Grati-Wednesday 17th December 2025

Written by AHQ

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17 December 2025

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Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some beautiful sentiments in the following gratitude letters.

Grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

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Hi AHQ Team,

This afternoon I had the pleasure of presenting an Aussie Hero Quilt. After greeting formalities and learning a bit about his service background, I revealed his own personalised Aussie Hero Quilt. Apparently he had never been in a position to request a quilt whilst deployed, so with retirement looming shortly, it was an opportune time to have one made to recognise his service.

His response when seeing his quilt was "this is awesome!" . I was pleased to hear that, and with rod pocket ready to go, it will take pride and place in his "den" in his new home, shifting in 3 weeks. What perfect timing!

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G'Day Robyn P,

I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate the quilt you sent me. It's fabulous thank you. You certainly have a busy life so really special to receive a gift where you spent your precious time on me. The detail and craftsmanship are exceptional - the sentiment - humbling

I have just marked 10 years' service in the Royal Australian Air Force. I'm British by birth but Australian by choice and have been so lucky to find a way to serve the country and people that have made my family so welcome. We arrived in Townsville back in 2012 so I'm not only a Queenslander but massive Cowboys fan.

Air Force found me in the town and were interested in my background. I was quickly recruited and have deployed to floods, bushfires, COVID along with a host of exercises and operations around the country and abroad.

I see there are pilots in your family. I can't fly the aircraft but spend a lot of time in or around them which is a real passion. You're ahead of me in Grandchildren but we welcomed our first last month. He's set for his first Christmas with us in NSW which will be special.

I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and thank you once again for such a wonderful gift - I will treasure it

Best wishes

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Good Morning Gail Mac, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for my Aussie Hero laundry bag. I absolutely love it, and I'm so glad it gave you the chance to work with yellow-your favourite colour!It truly brought a smile to my face when my wife sent me a photo of it while I was away, and it's an item I will cherish for years to come.Thank you again for your time and effort.

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Hello Lois S,

I just wanted to let you know that I received the Aussie Hero Quilt in the mail about a week or so ago, and you absolutely nailed the brief..!

You've absolutely captured all of my key interests of history, music, theatre and AFL and the three ships I served on and I love how you incorporated the anchors into the design and well as the anchor cable border..! Very cool also how the reverse side has all the music in the design..!

As you know, I am coming up to 40 years of service and will be transitioning to the Reserves mid year.. This quilt will certainly be a fantastic memento of my career and will be a treasured item in our family.

Our son has now embarked on his own Naval career so the story goes on..!

Thanks again for your artistry and care in the design and the actual work of making the quilt, the effort is not lost on me and I greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

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Hi Sue-Ellen S,

Thank you so much for your beautiful letter. I really appreciate the time, effort and heart you put into writing it, and of course into making the quilt and laundry bag. They truly exceeded my expectations, the craftsmanship, detail and care that went into them means a lot. Please know they will be well-used and well-looked after.

It was lovely reading about your connection to the Army and your family's service. Your son sounds like he has had an incredible career so far, and I'm sure having him and his family close by is a real blessing.

I also enjoyed hearing about your mum's and dad's contributions. That generation showed such strength and resilience, and it's inspiring to hear how your family has been woven through different parts of Australia's history. And yes, pulling beers at the RSL absolutely counts! It's an important part of community, and no doubt you brightened many people's days.

I'm glad you enjoyed the AHQ weekend in Canberra. I've heard great things about those events, and your description definitely makes me want to attend one in the future. I'll have to look up the book you mentioned as well, it sounds very interesting.

Thank you also for looking up my workplace. It's a unique unit with a lot happening day-to-day, and I'm grateful to work alongside such a dedicated team. Your support through AHQ honestly means more than you know. When we receive something handmade with purpose and care, it serves as a reminder that people are thinking of us, it really does make a difference.

Wishing you and your family a very warm and happy Christmas. Thank you again for your kindness, your craftsmanship, and the support you show to so many of us across the services.

