Helen Comport, OAM, and Quilts of Valour
Many congratulations to Helen for receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June as part of The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.
Helen Comport, OAM, is a name well known in Australian quilting circles—not only for her remarkable craftsmanship but also for her deep commitment to community and compassion through the Quilts of Valour program. As a dedicated volunteer and tireless advocate, Helen’s work has brought warmth, comfort, and healing to countless Australian veterans and their families. And for her tireless work, Helen has received the Order of Australia in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list for her service to veterans and their families; a most deserved award for a lady who continues to give. Helen foundered the Quilts of Valour Australia program in 2012 and served as President in the early 2010s.
Quilts of Valour Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides handmade quilts to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have been physically or psychologically affected by their service. Each quilt is a gesture of gratitude, stitched with care and presented with honour. For Helen, it’s more than just a sewing project—it’s a mission.
With her extensive experience in quilting and her passion for giving back, Helen plays a pivotal role in coordinating quilt donations, mentoring new volunteers, and raising awareness about the importance of recognising veterans’ sacrifices. Her commitment is evident in the time and effort she dedicates not only to creating quilts herself but also in fostering a community of quilters united by compassion and respect. Waverley Patchworkers proudly contributes and donates quilts made by our members to Quilts of Valour.
Here are some of the quilts Waverley Patchworkers donated at the last Monthly Meeting.
The emotional impact of receiving a Quilt of Valour is profound. Many veterans express how deeply touched they are by the gesture, often moved to tears by the recognition and support.Ho
Beyond the quilts themselves, Helen’s work helps bridge the gap between civilians and veterans, creating a deeper sense of national appreciation and unity. Her advocacy helps ensure that the service and sacrifice of those who wear the uniform are not forgotten.
Helen Comport’s contributions to Quilts of Valour Australia embody the spirit of giving, respect, and community. Through every stitch, she reminds us of the power of handmade kindness—and the difference it can make in the lives of those who have served.
Helen’s contributions:
- Quilts of Valour Australia
- President, early 2010s.
- Secretary, since mid-2010s.
- Founder, 2012.
- Inner Wheel Club of Berwick, Inner Wheel Australia
- President, 2019-2020.
- Committee Member.
- Media Administrator, current.
- Historian, current.
- Former Newsletter Editor.
- Community
- Member, Victorian Quilters Guild, current.
- Education
- Teacher, Beaconhills College, Berwick, 2006-2020.
- Teacher, Haileybury College, Berwick, 2001-2005.
- Teacher, Margaret College, Berwick, 1999-2000.
- Awards and Recognition include:
- Margaret Goulding Award, Inner Wheel Club of Berwick, Inner Wheel Australia, 2022.
- Queen’s Guide Award, c1968.
