Supporting the ADF

  • UPDATE December 2013:

    As the bulk of our troops should be home before Christmas it has been suggested instead we send messages of support to the ones remaining overseas.  Christmas mail.

    We as an e-Club are now working on some new projects for returned soldiers in need of assistance.  Please check out our Soldier On Campaign.

    Supporting our Defence Force

    Australia has almost 2,400 uniformed Defence personnel in the Middle East, including 1,550 in Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. Furthermore there are close to 400 troops in East Timor and 80 in the Solomon Islands and small numbers in the Sudan, Sinai and Egypt. As ANZAC Day fast approaches, now is a time for all Australians to support our current deployed personnel.  Some of our members, as an avenue of service, support our men and women serving overseas by sending 'care packages, and letters to serving troops.

    How to Send a Care Package:

    Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages, up to 2 kg, to Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.. This 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 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 2 kg (cubic weight limit) and must be packaged within a box 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.

    When sending your parcel don't forget to include a letter to the troops and by including a stamped self-addressed envelope they can send a letter back to you. 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 soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman, click here for details.

    Another option is to send a message in the traditional way, there is the option of sending a postcard. The address details are:

    Messages to the Troops, Media Section 39 Personnel Support, Battalion Building 217,Randwick Barracks NSW 2031

    For more information please contact our e-Club liaison Kay:  kay@rotaryeclubnextgen.org