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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If you have been to one of our recent Annual Dinners you will have seen Pello, our Madam of Ceremonies (MC), in action. A lady of many talents.

Pello has recently been volunteering with the awesome folk from Operation Veteran Assist. OVA gathers veterans together to assist other veterans who are doing it tough. Most recently they have deployed to the bushfire affected areas of Victoria to provide aid to veterans whose properties have been damaged. Packed in her kit, along with her tent etc, is her very own Aussie Hero Quilt. It is great to see it being put to good use.

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Good Afternoon Bev C,

Thanks so much for reaching out! I have received the Quilt and love it!

Thank you so much for the support your company gives! We all appreciate the time your volunteers take for our beautiful crafted goods.

Kind regards,

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Dear Joy H,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind letter and for the beautiful Aussie Hero quilt, Mission Impossible (my favourite movies of all time!), that you made for me. I was genuinely touched—not only by the quilt itself, but by the care, thought, and heart that you have so clearly stitched into it. I also love the laundry bag—so personalised and unique.

Knowing the story behind the quilt, and the love you pour into every one you make, makes it even more special. I love the eclectic mix of fabrics; it’s a lovely reminder, as you say, of the important women in our lives, and it gives the quilt real warmth and personality. I’ll be sure to treat any marks it gathers as “building character,” just as you suggested.

What you’ve achieved since 2016 is truly remarkable. The sheer number of quilts and laundry bags you’ve made is extraordinary, and the positive impact that has on morale can’t be overstated. Please know that your work genuinely lifts spirits and reminds people like me that what we do—and the sacrifices our families make—are seen and valued.

I’m in the RAAF and have deployed away from my family a number of times over my 39-year career. 2026 will be my final year in the Air Force before I retire, something I’m really looking forward to after such a long and fulfilling career—especially spending more time with my family and our dog, Benji.

Thank you again for your generosity, your time, and your compassion. Please also pass on my thanks to Allan for the wonderful design and painting. The quilt and laundry bag have truly lifted my spirits and may well become family heirlooms one day. I’m honoured to have received one of your quilts and deeply grateful for everything you do for Aussie Heroes and for those of us serving in the ADF.

With sincere thanks,

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This message came from a very grateful mother of a recipient. He was given a random laundry bag that were presented to the crew of HMAS Canberra….

Hi Anne H,

… Just wanted to say you have made my son’s day … he just sent me a message asking if I knew you …. He was the recipient of a laundry bag you made … he is currently serving on HMAS Canberra … it really is a small world….. thank you for doing what you do ….. it meant a lot to him

It is a small world….and here is the letter directly from the recipient…

G’day Anne H!

I have just received one of the laundry bags that you made for Aussie Quilt Heroes!

Firstly, thank you so much for the laundry bag and awesome design (the eight-ball and Australian flag combo).

I am currently onboard HMAS Canberra. I have been on board for 8 months now and have at least another 6 months left before I move to Darwin for the next adventure.

A little bit about myself… I am also originally from Hobart, with my family still living there. I moved interstate in 2021 when I joined the Navy, and have since completed 3 years at the Defence Academy in Canberra, before beginning my posting to HMAS Canberra last year. I absolute love running, swimming, and cycling, and only recently have decided to put them all together and by doing triathlons. I am really enjoying my time in the defence force and anticipate I will be in for a much longer time of my career.

Again, many thanks for the LB and the accompanying letter.

Regards,

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Hi Ruth S,

Thank you for my beautifully made Brisbane Lions quilt! I only received it today.

It made my day to receive it. My dad and I have supported Brisbane Lions for over two decades. I have absolutely loved seeing us win two premierships! Hopefully we can go for a third this year.

HMAS Choules is currently at sea conducting some routine exercises after the Christmas break. We have a lot of new joiners this year which means we are busy training the new guys. I have 12 months left on Choules before hopefully posting down to the South Coast area to start a family with my partner.

Thank you again for all the effort you put into making my quilt. It is amazing work that you do!

I’ve already sent my Dad a photo!

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Hi there Gayle W,

I received one of the personalised laundry bags from you. It’s taken a while to write back… sorry about that.

I’ve been in the military for 7 years now. I went through ADFA and did a science degree. I am just about to deploy on a regional presence deployment with HMAS Warramunga.

Thanks so much for the letter and laundry bag. I love it!

Thanks so much,

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Hi Ruth S,

Just wanted to say thank you for the laundry bag, I love it and I think it has turned out fantastic.

Many thanks,

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This quilt was made by Bobbie S and her Mystery BOMers. The quilt was presented to the recipient (on the left) at a recent RSL Sub Branch meeting.

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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!

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