Along with thousands of other people, Trooper Payne is currently serving his country in Afghanstan. He has been there since May this year. He is a son, a father, a husband, a friend, a cousin and just in case you were wondering why Nicola Payne our Senior Communications & Marketing Consultant shares the same surname, yes, he is my brother (that’s him there on the right!)

Speaking first hand, I can say that it has been a very difficult time for those serving our country and it’s been equally hard for us his family and friends in Australia. Sometimes I will log onto Facebook and I see his status say “I’m OK”, whilst this is comforting, it’s also very disheartening as I’ve now learned that it means there has been another Digger wounded or killed and my thoughts turn from joy that he is ok to sorrow for the Diggers family.

I was excited (and VERY proud) recently when I received an email from a Townsville journalist letting me know that she had recently interviewed Simon, who has always been a very talented artist, in Afghanistan after this years Archibald prize winner Ben Quilty spotted some of my brothers artwork and the memorial has bought one of his sketches and is looking to purchase some more of his artworks. He previously painted a mural of a Bushmaster for the squadron and he hopes to one day show an exhibition of his military inspired works. Simon’s goal is to one day be able to do something with his art full time as an artist with the army….The article was front page of the Townsville Bulletin on Wednesday 8 November click here to view the article.

NOW, here’s where you come in…..

This year my brother along with thousands of other serving diggers will be away from their loved ones this Christmas season. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has established a FREE postage care package address for those of you who would like to send a care package this Christmas. You can include anything from magazines, chocolate, latest newspaper, DVD’s to Christmas decorations. Anything from home is so precious and means so much to the Diggers.

Fore more information and full details please visit the Christmas Care Packages website.