General News
28 February, 2025
Historic quilt returns home
A hand painted 255-panel patchwork quilt showcasing the names of many Warracknabeal families has been returned to Rural Northwest Health (RNH) after almost two decades in storage and was unveilled on Monday.
Created by Nita Phillips (nee Rosslyn) in 1943, the quilt had been hanging in the old hospital until construction of the new Warracknabeal Campus in 2008.
Former historian Doug McColl, who many may recall worked as the hospital pharmacist for many years, was approached about whether the Warracknabeal Historical Society might like to display the quilt as there was, then, no room to display it in the new campus.
Taking it to the next historical society meeting, Doug was tasked with storing the quilt after the
society established that they also had neither the room, nor the UV-resistant glass, in which to
display the heavy wool quilt.
Fast forward to 2024 when Doug’s wife, Evelyn, was approached about the historical society taking on another quilt and she was reminded of the one she had in storage.
Taking it to the next society meeting, Evelyn said the members were “quite taken” with the quilt which includes the name of the 1943 matron M.L. Jeffrey, along with many other local stalwarts including L. Winsall, W.M O’Dea, Shirley Shaw, W. Smale, and G.K. Parsons, to name a few.
Discovering that a few panels needed repair, the society approached seamstress Suzy Callaghan, who happily took on the job, repairing and restoring several panels.
Still having no room to display the quilt, the society approached RNH to see whether they would like it back.
RNH happily accepted and displayed the colourful 82-year-old quilt in pride of place in Yarriambiack Lodge.
“It is an honour to appreciate this extraordinary patchwork quilt,” RNH Executive Manager Clinical Services Joseph Bermudo said.
“More than just fabric and thread, this quilt is a story; a collection of memories, emotions, and
craftmanship, woven together with care and dedication.
“Each patch, stitch, and colour choice hold meaning. Perhaps it represents cherished moments, a journey taken, or the hands that lovingly created it.
“Patchwork quilts remind us that beauty comes not just from perfection, but from the coming
together of different pieces, much like our own lives.
“May this quilt inspire warmth, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the stories that fabric can tell”.
Although Suzy was unable to attend the unveiling, Evelyn thanked her for her efforts in restoring the quilt and said she “did a wonderful job”.
Historical Society member Jenny Taylor’s late mother, Roma Ross, was friends with
Nita and remembers the many stories her mother shared about the “eccentric” Nita.
Although it remains unclear why Nita was in Warracknabeal around 1943, she led an
extraordinary life and is perhaps better known as “The Girl in Red” after the English singer cycled
her way through 120 countries in a bid to prove that live theatre was still alive and well.
Described in the press of the day as “a diminutive woman in red”, Nita’s all red ensemble included her bike on which she is reported to have cycled over 200,000 kilometres across the United
Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia all with just five shillings (75 cents today) to her name.
Never seen without her uniform of a close-fitting cap, buttoned jacket, cycling skirt, cycling gaiters and boots, Nita passed away in the 1970s.
