About Us
History
Darwin Patchworkers and Quilters Inc., (DPAQ) was formed in 1984 by Jenny Armour, Gill Webb and a small number of other quilters.
In 1988 a number of other friendship groups joined forces with the original DPAQ members. The group has continued to grow in numbers and today boasts a healthy membership of keen patchworkers and quilters from all parts of the Northern Territory.
Club meetings are held monthly for those living in the Darwin area and a monthly newsletter is emailed to all members and displayed on this website. Regular workshops are offered featuring local, national or international tutors.
DPAQ contributes to numerous community activities and exhibitions and holds a major sponsored and judged quilt exhibition, Territory Quilts, every second year.
Further information can be downloaded here.
Jenny Armour
DPAQ Foundation Member
General Club Meetings
Darwin Patchworkers and Quilters general club meetings, called Monday Meets are held on the first Monday of the month (unless there is a Public Holiday then it is deferred to the following Monday) 6:45 PM for a 7:00 PM start
Held at the ClubRooms 96A Winnellie Rd, Winnellie.
In addition to the usual club business there is always a ‘Show and Tell’ session, and frequently a guest speaker.
Non-members are welcome at all meetings. Admission is free for first time visitors with subsequent visits costing $5.00 each (includes refreshments).
The Club’s Annual General Meeting is usually held in April.
A copy of the Club’s Constitution is available here.
Membership Fees
$60.00 per annum
Membership is from January to December
$30.00 Locker Fees per annum, for members who wish to hire a locker in the ClubRooms.
Membership Entitlements
- name badge for first time members
- monthly newsletter emailed to all members or available for download from the website
- attendance at monthly meetings
- discounts on workshop fees
- One free valuation service per year
- borrowing rights from club library
- hire of specialist equipment
Events and Activities
Australia Day Sit & Sew
ClubRooms are usually open during the Australia Day Public Holiday for a sit & sew day and generally a good time to catch up with fellow members after the Christmas hiatus.
Tropical Retreat
Held annually during the May Day long weekend for 3 days of sewing and quilting., it is the Club’s biggest yearly event.
DPAQ Workshop
The Club hosts an interstate or international tutor for 4 days, usually once or twice a year and the 4 day programme includes a Trunk Show, a 1-day and a 2-day workshop.
World’s Biggest Morning Tea
Darwin Patchworkers and Quilters hosts a morning tea and fundraising for The Cancer Council.
Territory Quilts Exhibition
An Annual exhibition of members’ work. Territory residents who are not members are also welcome to enter. The exhibition alternates between Darwin and Alice Springs.
The next Territory Quilts hosted by the Darwin Patchworkers and Quilters Inc will be in 2027.
Royal Darwin Show
Darwin Patchworkers and Quilters Inc holds a table at the Rotary Hall to sell raffle tickets for the Club’s annual raffle.
The club helps out the patchwork and quilting display, that may include judging entries and sponsoring prizes.
Quilt in a Nighty
A 12-hour sewing and quilting extravaganza attended by members and non-members. Just as the event suggests, members are welcome to come to the ClubRooms wearing their favourite nighty (or change at sundown).
Christmas Party
End of year celebration dinner for members, sponsors and guests.
Quilt Appraisal Services
A trained committee makes valuations of quilts for insurance purposes and for fundraising events.
Members Exhibitions and Sales of Work
From time to time at Tactile Arts, Bullocky Point.
Quilts of Love
Members participate in making quilts for bereaved parents of newborn babies at the hospitals and through the community health care centres.