On Saturday 15 February, our day began with an early rise as Jenny A and I drove to Singelton Army Base to take part in the Annual Singelton Military Army Base Family Day to represent Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags.

We arrived in time to locate our table and set up our display. We were both greeted warmly by other stall holders nearby. We were given a different location today right near one of the main entrances. The Family Day commenced at 9.30am.

We had warm weather which made it ideal for the many outdoor activities that were scheduled for the day. The event was intended as an opportunity for all Singelton Area ADF members, APS employees, Defence Civilian Contractors, their families and friends to participate together in a fun day with displays and lots of children’s activities, like face painting etc and a bingo card draw with prizes for children – each stall had a stamp and all stall holders marked on the card and once it was full Bingo !!!! There were complimentary beverages, delicious popcorn and BBQ for all.

The list of activities began outside the hall with Welcome to Country then a Welcome address followed by an Australia’s Federation Guard Demonstration – Precision Drill team. Next the Australian Army Band Newcastle Jazz Ensemble played for 30mins, then a special RAAF Flypast – seeing the HAWK 127 such an amazing site to see. The Australian Army Band played once again followed by another Demonstration by the Federation Guard.

There were numerous organisations in attendence, including Defence Families Australia, Defence Mental Health and Well Being and Open Arms

Prestige Medals were also there again with examples of the great work they do. They are big supporters of Aussie Hero Quilts.

It was wonderful also to meet so many ADF members and their families. Some new recruits we spoke to were so surprised that one day they would be able to receive a one of a kind – quilt and Laundry bag of their liking when they were on their first deployment.

With the quilts and bags on display we had 3 hard cover books with just coloured photos of quilts and laundry bags – 1 per year showing a multitude of quilts and laundry bags that aroused a lot of interest. From this point on, the conversations expanded with great results and much surprise. Veterans, some of whom were retired, were surprised to find that they also were eligible to receive a quilt for their Service.

We both had the pleasure of meeting past and present members of the ADF who enjoyed viewing our display and discussing our service. We met a delightful gentleman from Mussellbrook RSL Branch who had spoken to us during previous family welfare days. He had been in the RAN for over 40 years. He returned to this year’s Family Day and he visited our display once more. We were so delighted to chat to him once more. Also we met a Major who is involved in a Military Training Team a few times a year which is a 6-8 weeks Course in both PNG and The Soloman Islands.

We enjoyed talking to ADF members, family and friends who had no prior knowledge of our service and telling them all about what Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags represents and how to obtain a quilt/bag. It was truly a delight discussing the quilts we had on display and relating how the quilts are made and how our volunteers not only live in NSW but all over the country -from Tasmania to WA.

We were both so pleased to meet some past recipients of our quilts and laundry bags who were thrilled to meet us so they could give us their personal “Thank you” for the very special gift that they received during their deployment. In some cases parcels came at a time when it made such a difference to receive their gift. it was obvious they really valued them and would always cherish their possessions.

This event was an ideal opportunity for Jenny and myself to spread the word about Aussie Hero Quilts and we were very fortunate to have such a good crowd in attendance so we could spread the word.

Cheers

Toni F and Jenny A