed RAN Crest HMAS Armidale crest, side number 83 HMAS Stalwart crest, side number 304  Blue/White (we can provide Navy crest and ship crests)	M	Q	19
Anime themed - naruto, dragon ball z and demon slayer	M	Q	20
Dragonball super, Lord of the rings, Jedi from starwars	M	B	21
Kraken (from Pirates of the Caribbean) /Sea Monster themed	M	B	22
Tennis, Triathlon or Racing cars would like first name on bag, (Can have first name embroidered on to a patch to be sewn on.)	M	Q	23
Collage of Vintage military Pin-up girls/Poster Art &/Or Military Pop Art (Aircrew themed with Aircraft)	F	LB	24
Australian flag and 3RAR parawings (We can provide the parawings)	M	Q	25
Green, Skiing, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cheese, Lord of the Rings	M	LB	26
Slaves to Darkness (Age of Sigmar,Warhammer)	M	LB	27
Black/White -  Big wheels - White Nissan Patrol	M	LB	28
Rising Sun, RAAF crest Operation Okra Sep 2014 - Jan 2015 Army/RAAF theme Loves all US sports and the USA (We can provide the Risign Sun and RAAF crest and can have the text embroidered)	M	Q	29
RAAF Crest , flying theme, C130H, C-27J, Boeing Business Jet and Falcon 7X. Preference is for mostly shades of Dark Blues and Greys with White highlights.  (we can provide the crest and aircraft silhouettes for applique or photos to include )	M	Q	30
RAAF Crest - RAAF Flying Theme - Falcon 7X themed  (we can provide the crest and  and aircraft silhouettes for applique)	M	Q	31
Blue Rugby QLD Reds – Union Rugby International - Ireland Dog Kelpie	M	Q	32
Blue Hobbie/s: Renewable energy – solar panels – bicycles converted to electric bikes Two White bichons	M	Q	33
Blue Plants, Outdoors, Ocean, mountains etc. Loves the tropics dog (Old English sheep dog X Poodle black and white and has a long coat)	F	Q	34
RAAF Crest, RAAF Flying Theme, loves all RAAF aircraft (including 34SQN F7X and BBJ) (we can provide the crest and aircraft silhouettes for applique or photos to include)	M	Q	35
Air Mobility Group Aircraft (C17A, C-130J-30 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Tanker, 737 Boeing Business Jet, KA350 King Air & Dassault Falcon 7X - (We can provide  and aircraft silhouettes for applique or photos to include)	F	Q	36
Navy blue, Shaun the sheep, The Wiggles, Dinosaurs	M	Q	37
Blue/Purple/Red, Comics, Travelling, Camping and Beers	F	Q	38
Blue, Rugby Union, Exeter Chiefs (UK Rugby Union Team), NSW Waratahs.	M	Q	39
"Magic the Gathering" - Lord of the Rings themed	M	Q	40
Green, Skiing, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cheese, Lord of the Rings	M	Q	41
Bright Fluro Colors, Outdoors, Camping, Nautical, 4WDing	M	Q	42
Any Blue/ Sharks and more sharks or (NRL Team Sharks)	M	Q	43
Blue/white- Canterbury Bulldogs, cricket, outdoors	M	Q	44
Navy Crest with personal details under it. HMAS ANZAC crest USA flag Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer (WEEO) badge ANZACs, Gallipoli, electrical bolts traditional colours for a Weapons Electrical Officer is green within the gold stripes, (We can provide the Navy crest, HMAS ANZAC Crest, the WEEO Badge and a small US flag).	M	Q	45
Red/Orange, Miami Heat Basketball, Flames, Fire.	M	Q	46
Turtles / Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch)	M	Q	47
