Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages, up to 2kg (cubed), to all Australian Forces Postal Offices (AFPO). This service includes our forces in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, as well to East Timor and the Solomon Islands. The service helps to boost the morale of deployed troops through the provision of care packages and letters of support within the package. Including a stamped self addressed envelope will also allow the recipient to send a letter of thanks back to the sender.

 

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 ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, packages must be received by Australia Post no later than Monday 5^th December 2011.

 

 

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 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 (due to heat) ·          Perfumery products

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

 

 

To send a care package to an ADF member in the Middle East (including Afghanistan), address the package to the following. Parcels can be sent to "An Australian Soldier" or "An Australian Soldier - Female".   For something different you can send a Care package to one of the explosive detection dogs at "An Australian EDD Handler" but don't forget to include a treat for the handler. 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

Alternatively you can drop donated items to my office located at 5 Cottonwood Place Oxenford where I will be collecting items and sending them on behalf of the local community.

 

Messages for the troops

For those who would like to express their support through a simple letter, you may like to encourage them to email their message to:

messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au

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 Your personal details will not be published.

 

 

If you would like to assist more locally there are dozens of organisations assisting those who are do not have family nearby or require assistance over the holidays.  Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels all offer an invaluable service to the community.  These organisations and many more are always looking for a spare pair of hands and can be contacted though Volunteering Gold Coast on 07 5526 2811.

 

I urge you to take some time to think of those less fortunate in the community these holidays. If you are going away or staying home this Christmas I wish you and your loved ones a safe holiday and Happy New Year. 

 

Merry Christmas.