Twice yearly, Australia Post delivers care packages sent by the public to Defence personnel deployed overseas.
The number of packages received each year is a testament to the generous nature of supporting organisations and individuals in the Australian community.
Sending packages
The deadline for Australia Post to accept packages and good will mail changes each year.
- For Anzac Day 2024 the deadline is 31 March 2024.
- For Christmas 2024 the deadline to be confirmed.
Care packages and good will mail for Defence personnel deployed overseas can be sent to:
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
Sydney NSW 2890
Note that family and friends are able to send addressed parcels at any time.
Package musts:
- Packages must be under 2kg in weight, actual and cubic weight, i.e. an Australia Post medium package box.
- A customs declaration must be attached to all packages sent to an Australian Forces Post Office.
- Providing gender-neutral items will ensure an equitable distribution of parcels among our deployed personnel.
Package must nots:
- Packages should not include perishable goods or liquid articles.
- Packages should be robustly packed - Australia Post provides a very detailed guide that covers suitable packaging for all types of goods.
- Packages cannot contain tobacco, alcohol, pornography or culturally offensive material.
- Packages must comply with Australia Post's dangerous and prohibited items.
- Defence cannot accept care packages for military working dogs.
Sending messages
Expressions and thoughts of support can also be sent via email or as a 'postcard to the troops'.
Emails sent to supportthetroops@defence.gov.au are widely circulated to deployed personnel from all 3 services.
Postcards, often decorate and design by children with messages of goodwill, are proudly display by personnel. Postcards can be mailed to:
Messages to the Troops
39th Operational Support Battalion
Locked Bag 7005
Liverpool NSW 1871
Australia
Other ways to help
Consider supporting those organisations that provide services to returned troops, veterans and their families in Australia.
Services may include mental health care, employment support, training, and individual and family welfare.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a list of ex-service organisations in Australia.
- RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund prepares care packages for Christmas and Anzac Day and meet all Defence and host nation transport and import requirements.