Slaves to Darkness (Age of Sigmar,Warhammer)	M	Q	48
Blue, Soccer, Surf, Mountains.	M	Q	49
Ocean, Moana themed MAUI	M	Q	50
Toy Story	F	Q	51
South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL	M	Q	52
Stoker (Marine Technician) & Beer themed, Purple and Black as primary colours.  (A propellor is always a good representation of a Stoker. I can send you the image for applique)	M	Q	53
Pirates Of The Caribbean Themed	M	Q	54
Adelaide Crows themed (AFL)	M	Q	55
Black/White -  Big wheels - White Nissan Patrol	M	Q	56
Sydney Roosters NRL Team	M	Q	57
Parramatta Eels NRL team	M	Q	58
Crossing the line, Neptune, Golden Shellback Turtles, Black Bears,	M	Q	59
South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL	M	Q	60
Rising Sun and RAN crests with personal details Rabbitohs (We can provide the crests embroidered with details)	M	Q	61
RAAF Crest with personal details 295 SQN Crest and colourings (royal blue, sky blue and a touch of pink) (we can provide the crests and text)	F	Q	62
Blue, Capybara (Large rodent), Cronulla Sharks	M	Q	63
Red, Fast and the Furious (movies) cars	M	Q	64
Purple, Western Bulldogs	M	Q	65
Black, Dogs, Fish, Cats	F	Q	66
Dark Purple and Gold, HMAS Toowoomba (we can supply the crest)	M	Q	66
Black and Blue, Anime [My Hero Academia & character Mirio (Le Million)]	M	Q	67
Red and Blue, Capybara (large rodent), Melbourne Demons	M	Q	68
RAAF crest with personal details, Richmond Tigers RAAF crest,  small pink ribbon on the back next to the label. (we can have the crest and the pink ribbon embroidered)	M	Q	69
Dark Green, Mountains, Fjords	M	Q	70
RAN Crest with details. Boatswains Mate badge. Aboriginal Flag and indigenous patterns. Likes Blue, Red, Green & Yellow. Other likes include Ocean/Nautical tall ships, octopus & jellyfish. Mountain biking & cycling/hiking trees or forest, Soccer (Matilda's), Harry Potter, Bluey, Scottish kilt pattern as plays the bagpipes & QLD State of Origin.  (we can supply the Crest as an embroidery with details and BM badge as an image)	F	B	71
Boatswain symbol, or Australian white ensign with my nick name at the bottom (we can provide a white ensign and the Boatswain symbol can be printed if not appliqued)	M	Q	72
Rising Sun with personal details, HQME patch. Middle East Style theme in colours of HQME patch (yellow, light blue, Red & royal blue) (we can supply to  Rising sun as embroidery with text and image of HQME patch)	M	B	73
Red and Black, Liverpool Football Club (soccer), LA Lakers (US National Basketball Association)	M	Q	74
Navy Blue, Motor Bikes, Kite Surfing, 4WD	M	Q	75
Purple, Melbourne Storm, Lightning Bolts	M	Q	76
Blue, Star Wars	M	Q	77
Blue, Surfing, 4WD, Music	M	Q	78
Blue, Sydney Roosters	M	Q	79
Black and Silver, Spartans and Samurai	M	Q	80
Laundry Bag - Tigers and Jungle Print	F	LB	81
Quilt - Ocean themed, watercolours, Blues, Coral, Underwater	F	LB	82
Laundry Bag - Surfing Theme	M	LB	83
Quilt - Boys Kids Design (Trucks, Monster Trucks, Escavators etc	M	LB	84
Naval Aircraft, Helicopters. Favourite colour is blue	M	LB	86
4x4 Driving Theme	M	LB	87
Wallabies (Rugby Team)	M	LB	88
Hawthorn Football Club (AFL) theme	M	LB	89
Plant/Flora theme	F	LB	90
Tree of Life in a circle, with the word "Ironwood" above or below the circle	M	LB	91

