Assistant Minister for Defence – Support Defence personnel this Christmas

Australians are being encouraged to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed on operations this Christmas by sending a message of thanks or donating to a charity that supports Defence personnel and their families.

“I call on all Australians to take a moment to think of those service men and women who will be deployed on operations in our region and across the globe. Sending a message that simply says ‘thank you for your service’ has a tremendous positive impact on our troops,” said Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert.

“As we prepare to celebrate the festive season with our loved ones, my thoughts are also with those Australian families who will have mums, dads, sons and daughters deployed over Christmas. This is a particularly difficult time for families and I thank them for the support they provide to our service men and women.”

Mr Robert said the best and most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au. These messages are distributed to personnel on all ADF operations and are greatly appreciated.

“If you would like to make a lasting contribution I encourage you to support Defence personnel by making a donation to the RSL, Legacy or other charities such as Soldier On,” Mr Robert said.

For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open from 3 November until 8 December.

An Australian Defence Member

AFPO 60

Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 8 December 2014 and meet the requirements and restrictions detailed on the Defence website at: http://www.defence.gov.au/events/Christmas/support.asp

“The soldiers, sailors, airmen and women of the Australian Defence Force serve in our name and protect our interests. They always deserve our respect and support, and Christmas provides us with the opportunity to pause and say ‘thank you’ to those who are deployed and to their families who support them from home,” Mr Robert said.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999