Peace-d with love
A message from the Melton City Council
Melton City Council, in collaboration with members of the Melton branch of the Partners of Veterans Association, has successfully concluded a significant restoration and relocation of the Love, Peace and Unity Quilt.
Initially created in 2006, the quilt emerged from the hands of a close-knit group of friends who are partners of Vietnam veterans. This project played a pivotal role in the formation of the Melton branch of the Partners of Veterans Association, offering a platform for the partners to weave their narratives into a tapestry of shared experiences.
The quilt's creation unfolded over the course of a year as sixteen local women stitched together individual panels, each bearing perspectives on peace, love, and unity. This collaborative effort not only resulted in a tangible symbol of collective resilience, but also fostered enduring friendships among the creators.
The quilt's significance transcended local boundaries when it became part of a nationwide quilting project, funded by a federal government grant, which aimed to enable partners of veterans to ’share their stories in textile and language’, inviting communities to contemplate peace as a tangible reality.
Following its creation, the Melton Love, Peace and Unity Quilt embarked on a journey across Australia and New Zealand, captivating audiences and serving as a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict. Its return to Melton marked the beginning of a new chapter as it adorned the walls of the City of Melton Council Chambers, symbolising resilience and unity within the community.
Determined to preserve its legacy, Melton City Council has undertaken a painstaking restoration process that has breathed new life into the quilt, ensuring its longevity for generations to come.
The quilt's grand reintroduction at the Melton Library and Learning Hub coincided with the City of Melton Heritage Festival launch celebration. City of Melton Mayor, Cr Kathy Majdlik, unveiled the quilt on 18 April 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural heritage.
In commemoration of this event, the Libraries team produced a short film capturing reflections from the women involved in the quilt's creation. Additionally, digital archives of paraphernalia associated with the quilt project have been curated and added to the digital Community Heritage Collection, ensuring that the quilt's legacy remains accessible to future generations.
To learn more, visit the Melton Library website.
Councillors, Library staff and members of the Melton Partners of Veterans Association with the quilt at the City of Melton Heritage Festival launch.