As Anzac Day approaches, we stand together and remember all those Australians who fought and gave their lives on behalf of an eternally grateful nation. As we remember those of wars past, we should also take a moment to spare a thought for those Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who are currently serving abroad.

This Anzac Day, there will be more than 3,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving overseas in locations such as Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

To show your support for the troops this Anzac Day you can send them a care package, free of charge, through Australia Post. Australia Post is providing a free delivery service, for packages under 2kg, to our soldiers serving in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, as well as East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

When sending your parcel don’t forget to include a letter of support to the troops and include a stamped self addressed envelope so they can send a letter back to you. Parcels can be sent to “An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman” or “An Australian Soldier – Female.”

Suggested items you might like to send include toiletries, magazines, books, non-perishable food and even a pair of socks!

Last Christmas approximately 10 tonnes worth of care packages were distributed to personnel deployed overseas and I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women.

This service is highly valued by Australia’s troops and helps to boost morale and remind our ADF personnel of the enduring support they have back home.

How to donate?

Care packages can be sent free of charge to the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubic weight limit) and should be packaged within a “BM” sized box, which are available from Australia Post for approximately two dollars. You will also be required to fill out some Customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.

To ensure the packages arrive in time for Anzac Day 2011, the below postal addresses will be active from 14 March until 15 April 2011.

Address Details

To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Middle East, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Anzac Day Mail

Middle East Operations

AFPO 60

Australian Defence Force

NSW 2890

To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in East Timor, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Anzac Day Mail

East Timor Operations

AFPO 61

Australian Defence Force

NSW 2890

To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Anzac Day Mail

Solomon Islands Operations

AFPO 62

Australian Defence Force

NSW 2890

What can be included in Care Packages?

Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions.

Toiletries ·         Deodorant (non aerosol) ·         Shaving cream (non aerosol) ·         Small bottle of talcum powder ·         Disposable razors ·         Shower Gel ·         Lip Balm ·         Perfume samples (non glass)     Food ·         Instant Noodles ·         Biscuits ·         Lollies ·         Small tinned consumables ·         Non-perishable foods     Other ideas ·         Magazines – from Vogue to Men’s Health ·         Puzzle books ·         DVDs ·         Socks ·         Letters of support ·         Stamped, self addressed envelopes – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation

What not to include

·         Pornographic material

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Clothing (except socks)

·         Pork products

·         Cigarettes

·         Chocolate (if sending to warm climates)