On Friday night, at the Aussie Hero Quilters’ Gathering, roughly 70 volunteers and friends came together in celebration of our Defence personnel, veterans, and all the Aussie Hero Volunteers – present and absent. It was an opportunity for volunteers from around the country to catch up with Jan-Maree face-to-face and to meet other volunteers.

Tea and coffee was served, accompanied by ANZAC Biscuits and White Chocolate Macadamia Biscuits donated by Byron Bat Cookies.Thank you Byron Bay Cookies!!!

Revelries began with MC Tracey Pelling (Pello) waiting expectantly for everyone to settle quietly before loudly interrupting the gaggle and bringing the room to order – in the fiendish way that only Pello can do! Throughout the evening, Pello shared her experiences, told stories – mostly about others, and mostly at others’ expense! – and kept the momentum going. 

Many thanks go to Pello for adding irreverent humour, and some history lessons, as she ensured smooth transitions between speakers and sorting out folks to collect Lucky Door prizes and Goodie Bags.

A BIG thanks to Jan-Maree and her army of volunteers for acquiring, wrapping, sorting and putting together all the phenomenal gifts for everyone…. some beautiful fabrics, books, kits and knick-knacks of all varieties – providing much excitement amongst us all as we inspected each other’s spoils!

A HUGE thank you to all those folks who donated many of the gifts for the Volunteers as a way of saying thanks for their time and contribution to Aussie Hero Quilts.

All of these gorgeous bags were made by Joy H.

Ellen choosing her goodie bag

Cath H and Clarissa choosing their goodie bags

Inge choosing her goodie bag

Melissa and Lois 

A solid mention to Greg for his superlative camera work, capturing all and sundry! (Cannot wait to see the outcome of your efforts behind the lens!) Thank you so much!!

Thanks also go to our remarkable speakers – each with their own story, each bringing the room to silence, and some to tears. 

AIRCDRE Grant Pinder, introduced himself to those that had not met him and talked about receiving his quilt and his motivation to join our Board of Directors.

Georgie generously shared with us her gratitude and appreciation for the Fallen Warrior Quilt she and her family received after her husband passed away suddenly.

Warrant Officer Bradley Foster had requested a quilt to be made for a former Commander Officer of 5RAR and Vietnam Veteran. He spoke about how meaningful that quilt became to the recipient and his family.

Mary Powell, Board Member, presented a special message called ”More Than a Craft: Quilts as Art, History, Memory, and Community”.

You can read Mary' presentation in the next post.

Ellen, one of our volunteers, had created Slow Stitching Kits for the goodie bags and gave a quick explanation of what slow stitching is.

Able Seaman Taryn Dickens received a very special quilt and then shared her Aussie Hero Quilts story, explaining the significance of the quilts and bags she has received over the years.

Of course Taryn was accompanied by her Defence Community Dog, Gigi. 

For those that don’t know, Taryn is not only a veteran of the Invictus Games, she is one of two current serving members who participated in this year’s Winter Paralympic Games.

Special thanks to Philomena, who made a unique, personalised quilt for Taryn and presented it to her as a surprise just prior to Taryn sharing her story of Service, sacrifice, strength, friendship, challenges, courage, gratitude and achievement.

Gratitude goes to the heartfelt way in which each captured the essence of the meaning of the Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags, connecting the efforts, love and care volunteers put into each quilt and bag with the Service, sacrifice, courage and memories of Defence Members and Veterans. Support for our Recipients is evidenced in every stitch, in every block, in every design. Thank you to Grant, Georgie, Bradley, Mary, Ellen and Taryn for the generosity of your hearts and time in sharing your collective thoughts.

All-in-all, it was an extraordinary night of celebration, love and light.

Thanks Alex! Great report.

Till next time keep spreading the word and happy stitching! 

Jan-Maree xx