Invictus Australia

"It's made a difference in the community, it's made a difference for my people and it's made a difference for the clients that we serve." - Jo Broomhall, Executive General Manager, IPAR As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generous support of our value-aligned, passionate Partners to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Aussie veterans and families, by supporting our work. We truly couldn't do this without them. Hear firsthand from Ventia and IPAR, two of our Premier Partners, about the positive impact the partnerships deliver. Discover how supporting Invictus Australia supports these businesses strategic objectives through purposeful value alignment, meaningful engagement opportunities for their people and connecting with the broader Australian population, all while demonstrating their commitment to the Defence community. Interested in exploring a partnership with Invictus Australia? Get in touch here: https://lnkd.in/gUVCsnJ2 As well at IPAR and Ventia, we would also like to acknowledge the continued support of our other Premier Partners, NEC Australia and UNSW Canberra. #UnconqueredTogether And thank you to Vidzero for their generosity in donating their time & expertise to create this video.

Over the weekend in Canberra, the defence community came together to experience the array of sports that ACT has to offer at the fourth annual Defence Community Sport Expo. From archery to drone racing, pickleball to table tennis, attendees explored new sports, connected with likeminded people and engaged with Ex Service Organisations. A big thank you to Tuggeranong Archery Club for hosting us for a fourth year in a row, providing a space for more than 500 defence community members to connect through sport over the weekend. It was a pleasure to have David Smith MP, Member for Bean and Senator David Pocock who attended with his family, both engaging with the defence community on the day. During his visit, David Pocock shared with us the importance of connecting the defence community through sport. "The Royal Commission revealed a lot of areas we need to improve. We have seen the government accept recommendations but the thing we now need to do is be funding the organisations that are creating community and ensuring that veterans don’t fall through the cracks." He added, “Love the work that Invictus Australia is doing in actually creating those meaningful connections, not just for veterans, but for their families too.” A special thank you to our generous corporate Partners Optus, IPAR, Ventia and UNSW Canberra who supported the day with a range of engaging and fun activations from facepainting, to a giant inflatable soccer game, and many scoops of gelato, thank you all for your ongoing support. If you're interested in getting involved with Invictus Australia and discovering sporting opportunities in your local area, find out more at: https://lnkd.in/dc6gZ9R5 📷 Photos taken by Lyle Holt, a veteran who served for 34 years across Navy and Airforce, now on a new adventure through photography. Table Tennis Australia Veteran Gaming Australia Rowing ACT Archery Australia Pickleball Australia Veteran Drone Racing Team Dynamic Motivation Pty Ltd Wheelchair AFL & NRL

A shout out to our incredible Invictus Australia commercial Partners who are part of our family. They go above and beyond to strengthen veteran and family wellbeing through our sporting programs. Most recently, they got behind our Invictus Games campaign, leaning in over the month of Feburary. Here's a snapshot of what they got up to: 🏓 Hosted! Planned sport-themed activities in their offices, and created watch parties with colleagues and their networks back in Australia, to cheer on Team Australia via the 9Network broadcast. 🌍 Turned up! Attended the Invictus Games, to bring global learnings back to continually improve Australia’s veteran approach, as well as cheering on Team Aus in person. 👐 Gave! Provided practical and fun merchandise to the Team and family members, to make their trip even more memorable. We’re talking comfy socks, battery chargers, umbrellas, jellybeans and more! 📣 Amplified! Shared the inspiring stories of our competitors through their channels, to ensure more Aussies heard about this incredible cohort. 💛 Uniforms! Optus supported our work through purchasing rights for the first corporate logo placement on the Team Aus kit. 🤝 Community! Attended our local sporting activities in communities around Aus for all veterans and families, to support the work 'Beyond the Games'. 📊 Financial sustainability! We couldn’t support thousands of veterans & family members without the financial support of these amazing Partners. These organisations give so much more than money, we are grateful for their support that underpins our sustainability. Thank you to NEC Australia, IPAR, UNSW Canberra, Ventia and Optus for being part of our Invictus family here in Australia. Your support means we can impact thousands of veterans and families, at and beyond an Invictus Games, and continue our work that addresses the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. If you would like to join these amazing organisations that prioritise veteran and family wellbeing, get in touch with Vanessa Bernardo!

