Two outback friendship quilts were recently auctioned in Balranald Shire to coincide with the stopover of this year’s Australian Safari Car Rally. The proceeds of the auction went to the Peter Brock Foundation, with the legendary racing driver accepting the donation of almost $1,000 in person.
Council’s Economic Development Officer, Hank van Apeldorn, said Peter Brock also enjoyed performances by local students, and signed 150 autographs.
“Peter Brock was terrific – a real gentleman and very patient with the children,” he said. The auction is the latest success for the outback friendship quilt project, started last year by Balranald resident Suzanne Nield. The project was intended to unite the women of this south west NSW region, an area which had been suffering its worst drought in history.
“Working together on these quilts helped the women involved overcome the isolation they had been experiencing during the drought,” Suzanne Nield said. “They’ve been able to share their ideas, and focus on something positive and good. We have made this drought into a good time and we’ve helped some charities along the way.”
The project became so well known that fabric, designs and quilt squares were received from all over the world. When a quilt was completed and sold, the proceeds were donated to a charity chosen by the makers. Around 45 women from the region made about 100 quilts – far exceeding the 30 that Suzanne Nield expected – and a few were also sent from other parts of Australia.
Two quilts will be auctioned by Christies in Melbourne to coincide with the Spring Racing Carnival, including one that is expected to fetch between $5,000 and $10,000.
Suzanne Nield, who was born in Balranald, said the project showed how Australian country people could ‘dig in and stick together during tough times’.
“If everybody did one little thing like this in their lives, imagine what a huge difference it could make,” she said.