Take care, and enjoy those well-earned slow mornings.

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Good evening Jan-Maree,

Apologies for the delay it's been a super busy period.

I received my laundry bag and am incredibly impressed with how it turned out. You definitely surpassed my expectations, and on reading the letter I'm glad I gave you a challenge with the Bane and Joker theme. I also love the background colour, its incredibly unique and I'm grateful for the amazing work you did.

Kind regards,

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Bridget R,

Hello! Just reaching out to thank you for the amazing quilted Aussie Beer themed laundry bag. It is way better than I could have imagined and can't wait to try it out at sea. Everyone was quite jealous to see mine come in!

I am an United States Submarine Officer and am doing an exchange program here in Australia. I am stationed on HMAS Farncomb and have been here for nearly 2 years. I'm due to leave to go back to the States soon to continue on with my next sea posting. My husband and I have really enjoyed living in WA and are heart broken to already be leaving. I am already scheming up ways to get follow on postings here! We dream of retiring somewhere south in WA.

It sounds like you have a very loving and warm family and hopefully some extra help around the house! My husband and I can attest to having more than normal time at home with each other as of recently. It is a different dynamic for sure. We unfortunately had to leave our pups in the States for this posting as we have a Giant Schnauzer and a Portugese Waterdog and were scared to ship them cargo for the 36hrs of flights it would take to get them here. I definitely understand what you mean when you say that your fur babies complete the family.

Anyways, I just wanted to reach out and let you know your beautiful work has arrived safely and I really appreciate your time and effort to do something special for us out here.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with friends and family!

Respectfully,

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Hi Ruth S,

Thank you so much for my beautiful laundry bag- I love it so much, and you couldn't have designed it more perfectly- it's absolutely me 🙂 My 5 year old daughter is especially taken with it, and not surprisingly, has tried to claim it as hers!

I can't believe you have made over 1,600 laundry bags for our serving personnel. That's so impressive, and I was so glad to read that it has brought you so much joy. Thank you for YOUR service in acknowledging our service, and making such beautiful keepsakes to mark our time in the ADF.

I have worked for Defence since 2008, first as a public servant who then commissioned in 2014 as a public affairs officer. I served in the Middle East in 2016, and have stayed mostly in public affairs and communications during my service.

I am Mum to three. I have lived in Melbourne for most of my life, with a 7 year stint in Canberra. We now live right on the border of the Mornington Peninsula (200 metres away from the border, so we claim it!!). We spend our free time at the beach, fishing, boating, mountain bike riding and bush walking, and my daughter and I are 'pit crew' for my husband and the boys when they ride the dirtbike.

Thank you again for my beautiful keepsake, Ruth.

Take care, and I hope you continue to enjoy making laundry bags and spending time with your children and grandchildren.

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Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Bobbie S and the Mystery BOMers. Emb Joan Quilted by Philomena and added to by Bridget
LB Ruth S

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Good afternoon Hilary P,

I am writing to say thank you so much for the lovely quilt, laundry bag and letter!

I am amazed at the detail and thought you have put into the quilt for me and I can not thank you enough!It is something I will treasure for a long time and I will definitely be using the laundry bag on my next deployed or trip!

I really appreciate the time you took to write the letter noting how busy you and all the other volunteers are at AHQ. I hope the annual dinner in Canberra goes well. You all deserve to be celebrated for the work you do.

Even though I am back from my deployment now, I am honoured to know there are people like you out there, looking out for those of us away from family, friends and loved ones.

Thank you again!

Kindest regards,

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Dear Sue-Ellen S,

I’m in the Royal Australian Navy posted to HMAS Stuart and currently on deployment in Asia. I am 25 years old and I grew up in Melbourne and joined the RAN when I was 19 and I now live in WA. The other week I received the laundry bag you made along with your letter. Thank you so much for the laundry bag as its well made and the perfect size. I greatly appreciate the work you do with AHQ and at your local RSL (pulling beers is essential work ) and all others who volunteer. As a sailor a sturdy Dhobey bag (laundry bag) is very nice to have and makes life onboard just that bit much easier as the standard issue bags tend to rip and tear. I enjoyed reading your letter and hearing about your family military history. I hope your retirement is going well and I wish your sons the best.