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Inspiring Millions Through Sport and Recovery 👏   One month since the completion of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and we’re reflecting on the incredible power of sport to inspire. The Games not only highlighted the resilience of wounded, injured or ill military veterans competing on the world stage, but engaged global audiences, demonstrating how sport can change and save the lives of veterans and their families. This year, 9Network brought the Games to Australian screens, sharing powerful stories of recovery and rehabilitation from the 532 competitors in Canada across 9Gem and 9Now. If you missed the action, you can still watch the unforgettable moments on 9Now. Don't miss the inspiring stories and achievements of your incredible Team Australia competitors here: https://lnkd.in/gnNkkseY In addition, our partners at Optus amplified the broadcast feed through ADF TV to scores of military bases both here and in Australia, so our defence personnel could cheer on their mates.  This approach also allowed our other corporate partners at Ventia, IPAR, UNSW Canberra and NEC Australia to get involved in various ways, with watch parties, shared stories and engagement opportunities for staff and clients. This was a first, and a brilliant show of support across multiple stakeholders.    Thank you to our broadcast partners for supporting the Games, to GoodPR+Events for generating incredible earned media coverage, and everyone who helped tell these stories. To all who followed, shared, and celebrated the journey with us, you elevated our heroes and made an impact. The strength of our audience is mighty, and now that the Games are over and our community work takes centre stage, we are proud to continue connecting the defence community through sport, beyond the Games, and showcasing what comes next.  Optus Satellite and Space Systems Nine

Invictus Australia connects veterans and their families to a wide range of sports, ensuring there are opportunities for the defence community to stay active, engaged, and connected.   Our recent Veteran & Family Pickleball Day on March 11, made possible by Invictus Australia Veteran Engagement Manager Jye Martyn and Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch, was a fantastic example of this in action. Pickleball is the world's fastest-growing sport, it's easy to learn and suitable for all ages and skill levels, perfect for families and those new to sport. It was wonderful to see Dr Michelle Byrne, Mayor of The Hills Shire, showcasing her Pickleball skills on the court. It was also great having Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, attending and engaging with the defence community on the day. Our partnership with Pickleball Australia is all about encouraging veterans and their families to get involved, stay active, and enjoy the many social benefits sport can bring. No experience is required, just a willingness to have fun! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on the day. We look forward to seeing more veterans and their families discovering new sports and strengthening connections in their communities.

We are proud to work alongside Samuel Newell, Paul Saunders and the The Invictus Games Foundation who go over and above to support the global veteran community. Every team and competitor at the Invictus Games has a story to tell about the journey they have been on to get to the start line. For Team Afghan Unconquered that journey is one of true courage and resilience. Paul Nunnari PSM talks about the adversity and challenges that had to be overcome for Team Afghan Unconquered to be part of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. He shares what their involvement means. "It means hope, representation, and it means a place in a broader community... the Invictus Global Community." Well worth a watch!

Earlier this year, we teamed up with Geelong United Basketball to showcase the power of adaptive sport through a wheelchair basketball exhibition match. Held during halftime of the Geelong United Basketball vs. Bendigo Spirit game, this initiative gave veterans the chance to connect, compete, and experience the energy of a packed crowd.   Made possible by Geelong United Basketball and the support of Benjamin Rogers, courtney burke and Invictus Australia Veteran Engagement Manager Christopher Burson, the event highlighted the role of sport in veteran well-being, fostering teamwork, resilience, and a sense of achievement that extends beyond the court.   A huge thank you to Geelong United Basketball for hosting Team Veteran and for recognising the importance of sport in strengthening the veteran community.   At the end of the game, Team Veteran was honoured to meet Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM, City of Greater Geelong Mayor, and Anthony Aitken - Councillor - City of Greater Geelong, who took the time to congratulate our players on a game well played. 📸 Ethan Cunningham

