Help fill Santa’s bag

Volume 49, No. 22, November 30, 2006

By Michael Brooke

Sailors overseas look forward to mail, it’s an important link with their friends and family back home.

It’s important to know the postal rules to get mail to its destination.

To provide Australia Post and Defence the best opportunity to distribute on time during the holiday season, all mail (to and from Australia) must be posted early enough to arrive at the Australia Post Defence Mail Facility in Sydney by the following dates:

• AFPOs 1, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20: December 11;
• AFPO 11 December 13;
• AFPO 2 and 5 December 15.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when sending mail overseas.

Consideration must also be given to whether the item is prohibited or restricted in certain countries.

All mail is subject to border agency screening, similar to mail entering Australia.

Items such as women’s magazines or alcohol can cause offence. In some cases, items have been delayed simply because they have been wrapped in paper with a Christian theme.

Normal dangerous goods prohibitions and restrictions apply to mail sent through the Defence network to and from overseas destinations.

All mail must comply with international mail security requirements, including proof of identity requirements at the time of lodgment. Articles that do not comply will be subject to a security-related delay.

Mail that is sent via the Defence network is restricted to personal mail only.

Letters and parcels for deployed members should be addressed as follows:

Army or Air Force
Serial Number, Rank and Name
Unit Name or Operation (if applicable)
AFPO (add number)
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES
NSW 2890

HMA Ships
Serial Number, Rank and Name
Name of the HMA Ship
AFPO (add number)
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES
NSW 2890

For more information contact Australia Post on 131318 or www.auspost.com.au