Kindest regards,

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Hi Ruth S,

I just received my laundry bag that you compiled. It is fantastic, so thank you for your time and effort to make us veterans feel people care.

Again, thank you and take care

regards

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Good evening Sue-Ellen S,

I'm an electronics technician in the Royal Australian Navy, proud father to a rabbit named Pickles, and as of the other day, the even prouder owner of a majestic blue laundry bag covered in platypuses (or platypies... whatever the plural may be).

I must admit, I wasn't originally looking for a new laundry bag we get issued a fresh one with every new posting, after all. But the moment I saw that vibrant blue pattern and the platypuses (which happen to be my mother’s absolute Favorite animal and that felt a little bit like the universe was trying to tell me something), I knew I had to grab it right away.

Fun fact about the humble platypus: because they lay eggs and produce milk. So, if you're ever stuck in the bush craving an omelette a platypus is your one-stop shop!

On a more personal note, I hope your sons are doing well. Reading your letter, your pride in them and the work they do shines through so clearly. They are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive mother in their corner.

I personally have not attended one of the charity dinners for the Doby bag cause, however a ex of mine has in 2024, and apparently it was quite the shindig.

Thank you so much for everything you do with your local RSL. The support you provide isn't just vital to active service members, it's a massive morale booster for the entire veteran community.

Please make sure to enjoy a well-deserved pint (or several) after reading this. You’ve more than earned it.

Warm regards,

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Dear Hilary T,

I would like to express my gratitude to you for the beautiful laundry bag that you so skilfully created. I was gifted it after completing a deployment. The design and craftsmanship is impressive.

I am a member of the Australian Army Reserves and work as a signaller. I too originate from overseas- I am Scottish, and like you moved to Australia for better weather and more of an outdoor lifestyle for our children to grow up in. It has been such a beautiful country to live in and we appreciate all of the opportunities that we have been given. I joined the Reserves as a way of serving and giving something back. (I am a Sonographer in my full time job. )

I will be proud to use the laundry bag whenever I am away with Army and once again, thank you so much.

Kindest regards,

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Good Afternoon Clarissa L,

I'm a Soldier at the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and was very fortunate to receive a laundry bag sewn by yourself from Aussie Hero Quilts. I know I and everyone who received one was very grateful for your token of appreciation and to know that we're being thought of. It will be very handy as I'm about to step off on a six week task within Australia. Again thank you very much for giving up your valuable time to help ADF Personnel across the globe, it's greatly appreciated!

Kind regards,

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Dear Janice L,

Thank you so very much for my new laundry bag (its going to get a good work out) it is very hot on our current deployment.

I just wanted to tell you a little about myself. I’ve been serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 15 years now. During that time I have had the opportunity to work across Submarines, Supply ships and ANZAC Class frigates. (currently on HMAS Stuart) It’s been a challenging career, but one that I am proud of and enjoy. I have also been lucky to have some incredible experiences.

I have a wife and Family of 4 children (not including our dog JJ) back home in Rockingham, WA. We come from Brisbane but I had to move to WA when I started working on Submarines. One of the hardest parts of the job is spending time away from them.

The Navy is a big part of my life but my family keeps me grounded.

I hope this gives you a little insight into who I am. Thank you to Aussie Hero quilts and your self for the quilt.

Kind regards,

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Hello Hilary T,

I'm the recipient of the Bag you made and had sent to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. I'm writing to thankyou for the lovely bag / letter and to express my gratitude for your support through Aussie Hero Quilts.

