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Maclean Patchwork and Quilters group display some of the 42 quilts that are on their way to remote communities in Papua New Guinea. The quilts were donated by quilters at the annual Patchwork and Quilters gathering, which was held in September at Yamba. Image: Contributed

Quilters gift to Papua New Guinea

Lynne Mowbray|

Each year, the annual Patchwork and Quilters zone gathering, has a theme or challenge.

The challenge for this year was to create a quilt to a specific size of 50 inches by 50 inches, to go to Papua New Guinea on a medical ship for distribution to the young and elderly.

This year’s challenge saw a total of 42 quilts donated, which will be hand delivered by lower river local, Kerrie Huxham.

Ms Huxham said that she became involved in the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) medical ship about five years ago.

“I’m an ex-topical emergency nurse, so I immunise on the ship,” Ms Huxham said.

“This particular ship is based in Townsville and goes to very remote areas of PNG and it’s the only way medical services are able to go out to New Guinea.

“There are other things that go out on the ship like birthing kits, the Days for Girls kits (menstrual hygiene kits for women and girls) etc, so this welcome gift of the quilts is very much appreciated for the people in the highlands, for their comfort.

“They are a fabulous size and I’m just absolutely overwhelmed – they’re just gorgeous.

“This is a wonderful way of providing something practical for the people of New Guinea. “The ladies (who receive them) will yell out and cry and I’ll cry. It’s a wonderful thing to be involved in,” she said.