Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says next Monday 13 April is the cut off date for sending a Care Package to the troops for the Anzac Centenary.

Mr Taylor said as at 30 March 2015, more than 2,700 Australian Defence Force personnel were deployed overseas on operations - in support of the Pacific Island nations, undertaking peacekeeping in Egypt and Lebanon and assisting the Iraqi people in response to the threat of terrorism.

He said Defence and Australia Post would provide free postage for anyone who would still like to send something to our personnel deployed overseas this Anzac Day. In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubed) and should be packaged within a “BX2” size box, which is available from Australia Post for approximately $2.40. You will also be required to present photographic identification, fill in some customs forms and Australia Post suggests using a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.

Mr Taylor said in order to ensure parcels reached the widest possible number of personnel, they should be gender neutral and addressed to:

An Australian Defence Member

AFPO 60

ADF  NSW  2890

He said suitable items could include Anzac biscuits, salted peanuts, muesli bars, lollies, toiletries such as shower gel, lip balm, non aerosol deodorant or shaving cream, magazines, socks, DVDs and letters of support. 

In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Anzac Day, all care packages should be lodged with Australia Post no later than Monday 13 April 2015.

Mr Taylor said for those constituents who were unable to send a package or perhaps didn’t have the time, another option was to make a donation to either Legacy or Soldier On, or to send a simple letter via the email address supportthetroops@defence.gov.au