CHRISTMAS FOR OUR TROOPS
25-November-2011
Federal Member for Macquarie, Louise Markus MP, is encouraging people of the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury to send a Christmas message to our Australian Defence Force troops in the Middle East, Solomon Islands and East Timor.
“I encourage the people of the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury to send Christmas messages of support to our thousands of troops serving overseas,” said Louise Markus.
“Our service men and women sacrifice a great deal to serve on behalf of the Australian people overseas.
“Christmas is a great time to reinforce this nation’s support for our troops and the work they are doing and I hope everyone in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury takes advantage of this free service provided by Australia Post.
“During the holiday season, it is important to spare a thought for those who will not be with their families this Christmas, particularly those from RAAF Base Richmond.”
Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages, up to 2kg (cubed) to all Australian Postal Offices. Including a stamped addressed envelope will 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.
Mrs Markus said “this service helps to boost the morale of deployed troops and 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, all packages must be received by Australia Post no later than Monday 5 December 2011. 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. Customs forms are also required to be filled out and it is suggested a liberal amount of packing tape is used to ensure that all contents of the package arrive at their destination.
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 Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an Australian Explosive Detection Dog in Afghanistan, address the package to:
An Australian EDD Handler
Christmas Mail
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
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 Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
East Timor Operations
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an ADF member in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following.
An Australian Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY 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.
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Toiletries
· Deodorant (non aerosol)
· Shaving cream (non aerosol)
· Small bottle of talcum powder
· Disposable razors
· Shower Gel
· Lip Balm
· Perfume samples (non glass)
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
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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
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What not to include
· Pornographic material
· Alcoholic beverages
· Clothing (except socks)
· Pork products
· Cigarettes
· Chocolate (due to heat)
Messages can also be sent via email to
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au. Please ensure name, suburb and state is included at the top of the email message. Defence may publish letters 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.