Christmas is a special time for all Australians and provides most of us with a much needed opportunity to spend some precious time with family and friends. During the holiday season it is important to spare a thought for those who will not be with their families this Christmas, like the thousands of Australian troops serving overseas.

To show your support for the troops this Christmas you can send them a care package, free of charge, through Australia Post. Australia Post allows free delivery for packages weighing no more than 2kg (cubed) to our soldiers on the front line.

 

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 Defence Member.  For something different, you may also like to send a care package to one of the Explosive Detection Dogs, but don’t forget to include a treat for the handler.  Please see below for further information regarding postage details.

 

My office will be coordinating local efforts for this program and local residents will be able to drop off any donated items with their letters of support to 2 Mint Street, East Victoria Park up until December 8.  I will also be putting in place a special Swan collection program so that less mobile residents in retirement homes will be able to participate and help boost morale of our brave soldiers.

How to Donate

Care packages can be sent free of charge to the below AFPO addresses so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel and even to an Explosive Detection Dog.

 

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubed) and should be packaged within a “BM” size box, which is available from Australia Post for approximately two dollars. You will also be required to present photographic identification, fill in 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.

 

In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, they must be received by Australia Post no later than Friday 9 December 2011. 

 

Address Details

To send a care package to an ADF member in the Middle East (including Afghanistan), address the package to the following.

An Australian Defence Member

Goodwill Mail

AFPO 60

Middle East Operations

Australian Defence Force  NSW  2890

 

To send a care package to an Australian Explosive Detection Dog in Afghanistan, address the package to:

An Australian EDD Handler

Goodwill Mail

AFPO 60

Middle East Operations

Australian Defence Force

SYDNEY  NSW  2890

 

To send a care package to an ADF member in East Timor, address the package to the following.

An Australian Defence Member

Goodwill Mail

AFPO 61

East Timor Operations

Australian Defence Force  NSW  2890

 

To send a care package to an ADF member in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following.

 

An Australian Defence Member

Goodwill Mail

AFPO 62

Solomon Islands Operations

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   Other ideas ·         Magazines – from Vogue to Men’s Health ·         Puzzle books ·         DVD’s ·         Socks ·         Letters of support ·         Stamped, self addressed envelope – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation

For the explosive detection dogs ·         Box of dog biscuits ·         Dried beef bones ·         Greenies ·         Toys ·         Tennis balls ·         Treats for the handlers     Food ·         Instant Noodles ·         Biscuits ·         Lollies ·         Small tinned consumables ·         Non perishable foods

What not to include

·         Pornographic material

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Clothing (except socks)

·         Pork products

·         Cigarettes

·         Perfumery products

 

 

Messages for the troops

 

If you would like to express your support through a simple letter, you can email your message to:

 

messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

Please include your name, suburb and state at the top of the email message and be aware that that Defence may publish their letter on Defence websites and social media sites so the message reaches more ADF members and their families. Personal details of the sender are not published.