June was a big month for defence communities across Australia, with veterans and their families connecting through sport at parkrun, archery ranges, pickleball courts and surf beaches.

These moments of activity support key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, reinforcing the role of sport in strengthening mental health, easing transition from service, and creating a sense of connection, purpose and belonging. 

OUR IMPACT

Across the country, our Local Engagement Team works to connect defence community members with sport. See the impact of their programs this year below:

4115 veterans and families have attended local events through Invictus Australia.

420 volunteers involved at Invictus Australia local events.

140 community sporting events facilitated or co-facilitated by Invictus Australia. 

Over the past couple of months, we have been inspired by individuals who think of creative ways to support the work we do. Here are a few of them.

KAYE GIVES BACK ON HER BIRTHDAY

For many years Kaye has been a part of the Invictus community, giving back through volunteering, both in Australia and at the Invictus Games. This year, Kaye has chosen to fundraise for Invictus Australia to mark her birthday.

Thank you Kaye. 

GRANT'S INSPIRING CHALLENGE

When transitioning out of the Defence Force, Grant discovered that sport gave him community and purpose back.

To show his appreciation of the impact that sport has had on his life, Grant is on a mission to walk six half marathons over six days, to raise awareness of the power of sport. Read more about Grant's story.

 Feeling inspired? If you’d like to support our work in strengthening the lives of veterans and families through sport, you can get started at our fundraising hub today. 

 Based on past competitor feedback, Warrior Games 2024 and Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 alumni came together for a Beyond the Games Camp. This was designed to support their transition from the high of international competition, back into daily life. 

After successful events in the ACT, NSW and SA, our Defence Community Sport Expo is making it's way to North Queensland this August.

Join us to give pickleball, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, judo and more a go. 

We've teamed up with Buddy Up to offer veterans and family members the opportunity to run in the Perth City To Surf on the 31st of August at a discounted price.

Interested? Join the WA Facebook group and keep an eye out for further instructions.

5th - 27th July | Virtual

The Invictus Games Foundation are challenging teams of up to eight people to ride 3320km collectively, the full racing distance of The Tour De France.

Open to everyone (veterans, family members and supporters), you can cycle at your own pace, in your own time, wherever you are in the world. 

Invictus Australia Chair Glenn Keys AO has been appointed to The Invictus Games Foundation Board.

This appointment reflects Glenn’s unwavering dedication and highlights Australia’s growing leadership in the global veteran and defence community.

We see a world in which all members of the Australian Defence community are active and connected through the power of sport and recreation to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing throughout their lives.