22 July 2025
The racks on HMAS Sydney are looking more colourful thanks to a new batch of Aussie Hero Quilts.
About 30 quilts were gifted to the crew during a stop in Darwin after a three-month regional presence deployment.
Aussie Hero Quilts is an online community, made up of more than 300 volunteers who make gifts to send to deployed personnel to remind them their service is appreciated.
Since 2012, they’ve sent more than 17,000 hand sewn quilts and 36,000 dhoby (laundry) bags out to Defence members.
Commanding Officer Sydney Commander Ben Weller said his people were appreciative of the personalised gifts.
“Those who received a quilt were grateful, and are now the envy of all the crew,” Commander Weller said.
“It’s a selfless act from the incredible volunteers who took the time and effort to sew these thoughtful gifts. On behalf of HMAS Sydney, I thank you.”
Leading Seaman Adrian ‘Tex’ Heuston received his quilt, but it had made a long journey to get to him.
“Apparently it was sent to my last ship, but I’d already posted off and it got sent back to the organisation, so I’m grateful they tracked me down to my new ship and got it to me,” Leading Seaman Heuston said.
'I haven’t met Gail, but it’s bolstering to know there’s people like her out there who don’t know us individually yet still value us and our work.'
His quilt is made of different shades of his favourite colour green with an ode to his hobbies.
“Right through the centre of the quilt is a banner with motorbikes, camping and gym – I reckon it would’ve taken a fair while to sew,” Leading Seaman Heuston said.
“It humbly captures my hobbies, and the way the stitching is done and the patterns give me a sense of the country – an off-the-beaten-track feeling.”
When asked who created his quilt, Leading Seaman Heuston reached into his uniform pocket and pulled out a letter written by the quilt’s creator, Gail Macqueen.
She’s has volunteered for Aussie Hero Quilts for 13 years, and wrote him a full-page letter, including the fact that sewing the motorbikes reminded her of her grandfather who used to race motorbikes in country events.
This year alone, volunteers have gifted 423 quilts and 722 laundry bags, as well as 67 stay mats for the dogs of the Defence community.
“I haven’t met Gail, but it’s bolstering to know there’s people like her out there who don’t know us individually yet still value us and our work,” Leading Seaman Heuston said.
“I’m grateful for the passion and commitment provided by her and the other volunteers.
“This quilt will stay with me throughout my career.”
For more information about the group, visit the Aussie Hero Quilts website.
