#Army News In the 2021 financial year, AAFCANS contributed $693,683 to Army and Air Force welfare, made possible through its automated retail vending program. The top three recipients were Lavarack Barracks with $122,279.87, Lone Pine Barracks with $81,437.15 and Puckapunyal with $60,653.52. Some bases recorded increases up to 88 per cent on their previous year’s returns, including Robertson Barracks with $54,891.67. This is almost double their previous year’s disbursement return. Other top performers were Kapooka, Albury Wodonga and Gallipoli Barracks.
In total, 31 Defence welfare funds benefited from the profits generated by 301 AAFCANS-branded vending machines, spread across 36 ADF bases or Defence facilities. AAFCANS vending machines earn rewards for their host bases and provide members with convenient 24/7 access to amenities. During the pandemic, the vending amenity continues to prove its value with bases experiencing temporary lockdowns. Troops confined to base were able to access snacks, drinks, personal care products and more. AAFCANS works with the Defence base leadership and its provider to tailor the product offering to suit the locality of the machine. A healthier and sports-focused range has been included with protein snacks, healthy treats and drinks. Personal care products, such as health, beauty and convenience lines are available in select machines, targeted to provide further convenience for “ADF that live on base”.
AAFCANS is a not-for-profit organisation that exists solely for the welfare of Defence members and has done so since 1915. Trading surpluses are channelled into upgrading canteen facilities, broadening amenities for our members, and keeping services and prices competitive. Their mission is to contribute to Defence capability by enhancing personnel morale and wellbeing.
For more information contact AAFCANS welfare team welfare@aafcans.gov.au, visit AAFCANS website aafcans.gov.au/giving-back or speak with your local canteen manager. For new vending machine information, fill in the web form to receive a call back and further information links.
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