I MET AN AUSSIE HERO

I missed the post on Friday lucky for me the recipient lived in my city enabling me to deliver the quilt I had created for Invictus Team Member Danielle –you may remember the Aussie Invictus Team Member who mentioned Aussie Hero Quilts in her acceptance of a yellow respect ribbon presented to all participants at the conclusion of the Games.

I was very excited and a little nervous to meet her, not only did she serve our country but was also selected as an Invictus 2023 Team Member.  This made her a recipient of an AHQ Laundry Bag and Quilt, and I was lucky enough to be selected to make both for her.

Dani met me at the door proudly wearing her Invictus Team uniform and was followed closely behind by her beautiful Assistance Dog Poppy, and her adorable Border Collie Miah.  Dani’s husband and son were there, and I was invited to look at the most amazing display of Invictus memorabilia.  The first item I held in my hand was the Bronze Medal!!!! The second was the  Yellow Respect Ribbon signed by hundreds, a collection of pins from other competing countries along with the leather gloves Dani wore during her wheelchair events.  There were so many items to look at I had to keep telling myself (don’t touch!!).

We moved outside to a picturesque back yard where we could take photos.  I met her cat – the owner of a small fishing boat that sat proudly under the pergola. (Funny cat.)

So many wonderful first experiences:

1.       I met the recipient of an Aussie Hero Quilt and laundry bag I created for them.

2.       I met an Invictus Team Member and in uniform (that was a real blast).

3.       I held in my hands an Invictus Bronze Medal!! (WOW)

4.       I had a photo taken with an Aussie Hero holding her AHQ and her assistance dog Poppy featured next to the Laundry Bag that Dani took onboard her flight to Dusseldorf which carried a change of clothes and a blanket – I thought that was a very cool use of the laundry bag.

These amazing firsts weren’t the only first in this journey.  For all you Aussie Hero Quilters out there, I had a huge first when I made the quilt – I free motion quilted stippling around the map of Germany.  Its not in my DNA to stipple, its too random and I actually find it quite scary, but……….. I figured if Dani could serve our country, represent Australia at the Invictus Games, then surely I could face the fear of random stippling and I did……………………………. Phew – Thanks Dani 😊

This was by far the most rewarding experience for me as a member of Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags.

Happy Stippling!!

Cheers, Deb K

Weekly Dispatch 6th October 2023

 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 3 Quilts which takes our yearly total to 667 and our grand total to 15,846!!

We dispatched 9 Laundry Bags which takes our yearly total to 1177 and our grand total is 33,913!!

Bevery U

Cheryl F

Ann S

Belinda P, embroidery Sandra P

Cheryl F

Lois S

Marilyn S

Pennie T

Emma G

Shirley D

Toni T

Toni T

🧵🦘🇦🇺🪡

The Aussie Hero Quilts Annual Thank You Dinner - Tickets are still available but only just... don't miss out.

The Aussie Hero Quilt Annual Thank You Dinner is getting so close now. 

Date: 21 October 2023

Time: 1830 – 2230h

Venue: The Rex Hotel, Canberra.

This is our once a year opportunity for our wonderful volunteers to come to Canberra and meet other volunteers as well as recipients. We would love you to join us. 

The dinner provides an opportunity for our quilt and laundry bag recipients to recognise and personally thank our exceptional volunteers for donating their time, materials, energy, love and enthusiasm.

After over a decade, we know the beautiful hand-made quilts and laundry bags produced by our volunteers make such a difference to our service men and women on deployment and here in Australia.

This invitation is open to all volunteers, of course, but also to recipients of quilts and bags, anyone who supports us and anyone who wants to know more about what we do. 

Tickets are available from Trybooking but don't delay too long as we must finalise numbers soon. 

Click here to buy your tickets.

Come along and join us for a very special night. 

Till next time, 

Jan-Maree xx

Raffle Tickets on Sale now....

G’day all,

Woo hoo. Just over two weeks til the dinner.

I am delighted to tell you that our Raffle tickets are now on sale online via our Website. To go to the Website just click here. 

There are lots of fantastic prizes on offer.  You can now see photos of all the prizes on our website and I might even add one or two as we are given more prizes. 

Personally, I love the fact that many of our prizes have been made by volunteers, or recipients or long time friends of AHQ like Carole and Caroline.  That makes each of them really special. 

All proceeds will help Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) continue supporting our amazing service members. 

