-By Kim Parnell-

At just 17 years old, Kim Woodford enlisted in the Australian Army, never imagining it would become a lifelong career spanning almost four decades. Today, after 38.5 years of service, Kim is still serving part-time while also giving back to veterans through Quilts of Valour Australia.

Born and raised in western Sydney with her three younger brothers, Kim attended public school while her father worked as a truck driver and her mother as a nurse in aged care. It was her uncle, who served in the army, who first encouraged her to enlist.

“In 1985 you had to sign up for either three or six years,” Kim says. “I was nervous because I’d never been away from home before, so I chose three years and eventually went into clerical work.”

After recruit training at Wagga Wagga, Kim was posted to Canberra before transferring to Sydney to work with the Army watercraft unit. As her initial enlistment ended, she made the decision to stay.

Over the years, Kim took on a range of roles, including instructor positions at Wagga Wagga and the Royal Military College, Duntroon, where she taught field survival, marching, weapons and shooting.

Kim rose through the ranks to become a Warrant Officer Class One — the highest rank for senior soldiers in the Australian Army and a position achieved after years of outstanding service.

“I’m incredibly proud of being a servicewoman and still serving at my age,” she says. “Joining the army was the best decision I ever made.”

In 2022, Kim and her husband relocated to Toogoom after falling in love with the relaxed lifestyle of Hervey Bay. Although she became a reservist, she still works up to 200 days a year from home for the Army.

After moving to the Fraser Coast, Kim wanted to become involved in the community. She first became a Justice of the Peace before discovering Quilts of Valour Australia through a work colleague.

“I watched her present a quilt to a veteran and it really inspired me,” Kim says. “I wanted to give back to people who may have never felt recognised for their service.”

Quilts of Valour Australia was founded in 2012 after an Australian soldier injured in Afghanistan received a quilt from the American military while recovering in hospital in Germany. The gesture, described as “a big warm hug”, inspired his mother to create a similar organisation for Australian veterans.

Today, volunteer quilters from across Australia donate handmade quilts, each featuring a label with the maker’s name and a personal message. Veterans from all services can be nominated to receive one.

Kim, who is the Fraser Coast representative for the organisation, coordinates nominations locally while quilts are sent from state coordinators.

“The recipient never knows they’re getting a quilt until the presentation,” she says.

During each presentation, Kim reads a special letter acknowledging the recipient’s “valour, service and sacrifice” before wrapping the quilt around them.

“There are often tears all round,” she says. “A lot of people don’t think they’re worthy of recognition, especially some older veterans. I always tell them their service will never be forgotten.”

Kim says the presentations are deeply rewarding and often emotional for families as well.

“I get a lot of satisfaction from surprising them and making them feel appreciated,” she says. “It’s a really humbling experience.”

Quilts can be presented anywhere in Australia, with nominations passed on to representatives in different regions if required. Nominations can be submitted by serving Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, or families who have lost a loved one.

To nominate someone for a quilt, contact our regions representative Kim Woodford, email: kmbw2009@hotmail.com.

To find out more about Quilts of Valour Australia, visit their webpage at www.quiltsofvalour.com.au.

(Images supplied by Kim Woodford)