AFOF 60th Anniversary Hike
Marking 60 Years of Supporting Australians Serving Overseas through the RSL’s ‘Australian Forces Overseas Fund’ (AFOF)
13 February 2026 - Main Range - Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)
Since 1966, the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) has ensured that our Defence Force personnel serving abroad know they are remembered, supported, and valued by Australians at home.
To mark 60 years of support, RSL Australia has organised a special commemorative fundraising hike across the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park.
You can be part of it.
The Main Range walk takes in glacial lakes, historic huts, and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, across alpine high country in Kosciuszko National Park - Image credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
THE Main Range 60th Anniversary Hike
13 February 2026
To mark 60 years of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund, we are recruiting 20 RSL members to undertake the Main Range Walk in Kosciuszko National Park.
We will be walking in honour of our deployed ADF personnel, who serve in challenging and unfamiliar environments, away from home and family, to acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice they make on Australia’s behalf and to raise funds to continue supporting their morale and wellbeing.
Image credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
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The Main Range Walk, Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)
This spectacular hike takes in glacial lakes, historic alpine huts and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
22km loop track – Grade 4
7-9 hours
Starts and finishes at Charlotte Pass
Long steep gradients and steps. A good level of fitness and bushwalking experience is recommended.
Alpine environment – weather can be unpredictable. You’ll need suitable clothing for extreme changes in weather.
Please read the safety information and recommendations on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website.
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12 - 14 February 2026.
Arrive afternoon/evening 12 February.
The hike will take place on 13 February.
Depart morning of 14 February.
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The RSL Active program will sponsor the cost of two nights’ accommodation (12–13 February) for each participant in a lodge at Perisher.
The lodge is equipped with blankets, doonas and pillows, so you need only bring sheets, pillow cases and towels, food, drink and personal belongings.
There is adequate day-to-day storage for foodstuffs and drinks, with a numbered cupboard in the kitchen for each cabin, communal refrigerators and a freezer. The kitchen is well-equipped.
Accommodation information is available here. -
Participants will need to:
organise their own transport to and from Perisher.
bring food for meals and snacks - there are no shops open in the Perisher region, but there is a well equipped kitchen for cooking at the lodge.
pay for their own national park entry fees. (information regarding fees can be found here)
bring linen and a towel.
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Each walker commits to the goal of securing 60 donations of any amount.
The “60 donations” commitment reflects the 60 years of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund.
The suggested average donation is $25, which covers one care package for an Australian deployed overseas.After the event, walkers will collate their fundraising and donate to the Australian Forces Overseas Fund via our website.
How You Can Be Involved
There are two ways to take part in this special anniversary campaign.
Walk With Us
Register to participate in the Main Range Walk
Places are limited to 20 participants
Each walker commits to securing 60 donations of any amount
Support the Walkers or Donate via our website
Your contribution directly supports the preparation and delivery of care packages for deployed ADF personnel and continues a tradition of support that began more than 60 years ago.
Australian Defence Force deployed to Headquarters Middle East with an RSL care package (April 2025)
Register to take part
Get in quick! Expressions of interest close 25 January, unless places are filled prior.
Honouring 60 Years of Service and Support
1966 - 2026
The RSL began providing Christmas parcels to members of the Australian Army serving in Korea and Vietnam.
On 26 January 1966, the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) was officially established to enable the RSL to continue supporting Australian Defence Force personnel serving overseas.
For six decades, the fund has provided comforts, equipment, and morale support to Australians deployed on operations abroad.
From funding concert parties and recreation huts during the Vietnam War to delivering RSL care packages, prepared and packed by RSL volunteers, delivered to Australian Defence Force personnel in time for Anzac Day and Christmas today.
Australian Defence Force personnel continue to serve overseas, often far from home and family. The need for connection, morale, and practical support remains as important now as it was in 1966.
RSL care packages provide an important reminder that Australians at home have not forgotten those who serve overseas; their service is valued, and the Australian public stands behind them.
Our Goal
Through this commemorative campaign, we aim to:
Raise awareness of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund
Raise $10,000 to support care packages for deployed ADF personnel
Bring veterans together, get active, and improve connection and wellbeing through a shared act of remembrance and service.
