While most Australians will enjoy Christmas with family and friends, our servicemen and women overseas should be in our thoughts.

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams is encouraging residents to send a care package to the committed men and women who are serving the nation and will not be with their families for Christmas.

Senator Williams said there are 2,350 uniformed Defence personnel in the Middle East including 1,550 in Afghanistan, 400 in East Timor and smaller numbers in the Solomon Islands, Sudan, Sinai and Egypt.

He said Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages that weigh up to 2 kilograms and are sent to Australian Forces Postal Offices.

“People may wish to send toiletries, magazines, non perishable foods or DVD’s. The explosive detection dogs would also welcome boxes of dog biscuits or toys to play with as they are an integral part of our overseas operations.

Receiving gifts from fellow Australians will be a big boost to the morale of our troops, and I encourage donors to include a stamped self-addressed envelope so the lucky recipient can return a letter of thanks.

In order to qualify for free postage, the care packages must be 2 kilos or less and packaged in a “BM” size box which is available for a small cost from Australia Post.

There are different addresses depending on which country the parcel is being sent to, and my website www.johnwilliams.com.au has the details.

Alternatively people may drop their gifts in to my office at 144 Byron Street, Inverell, by the 2^nd of December and delivery will be arranged”, Senator Williams said.

How to donate?

Care packages can be sent free of charge to Afghanistan 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 (gross weight) and should be packaged within a “BM” size box, which are 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.

In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, it is suggested that packages be received by Australia Post by Friday 3^rd December 2010.

Address Details

To send a care package to an Australian soldier in the Middle East, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Middle East Operations

AFPO 60

Australian Defence Force

SYDNEY NSW 2890

To send a care package to an Australian soldier in Afghanistan, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Op Slipper

AFPO 13

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

Op Slipper

AFPO 13

Australian Defence Force

SYDNEY NSW 2890

To send a care package to an Australian soldier in East Timor, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier – Female’

An Australian Soldier

East Timor Operations

AFPO 61

Australian Defence Force

SYDNEY NSW 2890

To send a care package to an Australian soldier in The Solomons, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier – Female’

An Australian Soldier

Solomon Island 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. It is recommended that any donated goods that are unable to be sent due to size or weight be donated to local charities.

What not to include

• Pornographic material
• Alcoholic beverages
• Clothing (except socks)
• Pork products
• Cigarettes
• Chocolate (due to heat)