Tickets are $5.00 each or you can purchase 3 for $10.00 or 8 for $20.00.

Tickets purchased online will be randomly issued to you and you will be notified via email of the numbers that you have been allocated.

Again, you can purchase tickets on our website by going to this link to view the prizes and make your purchases.  

This is a great way to support Aussie Heros and to be involved with the fun of the dinner even if you can't attend on the night. 

This quilt is called ‘Unity’

It was made by Marianne Roberts,

and the design is by

Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com

This quilt is called "Victoria's Garden". 

It was made by Ellen Newman and Joan Bird and 

the pattern is from "Blended Quilts" by Marsha McCloskey and Sharon Evans Yenter.

"Tides of Change" 

pattern by Franco Randall

Crocheted by Carole Johnston who says this blanket is the story of the changes of mental health.  The dark colour in the centre of each section is when you are down at your lowest and as you work your way out you are in and out of this vicious circle of mental health and problems hopefully ending in the white section where people finally find peace.  Carole chose the blue for mental health and she said it was an honour to do it for us. Well we are honoured to receive it.

Beautifully crocheted blanket in Spring colours by Ellen Newman

Made by Chaplain Kate Lord

Made by Joy Hodges 

Donated Jan-Maree 

The following lovely silver items were donated by 

Avalise - Beautiful handmade jewellery by Caroline Mernin

Caroline is married to one of our recipients. 

There are two pin Cushion and Unpicker sets.

Bangle and ring set 

Keyring 

These keyrings are really nifty.  You can hook them over the top of your handbag so you can always find your keys and don't have to rummage around in the bottom of your bag. 

Donated by Carole Johnstone 

This book has been donated by Annette Gero who we are lucky enough to have as our guest speaker on Friday night at ADFA.

Now head over to our website and buy your tickets! You know you will be sorry if you don't.

Till next time... keep spreading the word.

Love Jan-Maree 

The latest Chaplaincy Course by Marg B

I am a bit late sharing this but it is still a good read... Enjoy. 

On Friday 8 September, Fran T, Jan-Maree and I, Marg B, had the privilege of visiting Chaplains’ College to talk about Aussie Heroes and present the new Chaplains with Laundry Bags. This is something we have been doing for a number of years and is a great joy.

We were greeted by Gean E and taken upstairs where we met the other organizations that were to be part of the presentation. When our turn came Jan-Maree gave a short history of  about Aussie Heros. (She did  a great job in the 2/3 minutes allotted). After all the presentations everyone mingled and answered questions and talked about our work.  Not only did we have Lbs to show we also had a quilt that had recently been given to a recipient that she had kindly let me take to show (complete with service dog. Sandy’s embroidered picture and no doubt a few hairs). There were lots of questions and interest in what we do and how we might be able to fit in with their work.

A call to order was given and we presented the LBs to the attending chaplains. It is always interesting to see the reactions, there were some tears and amazement that someone unknown to them would spend the time and effort to make such a gift. Quite often the fabrics chosen by the sewer have special meaning for the  recipient even though they are unknown to the sewer. This always  sends shivers up my spine.

We were all thanked beautifully by one of the Chaplains.

This is aways a special occasion and I wouldn’t miss it.

Some of the feedback is amazing.

In June I made Kelly H’s bag and a piece of ‘London’ fabric that I had had for 10/11 years ‘insisted’ on being part of the bag so I thought she must have some English connections but when I enquired that was not the case. About a month after the course Kelly received a posting to the UK!!! So of course she is going, with confidence.

Cheers

Margaret B

Thanks Marg!

Till next time... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xx

Grati-Tuesday - 3rd October 2023

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Welcome to the first week of October.  Only 17 sleeps now to the Thank You Weekend in Canberra.

Grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy some well deserved gratitude!

... 

Dear Toni F,

 

Thank you so very much for my beautiful laundry bag. I love the ode, the jets, and the poppies. To be honest, I feel quite humbled and undeserving of such a gift as I am only a reservist.

