Due to the current situation in the Middle East region, deliveries of Christmas care packages and messages to deployed Defence personnel in the Middle East may be subject to unavoidable delays and disruption.
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.
Note: family and friends are able to send addressed parcels at any time.
Sending packages
The deadline for Australia Post to accept packages and good will mail changes each year.
- Christmas 2025: the deadline is 1 December 2025.
- Anzac Day 2026: the deadline is 31 March 2026.
Care packages and good will mail for Defence personnel deployed overseas can be sent to:
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
Sydney NSW 2890
Note: Defence cannot accept care packages for military working dogs.
Packages must:
- be under 2kg in weight, actual and cubic weight, i.e. an Australia Post medium package box
- comply with Australia Post's dangerous and prohibited items
- have a customs declaration attached to all packages sent to an Australian Forces Post Office
- provide gender-neutral items to ensure an equitable distribution of parcels among our deployed personnel
- be robustly packed - Australia Post provides a very detailed guide that covers suitable packaging for all types of goods.
Packages must not:
- include perishable goods or liquid articles
- contain tobacco, alcohol, pornography or culturally offensive material.
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 decorated and designed by children with messages of goodwill, are proudly displayed 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 healthcare, 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.