Speeches
Thursday, 09 July 2026
Festival of Quilts Awards
As joint patrons of SA Quilters, it is Rod’s and my pleasure to be with you for the presentation of this year’s Festival of Quilt winners.
Earlier, it was our privilege to select the Patrons’ Award, and, as in previous years, it was a difficult decision; you will be pleased to know, however, one that invoked good discussion rather than disagreement.
I am sure the judges here well know the dilemma of choosing between the many examples of such excellent work.
Each and every quilt has been superbly crafted, and in each case something of the creator shone through to us. The quilts told us stories; they captured our attention with their gorgeous designs and exacting execution.
Congratulations to all exhibitors.
Seeing this year’s exhibition reminds us why quilting continues to thrive across South Australia.
Rod and I have come to expect that during our travels around the State, no matter where we go, there will be quilts on display, most recently at Birdwood and at the Minlaton 150th celebrations.
It is easy to understand why.
Passed down through centuries, quilting remains a satisfying art, one where people can put a little of themselves into the fabric design.
Quilts record for posterity something of the story of the region and what is important to its people. They connect people across generations.
Quilting is a warm, deeply social, communal art, bringing people together at sit and sew groups, in community halls and in each other’s homes.
And it is an artform that can embrace new technology by harnessing AI to facilitate the design process while holding tight to the distinctive, personal creative flair that we see all around us in these works today.
As an avid reader of your newsletter, I-Patch, I am delighted to read that SA Quilters can report growing membership, strong participation, and good attendances at your new Sit and Sew Group in the northern suburbs.
Your competitions invite clever responses and affirmation of excellence, as do today’s awards. Your workshops encourage skill and the joy of quilting.
Rod and I congratulate the Association on your community outreach including donating quilts to hospitals and organisations alongside supporting worthy causes, such as Puddle Jumpers last year and Second Chance this year.
In today’s fast-paced world, I can think of no better way to enjoy an afternoon or evening than to join with others and chat and sew and take the time to slow down and immerse yourself in something that requires patience and personal expression.
And at this chilly time, a warm quilt made with warm conversations is an object not only of comfort but of warm memories.
Again, congratulations to all the entrants and to SA Quilters on your custodianship of this thriving artform.
Rod and I also acknowledge the role that Studio Art Quilts Association and its Oceania-Sturt Pea Pod plays in supporting students, emerging and professional arts quilters.
Their exhibition, Plus ONE demonstrates the interplay of black and white with a selected colour. Rod and I congratulate the 19 artists on their dramatic works.
It gives me great pleasure to declare the Plus ONE officially open.