We are incredibly proud to celebrate former Beaconhills College teacher, Mrs Helen Comport, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) yesterday as part of the King’s Birthday honours.

Helen received this distinguished recognition for her outstanding service to veterans and their families through her work with Quilts of Valour Australia (QOV), which she founded in the early 2010s.

QOV creates and awards handmade quilts to veterans, active service personnel, and the families of fallen heroes as a symbol of recognition for their service, sacrifice, and courage.

Inspired by her son’s military service, Helen’s initiative has grown into a national movement, providing comfort to countless veterans and their families.

Helen taught Maths and Science at Beaconhills from 2006 to 2021 and was always known for her compassion and commitment to students. But it is her work beyond the classroom that has touched lives across the country.

Helen reflects on her early days with QOV:

“I recall that early on when I started Quilts of Valour Australia, Val in the Berwick Campus Library invited me to add to her ANZAC display with Quilts of Valour. Every year the Berwick Campus invites me to award a Quilt of Valour to a veteran as part of the College Remembrance Day Service.”

Despite receiving this high honour, Helen remains humble: “I didn’t really expect any recognition… I get my reward from being able to help others.”