Aussie Hero Quilts Board of Directors
Aussie Hero Quilts Ltd, ABN 37 640 687 716, is an Australian registered Public Company and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
As part of our compliance with Australian business law, Aussie Hero Quilts Ltd is managed by a Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors, and an overview of their qualifications and relevant business history, is displayed below.
Jan-Maree Ball OAM
Founder & Managing Director
Jan-Maree founded Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) in 2012 after she, and a small team of quilters, commenced sending quilts and laundry bags to a soldier and his team in late 2011.
As an ex-serving member of the Air Force and Navy, Jan-Maree was determined to ensure that all Defence members are treated with respect and dignity for their unconditional service to their country. To Jan-Maree, Aussie Hero Quilts is one way the she, and her loyal group of volunteers, say Thank You to all Defence personnel – past and present.
Jan-Maree works tirelessly in her aim to ensure that she honours her commitment in brightening the days of our veterans. Jan-Maree was awarded an OAM in 2016 for her dedication and achievements with Aussie Hero Quilts.
Craig Powell
Chairman
Craig Powell served in the Royal Australian Navy for more than 30 years and is a highly experienced leader and manager. For the past six years, Craig has held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Sayres Australia. Craig holds post graduate qualifications, majoring in International Relations, Maritime Studies and Management (Defence Studies) as well as an Undergraduate qualification majoring in Sociology. He is also a graduate of the prestigious US Navy War College, the Australian Command and Staff College, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mary Powell
Non-Executive Director
Mary Powell has a background in governance and administration, and has experience working in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. She has been responsible for ensuring organisations deliver to their missions and has experience as the General Manager of two organisations: one operating in the fintech sector, and one operating in the Defence industry sector (her current role). Mary has undergraduate degrees in philosophy, English, and psychology, an honours degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in politics and public policy. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Grant Pinder, GAICD
Non-Executive Director
Grant enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1984 and went on to serve across 11 rank levels for over 41 years before transitioning to the Reserves in July 2025. He has since turned his focus to the not-for-profit sector and is also on the Board of the Cancer Council ACT, while continuing to serve as a Trustee on the RAAF Welfare Trust Fund and as President of the Australian Defence Force Cricket Association. A pragmatic, values-based leader, Grant’s senior management experience is primarily in logistics, governance and human resource management. He is the proud recipient of an Aussie Hero Quilt, which was presented on the on the occasion of his retirement from full-time service, and looks forward to serving the veteran community as a member of this Board.
Rob Lording CSC CSM
Non-Executive Director
Rob served in the Australian Army Reserve for 32 years and is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College (Rserve). He has concurrently worked in senior roles in law enforcement and corporate security and is currently the Senior Director for Global Corporate Security Operations – Asia Pacific with Verizon Communications.
Rob has been actively involved in a number of Ex-Services Organisations over the last decade and is committed to advocating for current and former ADF members. He is also a founding Trustee in the Colonel John Haynes Trust which provides financial grants for education, development and welfare for members who served in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps and their families.
He first encountered Aussie Hero Quilts during his deployment to NATO Resolute Headquarters in Kabul during 2016 and subsequently had the opportunity to present quilts to several veterans in recognition of their service. Rob is extremely grateful for the laundry bags provided to members of the Joint Task Group that responded to Operation Flood Assist in NSW in 2022 and joined the Board in 2025 to support the work being done to support ADF members and veterans.
If you need any further information, please email co*******@******************rg.au