Our Veteran Engagement Managers, Justine Lugg and Megan, were proud to represent Invictus Australia at two recent Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) events in their respective areas of Townsville and Nowra. We know that stronger community connections and support networks are critical for veterans and their families, which is why we attend these events to showcase the powerful role that sport plays in physical and mental recovery. It was fantastic to see so many come together to support the defence community in Townsville, including Phillip Thompson OAM MP, Federal Member for Herbert and Invictus Games Alumnus, who has always been a strong advocate for veterans and their families. In Nowra, despite the heat, it was great to see such a big turnout from the defence community. Collin McCallum, Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 competitor shared his inspiring experiences representing Australia at the Invictus Games. It was also great to see Fiona Phillips MP, as she stopped by the Invictus Australia stand to say hi, we thank her for her ongoing support of our veteran and defence community. Invictus Australia are committed to supporting defence families across Australia to build resilience, find camaraderie, and thrive through the power of sport. #BeyondTheGames #VeteranSupport #Wellbeing

"We are thrilled to bring the Defence Community Sport Expo back to the ACT after three successful years for an event that is more exciting and engaging for veterans and families than ever before. The strength of our defence community lies in connection, and this expo is an important way to empower and support each other, celebrating the strength we share as a collective." - Debbie Dimmock, Veteran Engagement Manager, ACT Region. Invictus Australia invites veterans and family members in the ACT to their fourth annual Defence Community Sport Expo. More than just a showcase of sports, this year’s expo provides a vital opportunity to connect with ex-service organisations (ESOs), explore new pathways for health and wellbeing and build relationships that strengthen the transition journey. We know strong community ties and proactive engagement are key to long-term wellbeing, this event is designed to help veterans and families thrive in both service and civilian life. Event Details Where: Tuggeranong Archery Club, 299 Soward Way Greenway, ACT 2900  When: 22nd March, 2025, 11am – 3pm To find out more, and reserve free tickets, click here: https://lnkd.in/gRapJHpG Table Tennis Australia Pickleball Australia Rowing ACT Veteran Gaming Australia Dynamic Motivation Pty Ltd Badminton Australia Australian Fencing Federation Ltd The Navy's Anchorage Tuggeranong Archery Club RSL LIFECARE LIMITEDDefence Health Ltd Navy Health Defence Bank Australian Military Bank Ltd Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling Duntroon Community Centre Australian Military Wives Choir Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation NEC Australia IPAR Boeing UNSW Canberra Ventia David Pocock Suzanne Orr

At the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, nearly 2,000 volunteers played a crucial role in supporting competitors, families, and fans. Among these volunteers, 280 were veterans, 15% of the total volunteer pool, each bringing their unique experience and strength to the event. The volunteers came from 18 different countries, spoke 36 languages, and ranged in age from 18 to 86, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of the Games. With 25% of them having volunteered at multiple Invictus Games, their ongoing commitment highlights the deep bonds that form through shared experiences. Hear from some of the volunteers about how their experience played a powerful role in building connections, reducing isolation, and fostering a sense of purpose. Strong social support systems are critical for veterans transitioning back into civilian life, and volunteering provides veterans with opportunities to engage with their communities, form lasting relationships, and reduce feelings of loneliness. It offers a platform to contribute and be part of something greater than oneself, helping to rebuild lives and create supportive networks. A huge thank you to all the volunteers for making the Invictus Games a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community and the importance of supporting each other through meaningful connections. We partner with Volunteering Australia to provide opportunities year-round for veterans and their families. CEO Mark Pearce shares, "By working together [with Invictus Australia], we can create more pathways for veterans to continue their service through volunteering, enriching both their lives and the lives of those they help." The Invictus Games Foundation Scott Moore 📽️ Good Shout