07 April 2015
FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said on 25 April, Australians will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and honour the sacrifices of those service personnel who helped forge our national identity.
“This Anzac Day Australians are also being asked to spare a thought for our current serving personnel and recently returned veterans who have served on operational service overseas,” he said.
Mr Joyce said it is equally important to commemorate the acts and deeds of those present at the Gallipoli landings as it is the ongoing work of the men and women who continue to serve and represent our nation abroad today.
“It is important to honour and support the current generation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans who have served on our behalf in what are often complex, challenging and extremely dangerous environments," he said.
“In recognition and gratitude for the service of our current personnel I encourage residents of the New England Electorate to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On. These excellent organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families.”
Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) in support of those personnel who have been wounded on operations and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.
Messages of support can also be emailed to serving personnel at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.
For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open until 13 April 2015.
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
Care packages must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 13 April 2015. Further details regarding requirements and restrictions can be found on my website at http://www.barnabyjoyce.com.au/
Those who wish to send a care package but are short on time may like to consider donating money to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.
The RSL provides care packages to Australian troops as well as Australian Federal Police personnel biannually and your support would contribute to this valuable program. Please see my website for further details regarding the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.
“The service of Australia’s military personnel is rightly revered by the community and I urge everyone to show their support this Anzac Day,” Mr Joyce said.