I reckon by the time these laundry bags all make it back to Headquarters in time to be auctioned at our Annual Dinner this year some of them will be more well-travelled than the average person.

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“I served in East Timor from 2002 to 2003, well before AHQ was founded. I remember watching others receive their quilts longingly and jealously over the years. That’s why it meant so much to finally receive my beautiful quilt this year.

My quilt beautifully represents all aspects of my life brought together. Added to that, it keeps me warm! Thank you so much!”

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Today’s 15^th Anniversary Laundry Bag post is from the Inaugural Chairman of the Aussie Hero Quilts Board. Air Marshal Leo Davies Retd was a pleasure to work with for Aussie Hero Quilts and he continues to support us from the sidelines. With me being an ex-RAAF Air Traffic Controller, and Leo being an EX-RAAF pilot, and an F111 Pilot at that (they are a special breed), the banter was often amusing. Leo’s farewell from the Board was his very special laundry bag featuring pink flying pigs and golf motifs for the golf fanatic he is.

“As someone who has deployed and as a senior RAAF leader, I saw the immensely positive effect that AHQ delivers to our men and women.

I, as part of a dedicated Board helped JM modernise the housekeeping so our amazing volunteers could focus on reaching more and more veterans.

Like all successful outfits, AHQ is reenergising with new leadership and I can now watch their work do its magic across the ADF and now the Public Service in certain circumstances.

Cheers Aussie Hero’s on your 15th Anniversary.”

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Four years ago one of our recipients received a @DefenceCommunityDog called Skye.  Along with Skye, she also received a Stay Mat for Skye to use. This mat is designed to be the dog’s “place” when out and about. Our recipient discovered that the organisation was having trouble finding an organisation to provide the Stay Mats so she got in touch with Aussie Hero Quilts to see if this was something we could help with.

We are often asked to sew all sorts of things other than the quilts and laundry bags we are known for. Most of the time the answer is no, but working with Defence Community Dogs was a good fit for us. Defence Community Dogs is an independent program that provides highly trained Assistance Dogs at no cost, to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders including PTSD.

DCD is such an amazing program, making a real life changing, life saving difference to the veterans who receive them. Aussie Hero Quilts is really proud to be able to support them in a small but meaningful way.

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This time I am celebrating not just our 15^th year but also the long lasting relationship we have with one of our supporters.  Victorian Textiles and Matilda’s Own has been supporting us almost since Day 1 and definitely since our first year of operation. The fact that they jumped on board with us so early, before we had a track record, before we had built up our reputation, is so important and is something we do not take lightly.

“We, at Victorian Textiles and Matildas Own , would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you and your entire team on reaching the remarkable milestone of 15 years of dedicated service. This achievement is a testament to your hard work, passion, and commitment to making a meaningful difference.

We are truly honoured to be part of the incredible movement you have created through Aussie Hero Quilts. Witnessing the positive impact your quilts and laundry bags are having on the service people that receive is both inspiring and humbling. The stories of hope and support that come from you and your team’s efforts make it clear just how special and important the work Aussie Hero Quilts does is.

Your dedication over the years has not only provided comfort to many but has also built a strong community of supporters and advocates who share your vision. It is genuinely uplifting to see how far the movement has come and to know that your mission continues to touch lives in profound ways.

As you celebrate this significant anniversary, please accept our best wishes for continued success and growth. We are confident that your passion and perseverance will lead to many more years of positive impact and achievement.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey. We look forward to supporting you in the years ahead and celebrating even more milestones together.

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I am grateful that we have been able to establish a great relationship with Australia Post given that we rely on them so heavily to transport the quilts and bags we make to the vast majority of our recipients.

“Upon learning about the valuable services provided by Aussie Hero Quilts, I am proud to offer my support as they assist Defence members deployed away from home.

Our commitment is to ensure that quilts and laundry bags are delivered efficiently to locations where they are needed most, to defence members both within Australia and internationally.

Steven Zingle – Australia Post – Regional Defence Manager – NSW”

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

Jan-Maree xx