Proudly Celebrating 100+ Years
Our Story
AAFCANS has proudly been a part of the Australian Defence Family for over 100 years. AAFCANS was established in 1915 under the Defence Act 1903, as the Australian Imperial Forces Canteen Service (AIF). The organisation’s name has changed over the course of its rich 100 year history but it purpose remains as strong and as relevant since its inception.
The organisation has operated in a support role to Defence providing much needed amenities and convenience products and services for our troops both domestically and overseas and exists solely to help enrich the lifestyle and contribute to the welfare and wellbeing of our ADF Personnel. The canteen service has served alongside our troops through both world wars and on many overseas deployments including Korea, Vietnam and in more recent years East Timor.
AAFCANS’ commitment to integrity, transparency and sustainability are equally as strong – you can learn about our corporate governance team and policies by clicking on the appropriate link below.“Uncover our history, and be a part of our future.” you’ll also find information about our Mission, Vision & Values Corporate Governance.
Our History
The organisation has operated in a support role to Defence providing much needed amenities and convenience products and services for our troops both domestically and overseas and exists solely to help enrich the lifestyle and contribute to the welfare and wellbeing of our ADF Personnel. The canteen service has served alongside our troops through both world wars and on many overseas deployments including Korea, Vietnam and in more recent years East Timor.
Over the years the canteen organisation has provided:
- Both Wet and Dry Canteens
- Mobile Canteens, Milk bars, Snack bars
- Canteens onboard Troopships & P.O.W Camps
- Service Clubs and Hostels (which provided ADF members with a destination to rest, recoup and network with colleagues both domestically and overseas)
- Grocery – General Stores, Adventure wear / Disposal stores
- Postal services, Financial Institutions, Barbers, Mechanical Services, Dry Cleaning, Fuel Stops, Photographic Services, News Agencies…
- Constructed and operated a number of Aerated Water/ Cordial Factories which provided professionally-made carbonated beverages for AACS canteens both domestically & overseas
- The canteen premises often incorporated recreational equipment and facilities, reading rooms, letter writing rooms and even a full library (Melbourne c.1943)
