Laurieton quilter creating tangible courage for abused men, women and children

ROB, as she prefers to be known, makes Courage Quilts for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The quilts, more than 340 since 2011, are sent to Mid North Coast Local Health District’s sexual assault services and child and family services, and then distributed through their networks of counsellors, case workers and refuges.

A certificate sits proudly behind one of her sewing machines from the Kempsey Women’s Refuge acknowledging ROB’s volunteer contribution to the comfort of women and children in their care.

“They’re called Courage Quilts because they are given to people when they need courage to continue on, courage to get out of their situation and courage to make a better life,” ROB said.

“It’s sad that there is such a need for them, more than people realise in the local area.”

ROB scours op shops for bits and pieces. Friends and family sometimes donate fabric so she can keep making these quilts. There is very little waste because ROB will even make quilts from two inch strips of fabric.

“I get pleasure seeing what I can make out of the bits and pieces I get. Colours that don’t necessarily go together can work and look good when they’re put together in a quilt. 

“I enjoy sewing and making the quilts is a way for me to be creative and volunteer to give back to the community and I keep doing it because I know it helps people.”

ROB started making quilts for this cause when a friend, who was a counsellor, wanted to give create some diversion therapy for children who were in violent families or experienced sexual abuse.

“I offered to make some quilts for them to put together. Then I started making the quilts and sending them to the department, that’s how it started.

“I’ve had experience with domestic violence. It was mainly emotional abuse, but sometimes it was physical. So this is a cause close to my heart.

“I know quilts give comfort and support. I know it makes people feel like they’re not alone and that somebody cares about them.”

At the moment the cost of wadding, the cotton wool-type softness which goes inside the quilts, is slowing up production.

“The wadding is the most expensive part and when I run out of it I scour the op shops for cotton blankets to use instead.”

If you are able to donate a few metres of wadding for ROB, it can be left at the Camden Haven Courier office on Bold Street, Laurieton during business hours.

"I did hear that a few years ago a 12-year-old girl was given one of my quilts. Three years later she was still cuddling it. That makes what I do very worthwhile."

A spokesperson from the Mid North Coast Local Health District said they deeply appreciate the work of ROB.

“We love the quilts and are so very grateful for ROB’s generosity. She has given her time for several years to support us and it means so much to the people we give the quilts to, who are going through a very difficult time,” the spokesperson said.