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

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.

Guy Blackburn

Non-Executive Director

Guy is a current serving Navy Officer. He has extensive experienced as a non executive director in various not for profit organisations. Guy joined Aussie Hero Quilts as a Non Executive Director to give back to AHQ after seeing the positive effect everyone’s efforts have had on the Defence community.

Tracey Pelling

Director

Tracey Pelling started her career in the Air Force in 1986 as an Aircraft Engine Fitter (a Sumpie or Blackhander) specialising as an NDI tech before discharging in 1993 to take up a role as a State Development Officer with the Queensland Touch Football Association.

In 1998 she fulfilled a lifetime dream of becoming a police officer and enjoyed a 21-year career in the Queensland Police Service. A nagging inclination that her military career wasn’t over came to fruition in 2006 joining the Air Force reserves and deploying on Op Slipper in 2013. This was the beginning of her passion for Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) when she encouraged her cohort to request quilts. One heart-warming memory stands out, as a colleague exclaimed, “I am going to wrap my first born in this quilt!”.

This passion led to her current appointment as a Director on the Board of AHQ. Tracey is married to her partner Louise, also an ex-police officer and current Army reservist and they live in Riddells Creek, Victoria with their 3 sheep, 2 dogs, 2 chooks and 1 very naughty pony.

If you need any further information, please email co*******@******************om.au