When someone requests a quilt or a laundry bag they have to supply their deployed postal address which sometimes includes an AFPO Number or alternatively they will send us an Aussie postal address.
Posting to an AFPO address
If using an AFPO Address it will look something like this
CPL Wanda Quilt 8765432
TG 3456
AFPO XX (relevant number will be included)
ADF
Sydney NSW 2890
CPL Wanda Quilt 8765432
TG 3456
AFPO XX (relevant number will be included)
ADF
Sydney NSW 2890
Addresses like this with with an AFPO number and ADF Sydney NSW 2890 are for sailors, soldiers and aviators on deployment overseas. Postage to them is free as long as your parcel is 2kg or less.
All these parcels are sent to the Sydney address and are sorted and dispatched overseas from there. Using this address enables us to post direct to the serving members.
All these parcels are sent to the Sydney address and are sorted and dispatched overseas from there. Using this address enables us to post direct to the serving members.
We used to buy a Bx2 box from Australia Post.
However Australia Post has decided to discontinue their Bx2 boxes so please check out this link and to find out what the alternatives are.
Each parcel should have ONLY the large form shown below. The green form is no longer required on our parcels.
To fill out the form I write "Linen" or "Bed Cover" for contents as I do not believe it is wise to advertise if you are sending a quilt. I write "linen" for laundry bags. Also add in the details of any goodies you are sending but so as not to spoil the surprise you can write things like "prepackaged foods" and "beverage sachets", "stationery", "toiletries" depending on what you include.
For value once again, it is not wise to advertise so for quilts I write $30 and for a laundry bag I write $10. I know our quilts are worth more than that but we can't claim if the parcel does not arrive so what is the point of advertising their value?
it is also worth noting that the code the Post Office should use to enter the parcel into their computer system is 1167. If you can remember this then you should not have any problems. Lots of our volunteers have reported good results when they are able to pass that info over if the post office does not know it.
In the top left hand corner of the box in big letters that will stand out write
AUSSIE HERO QUILTS
and underneath write the blog details in smaller letters
aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com.au
PO Box 248, Cherrybrook NSW 2126
Please ensure that you include a letter in your parcel and include your postal
address and email address on that.
I have found that it is best to tape the parcels with the tape going all the way around the parcel and coming back and sticking it to itself.
In some weather conditions I have found that the tape can come unstuck but this seems to be alleviated if you bring the tape around to stick to itself. Better safe than sorry I think.
If you are only posting a laundry bag you may still use a box and fill it with goodies to pad it out or you can use a padded postpack. I think they are stronger than the Tuff Bags.
If you are only posting a laundry bag you may still use a box and fill it with goodies to pad it out or you can use a padded postpack. I think they are stronger than the Tuff Bags.
Most important - make sure you weigh your parcels to ensure they are under 2kg or when you get to the Post Office you will be charged the normal cost for a parcel to be posted to Sydney depending on it's weight and place of origin.
Some post offices do not seem to know what CODE to use when entering the parcels into the system. The correct code is 1167 and I am told that if you pass this to the Post Office it might help.
If not posting to an AFPO address
If you are posting to an address that does not include an AFPO number then you will be sent a pre-paid satchel to use for postage. Please keep the pink sticky label with the tracking number on it so that we can track the parcel if need be.
And don't forget to include a friendly note with your name and address so that your recipient can say thank you. I have been told repeatedly how much these accompanying letters are appreciated as the guys and girls enjoy learning a little about the people that have gone to the effort of making something for them. I always add my email address as snail mail takes SO LONG to get back here and most of the guys and gals have some sort of internet access. Having said that, I know some mothers who don't hear from their sons very regularly so don't expect too much!
