Coulton’s Catch-up 14th November
14-November-2011
The recent deaths in Afghanistan highlight the difficult times our troops are facing. I believe it is more important than ever to throw our support behind our troops where ever they are stationed in the world. 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.
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 the thousands of Australian troops who will not be with their families this Christmas. These committed men and women are serving our nation and will miss out on spending Christmas at home with family and friends.
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. Some suggestions to include in a care package include magazines, lollies or toiletries.
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.
The ‘Christmas for the Troops’ is an important program that provides an Aussie Christmas for our deployed forces. More importantly, this programme helps demonstrate our appreciation for Australia’s troops serving overseas and helps to boost the morale of deployed troops.
In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, packages must be received by Australia Post no later than Friday 9th December 2011.
For more information on how to send a care package and ideas on what to include please contact my office on 02 6882 0999 or 02 6751 1251 or visit my website on www.markcoulton.com.au
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.
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. It is recommended that any donated goods collected by EOs, and which are unable to be sent due to size or weight, be donated to local charities.
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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
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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
· Perfumery products
Messages for the troops
For those constituents 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 constituents include their name, suburb and state at the top of the email message and be sure to let them know 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.