 

While I’m passionate about creative design, I have little formal education or experience that field. However, I did work in aged care, and in particular dementia. I found the work to be very rewarding and despite common perception, joyful. I want to thank you for the work you invested in that field, older people are a blessing and all too often forgotten.

 

I live in a Northern suburb of Perth and it’s a nice old house with a big backyard for my wolfhound x kelpie ‘Bear’. My 5 children are all too old to care about a backyard anymore, they love getting out with friends.

 

My current civilian work is Staff chaplaincy in government hospitals. I facilitate peer groups for intern doctors and it is amazing to see the moral quality of the up and coming medical graduates. They have deep compassion and concern for patient care, even in increasingly demanding work environments. I have just received a job offer to move into Police Chaplaincy, and I look forward to the challenge of working alongside first responders.

 

Thanks again for the laundry bag, I’m not sure if I should use it for it’s intended purpose or hang it on the wall.

 

Blessings to you and your continued ministry and task of emptying your fabric stash and filling hearts.

Warm regards,

... 

Dear Lois S,

It was such a surprise when my daughter gave me the Aussie Hero Quilt. I was quite emotional actually. It makes sense now why she was asking me questions about my service.  

My Navy service was one of the highlights of my life. I was very proud to serve. I have so many memories and this quilt will always be a reminder of my service. The more I look at it the more I can see all the little details that were included, like the anchors embroidered on the back.

I am still involved with Veterans in my volunteer role as a Welfare Officer with the TPI association.

My wife and myself are currently building a new home in Townsville. Our last home! This quilt will be perfect for the single bed in the guest room for when the grandchildren come to stay. Grandad will have an excuse to tell them his Navy stories!

After a tough couple of years for myself, it meant so much to receive this quilt. I am very humbled to have received one.

This is a great initiative that you and the volunteers give up your time to take part in.

This is a keepsake that I will always treasure.

Many thanks again.

... 

Hi Ann S,

 

I cannot thank you enough for your kindness in sharing your talent in crafting what is a magnificent quilt for my brother. I will get it off in the post to him on its way to the USA over the weekend but I already know he is going to love it.

 

It is so wonderfully kind of you and all the volunteers for the work they do in recognising our Defence members at some of the wildest and loneliest times in their career (and equally, some of the happiest).

 

My brother is currently posted with his wife and their 2 young children in the US until 2025 and I know they are missing home, after 9 months away. I don’t think that they expected that really. Over the last 15 years he has deployed multiple times for long periods of time, so they thought this would be easiest one with the family in tow.  As much as they are enjoying exploring a whole country and everything America has to offer, I guess it is true, there is no place like home. And we can’t wait to have them home when the posting is up. He turns 40 in December and this beautiful quilt will be a piece of home while we can’t be with him and undoubtedly a treasured gift from you and the AHQ team for many years to come.

  

Hope to get to meet you at an event or when passing through your home town sometime down the line. It's such a beautiful place and I have always put it on the list of places to visit each year for cherries but sadly have missed it most years as the seasons get busier as Christmas creeps in. Maybe this year will be the year! 

Thank you again,

I will let you know when it gets to him safely.

... 

Good morning Jan-Maree B,

 

I recently stayed at Diggers Rest in Beerwah and was presented with an Aussie Hero Quilt. It is quite something and I am delighted to have received this wonderful gift.

 

I had not heard of Aussie Hero Quilts until now and very much commend you and your fine group for the support provided to serving troops and veterans. Very uplifting.

 

Could you please convey my heartfelt thanks to Kerry B and Alison C for their work and generosity in donating their time and expertise in making this lovely quilt, it is very much appreciated. Rest assured it will assume pride of place and will be well utilised.

 

Once again, thank you all and keep up the great work.

 

Cheers,

... 

Hi Janine R,

I recently received your parcel containing the laundry bag and a few other goodies. I would just like to say a quick thank you for your efforts it is really appreciated and I think you have done an amazing job. 

