For the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day in 2015 Pauline James spearheaded the Lest We Forget Quilt project.
The project started with the aim of creating one quilt to represent the proud traditions of Australian service men and women, and to symbolise the gratitude felt by all Australians for their bravery and sacrifices.
The ability of Mrs James, a long time Campbelltown resident, to “marshal the troops” led to not one, not two but eight quilts being made to raise more than $64,000 for DefenceCare.
One of the quilts was taken all the way to Gallipoli and was part of the 100th commemoration of Anzac Day.
Mrs James also helped generate widespread media coverage and social media support to raise the profile of the Women’s Auxiliaries and shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes support these volunteers give returned veterans.
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP has now named Pauline James as the 2018 Macquarie Fields Local Woman of the Year.
“It’s an honour to present Pauline with this award to recognise the incredible dedication and drive she has shown over many years to support the RSL movement and our returned veterans,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“Pauline is driven by a sense of service, often saying many service men and women have made sacrifices for our country so the least she can do is give her time and energy to support the families of those who have not returned and those who have returned a different person.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I admire Pauline’s continued enthusiasm and hard work to raise money for the RSL movement and her commitment to helping serving and ex-serving members of our Defence Force and their families.”[/social_quote]
Mrs James, who is State President of the Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries – RSL NSW is not resting on her laurelas and has now turned her attention to a new quilt project.
She is spearheading the Invictus Games 2018 project for Women’s Auxiliaries branches in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania that will see 550 laundry bags depicting Australian themes handed out to all participating athletes, a quilt made for each participating country, a quilt for the Australian team and a special quilt for Prince Harry.