To let you know abit about the recipient of your bag, I was born and raised in Newcastle so I'm well aware of the beautiful country that is the Nelson bay area and try to take the opportunity to show it to my Cairns born partner whenever I get the chance, it just goes to show how close we probably were at one point even though we know live on the other side of the country.

I joined the Army in 2020 and commissioned through the Royal Military College - Duntroon in Canberra and was allocated to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps as a Cavalry Officer. Since then I have been posted to the School of Armour in Puckapunyal as an instructor then to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Townsville.

I thankyou again for your work and hopefully you know how much these bags were appreciated by everyone at the Regiment.

Kind regards,

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Hi Janice B,

I just wanted to email you and let you know I received my quilt and laundry bag.

I love them. I have read the Eragon series and recognised the Dragon right away. Not gonna lie, I squealed a little.
Also I did test the laundry bag and kept laughing.

My uncle was a submariner as well so we have a lot in common it seems! I loved reading your letter and about all your
adventures.

Thank you once again for my quilt and Laundry bad. I love them and appreciate all the effort you and your team put into
them.

Kind regards

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Hi Lois S,

Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt. I received it in perfect condition, and I wanted to let you know that it was exactly what I was after. The design, colours and space theme are fantastic, and I can see the incredible amount of work and care that went into creating it. The embroidered patches, ISS, Saturn V and Space Shuttle are particularly impressive, and knowing that they took around 250,000 stitches makes me appreciate it even more.

I also really enjoyed reading about your time in Florida and your visits to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Watching the launch of Discovery STS-120 must have been an amazing experience.

Like you, I have been to the Kennedy Space Center multiple times, and I honestly think it is one of the best places to visit in Florida. Every visit has been memorable, and as someone with an interest in space exploration, I never get tired of seeing the exhibits, launch facilities and history on display.

Thank you again for your generosity, time and effort in making the quilt. It will be something I treasure for many years to come. I truly appreciate the support you and the Aussie Hero Quilts community provide to veterans.

Kind regards,

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The following letter was published on the 26th August so it may be familiar. We have now received permission to publish the photo so I thought it was very tied in with the letter, it deserved a second publishing:

Dear Shirley D,

I hope this email finds you well.

I recently received the amazing laundry bag that you made for me through Aussie Hero Quilts while serving with the Australian Contingent in the Sinai as part of the Multinational Force and Observers. Thank you for the incredible time, care and generosity that went into making it. Receiving a parcel from home is always appreciated, but receiving something handmade by a complete stranger was something quite special and I couldn't be more grateful.

I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to write such a personal letter. I genuinely enjoyed reading about your family, your textile art, and the remarkable work you have done supporting Australian service personnel since 2015.

Of everything you wrote, it was the story of your father that resonated with me the most. During this deployment, I had the privilege of leading a battlefield study of Alexandria and El Alamein four our contingent, where we walked the ground, visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery and reflected on the actions fought there. Reading about your father's service with the 2/24th Battalion, and the sacrifices he made at both El Alamein and later in New Guinea, made me incredibly proud of his service and privileged to have stood on the same ground where he and so many other Australians fought. It also struck me that, more than eighty years later, an Australian soldier is serving in the same region while receiving a laundry bag made by the daughter of one of those veterans. That is a connection I will never forget.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciated the Egyptian theme of the laundry bag. It was clear how much thought went into making something that reflected where I was serving, and the pyramids, the colours of sand and the kangaroos could not have been more fitting for my deployment with the MFO. It has already become one of my favourite keepsakes from my time in the Sinai and will be coming home to Australia with me when I return.

I've attached a photo taken overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba at South Camp shortly after I received your parcel. I thought you might enjoy seeing where your laundry bag ended up.

There are many people who contribute quietly to Australia's military capability without ever wearing a uniform. Your generosity, talent and countless hours of volunteer work are part of that contribution. Although we have never met, your kindness reached me on the other side of the world and made a genuine difference.

Thank you again for everything you do for Australian service men and women. It is deeply appreciated.

Kind regards,