RSL Inviting Veterans to Hike for Troops Overseas
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is recruiting members to join in a commemorative hike across the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park to raise funds to support Defence Force personnel serving overseas.
The 22-kilometre hike will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) set up to support and honour deployed Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, serving in challenging and unfamiliar environments, away from home and family. The funds raised for AFOF will cover the cost of sending twice-yearly care packages that acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice the service men and women make on Australia’s behalf.
RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley says since 1966, the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) has ensured that our Defence Force personnel serving abroad know they are remembered, supported, and appreciated by Australians at home.
“The spectacular Main Range 60th Anniversary Walk, to be held on 13 February 2026, is a grade four hike starting and finishing at Charlotte Pass and comprises long steep gradients and steps. A good level of fitness and bushwalking experience is recommended.
“The RSL is seeking a maximum of 20 walkers with each committing to the goal of securing 60 donations reflecting AFOF’s 60 years.
“For example, 60 donations of $25 cover the cost of 60 care packages to be sent to Australians deployed overseas.”
Mr Tinley said ADF personnel were currently serving in the Middle East, South Sudan, Egypt, and other overseas theatres and the care packages from home are greatly appreciated.
“For more than a century, Australians have sent care packages to troops serving far from home and through our AFOF initiative, for 60 years these small bundles of comfort have carried snacks, letters, and a powerful message: ‘We’re thinking of you. Please come home safely’.
“It's an enormous undertaking, only made possible by donations and the work of volunteers who come together every six months to pack the care packages at the 39 Operational Support Battalion Randwick Barracks in Sydney.
“It’s a mission entirely dependent on the generosity of the public, through donations and the walk will play a major role in this year’s fundraising,” Peter Tinley said.
Registrations for the walk and donations to the Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be made through the RSL Australia website.