I am a pilot in the Navy, flying the MH60R Seahawk helicopter and have been embarked on HMAS Brisbane this year. Your laundry bag has arrived just in time as I am shortly deploying again for the remainder of the year  When I am home, I live on the south coast of NSW, with my partner and our dog Loki. It is a beautiful area down here and would recommend a visit when you get the chance later on in your caravan. 

I really appreciate the bag and letter, it is a nice reminder of life back home especially when spending extended periods of time away.

Many thanks  

... 

Dear Gail MacQ and Jan-Maree B,

 

I am posted to HMAS Brisbane and have been lucky enough to receive one of your laundry bags today. I was on leave for the birth of my first child when the list of names requesting a bag was taken so I am extra lucky to get one of the last bags. 

 

My wife and new born daughter are both doing well which makes being away for a deployment somewhat easier knowing they are both safe and healthy. Reading both of your letters knowing that our service to Australia doesn’t go unnoticed was another timely moral boost at the start of our deployment as our lives back home roll-on and we shift our thinking towards preparing for operations.

 

Jan-Maree, This is my second laundry bag, the first was when I deployed with HMAS Darwin in 2018 so it’s had a big workout. 

 

Thank you for the laundry bags and your unwavering support to all service personnel.

 

Kind regards,

... 

Hi Clarissa L,

I just received the quilt and laundry bag.

I am so happy with it thank you so much for your kindness, it looks so good. 

(Quilt made by Garage Girls with embroidery by Keryn and LB by Wendy)

... 

Good Evening Angela T,

Just wanted to shoot through an email to let you know that the laundry bag you made for me arrived safely today on the ship and I absolutely love it. 

I’m putting together a thank you package and a more extensive thank you note for you and your family to send off tomorrow prior to us deploying next week. 

I’ve been in the Australian Navy for almost 10 years this year and there are not many keep sakes I intend to keep when my time in the Navy comes to an end, but this personalised laundry bag will certainly be one of them. 

The service as volunteers that yourself and the rest of Aussie Hero Quilts provides honesty makes our day and is incredibly special to everyone onboard 

Best regards,

... 

Good morning Barbara D,

 

Your quilt is beautiful, thank you so much for it. I really love everything about it! It’s currently on our lounge. I don’t know if you noticed however some of the fabric has a Hawaiian print on it with ‘aloha’. My husband and I adore Hawaii!

 

My husband's family lives in Townsville, and he himself grew up there. We go up to visit every so often. I really like the weather up there, which I know sounds odd!

 

I am originally from Sydney and after marriage we lived there for five years before moving to Wagga in 2021. Whilst we were living in Wagga, I was accepted into the RAAF myself and commenced recruits in September the same year. We were then both posted to Canberra in 2022, where we will be until at least end of 2025. I’m not a huge fan of Canberra, the weather is absolutely horrible. I would much prefer being closer to the coast, and being warmer!

 

I hope you have a great weekend

 

Thank you again for my beautiful quilt.

... 

Good afternoon Beverly U,

 

I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of me and my whole team for your very generous gift of the wash bags!

 

They were excellently sewn and crafted and we really appreciated them.

 

We are in the British Army, and we were deployed alongside the Australian Defence Force in Papua New Guinea, hence why these were gifted to us! Our Regiment is made up solely of soldiers from the country of Nepal (The Gurkhas), and is The Royal Gurkha Rifles. We really enjoyed working with the Australian Defence Force, and look forward to using these bags in the future! We are currently stationed in Brunei and will eventually return to the UK. 

 

Thank you once again, these really put a smile on all of our faces and will make us think very fondly of Australia and yourself whenever we deploy overseas and take these bags with us! 

 

Regards,

... 

Hi Anne H, 

You recently made me a laundry bag and just wanted to send you a quick email letting you know I’ve received it!

Thank you so much, I love it. Especially the camel that really made my day, so thank you for putting in the effort!

I grew up in Broome and haven’t been able to visit in over 4 years since joining the Navy, due COVID and my family moving to Perth. It just hasn’t lined up. I miss it a lot and hope to visit Easter next year, but for the meantime I’ll have my laundry bag to remind me of it!

