AFOF 60th Anniversary Hike
On 13 February 2026, a group of hardy RSL members embarked on the 22km walk of the Main Range in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Their purpose - to honour 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 through the ‘Australian Forces Overseas Fund’ (AFOF).
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.
The group raised over $3,500 for the fund. A tremendous effort! These donations will directly support the preparation and delivery of care packages for deployed ADF personnel and continue a tradition of support that began more than 60 years ago.
On 24 March 2026, RSL Volunteers will gather at 39 OSB in Randwick to pack the care packages for around 400 deployed personnel, to be sent in time for Anzac Day.
In addition to supporting a great cause, the walk offered the opportunity to connect with other veterans, get active, and have an adventure.
A recount of the hike…
It was a fresh start for the walk with temps in the low single digits, as we got out of the Lodge and on our way to Charlotte Pass before 7.30am.
As we descended down to the Snowy River, a cold mist rolled up the valley, forcing us to put on some additional clothing. This didn’t last long as we started the long climb up to Carruthers Peak.
Our first break was at Hedley Tarn, where we regrouped and discarded the extra clothing. On with the climb, and after a steep section, we were at Blue Lake for a photo stop. After a short break, it was up and on as Carruthers Peak appeared and disappeared in the fog that was starting to envelop us. We continued to climb and finally reached the saddle between Mt Twynam and Carruthers Peak, here is one of the best views in Australia, but not today, fog had taken the views. We pushed on over Carruthers Peak, and on the west side, there was sunny and clear air, so a morning tea break was called as we looked down on Club Lake.
Packs back on and we were soon on the raised walkway above Albina Lake, with steady walking, it was not long before we were at Muellers Pass and starting the last climb to join the summit road to Mt Kosciusko. There, we joined the crowd coming from Thredbo for a casual last-km stroll to the top and enjoyed the views, like all other trekkers. Compulsory photos and then lunch on the top of Aus. We did 13km in a reasonable time, and now only 9km to go, and mostly downhill.
We made a stop at Seaman’s Hut, then again as we crossed the headwaters of the Snowy River. The last 6km was a steady walking, placing one foot in front of the other, each getting a little more tender, as we continued to count off the KMs. Charlotte Pass lifts came into view and shortly after, back to our cars, all up around 6 and a half hours. A great result!
What the hikers had to say…
“An awesome adventure! thoroughly enjoyed the time away with a fantastic group. Well worth the effort travelling from Melbourne” - Meredith
“Thanks for the connection to like minded folks, with a common goal. Hopefully, this raises awareness for this great cause. As a Veteran myself who received care packs whilst on Operational service, I know and feel the value, in recognition and receiving something from home. The hike itself, was still met with challenge, but it was shared with a fine gathering of ex and serving personnel, sharing in common stories and contributing well to a day, with meaning. Thankyou for organising this event! - Anna
“A perfect day for walking and great to meet everyone!” - Pete
“These activities are so important to both raise funds to support our veterans serving overseas with care packages (I’ve received one before and they’re amazing!) and to provide an opportunity for connection. I genuinely enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing everyone’s experience of their own time in the services on the trail.” - Lauren
The RSL collects donations for the Australian Forces Overseas Fund year-round. Donations fund care packages sent twice a year to Australians serving overseas on military operations. These packages are only possible thanks to donations from everyday Australians. Every contribution helps remind our deployed personnel that they are remembered, valued, and supported.
Show your appreciation — donate today to the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF).