Nice to hear you swim. I am a swimmer myself. Swam competitively when I was young training 6 plus times a week before I moved to Perth for Uni in 2017. Now days I put the effort in to swim every Sunday, though 3km is my limit and I am much slower these days. Interestingly though, my technique is still the exact same!

Thanks again for my laundry bag!

... 

Hi Jan-Marie B,

A quick note to say how much I appreciated the ‘Aussie Hero Quilt’ which was brought over last weekend; it is magnificent, and I am so proud to say I now own one.

To say it was a surprise would be an understatement, particularly having that rascal Xxxxx pop up from the bushes (well nearly) and present the quilt to me in front of a garage full of friends. I was overwhelmed I’m not ashamed to say and not helped by both yours and Heather’s B letters! I will follow this note up with a personal thank you to Heather B.

The idea behind your charity is both incredibly poignant and practical. I saw a number of my CSU-10 team excited to receive their quilt or laundry bag when deployed during 2013-2014. It was also a significant morale booster; something a commander will always welcome.

It reminded me somewhat of my first deployment to the MEAO in 2002 as part of a four-person team sent to project manage the initial construction of the very same camp. We were required to ‘piggy-back’ off the Canadian’s and Operational Security meant little knowledge of our deployment was available to those outside the ‘compartment’. As such Christmas Day was a lonely time for four Aussies ingratiating themselves with our Canadian hosts, who by the way, were extremely generous. Still, with no letters from home, the Canadians gave each of us a care package from a Canadian citizen. The accompanying letter I received from an 8-year-old girl from Calgary was hilarious. A small gesture but sometimes they resonate most.

Congratulations Jan-Marie on the continuing success of Aussie Hero Quilts. You are a true hero and deserved of the evident profound respect of our folk in uniform past and present.

I am proud to have received my magnificent quilt and particularly under the circumstances of its delivery by that lovely clown.

Thank you Jan-Marie for your initiative in setting up the AHQ charity and I know there will be many more of our young men and ladies who will appreciate the gesture into the future.

Kindest Regards

... 

Hi Aussie Hero Quilts
Would like say thank you for the laundry bag passed onto me via my CSM (Command Sergeant Major). I'm a CPL with the RAINF, all the team appreciate all your efforts and your support.

... 

Dear Quilters

 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers of Aussie Hero Quilts and in particular my quilter, Belinda P, for the beautiful pieces of art I have received whilst deployed overseas.  The quilt and laundry bag have absolutely hit the mark for providing me with a memorable piece of art to remember my time here in Africa.

 

I have served in the military for 25 years.  I enlisted as an Army Transport driver in 1997 and have spent my career within the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, originally driving heavy vehicles and specialised military transports across all manner of terrain and contested environments.  I worked through the ranks before receiving a commission six years ago.

 

My career has seen me deployed operationally overseas three times, once to East Timor, Solomon Islands and Israel, as well as having conducted domestic security operations within Australia in support of the Olympic and Commonwealth games and further.  I was a member of staff for the headquarters coordinating engineering support to the NSW Bushfire Emergency Response.  I have also been fortunate to have conducted exercises and exchanges with Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom.  One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been the opportunity to lead troops in large scale international field exercise and on operations, both domestically and globally.

 

I am currently deployed within the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) where I will spend 12 months working as a United Nations Staff Officer.  I am halfway through my tour now.  My work involves the operational planning and execution of large-scale troop rotations in and out of the country. I am personally responsible for the rotation of approximately 4500 troops and their equipment per year spanning five different nations.  It is a challenging role but a fantastic opportunity to work with people from all parts of the world who despite national indifferences come together to make the mission work.

 

I am truly appreciative of the time and effort that goes into Aussie Hero Quilts and especially for the creativity of the artists who produce beautiful pieces of work.  You should be very proud of your efforts.

Sincerely

Quilt by Belinda P, Embroideries by Joan B

... 

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!

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