December 8, 2025
2025 at Invictus Australia: A Year of Impact
In 2025, we remained dedicated to strengthening the lives of veterans and family members through sport, with nearly 9,000 veterans and family members engaged with our grassroots and international programs. Each individual impacted was able to explore opportunities through sport to connect, build friendships, gain a sense of purpose and strengthen ties within their local communities.
This year also marked the launch of our research program, providing new insights that help guide our work and reinforce the recommendations of the Royal Commission, highlighted the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based approaches to support the defence community. Alongside this, we continued to engage closely with Government and industry to strengthen advocacy for the veteran community and influence system-level change for long-term impact.
All of this was made possible by the collaborative efforts of sport organisations, ex-service organisations (ESOs), local clubs, the Australian Defence Force, and our strategic, research and corporate partners. Here are some milestones from 2025.
Uniting through sport on the international stage
Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
February was an exciting time for the Invictus movement, with the first Hybrid-Winter Invictus Games taking place in Vancouver and Whistler. Invictus Australia partnered with the Australian Defence Force to support 33 Team Australia competitors and 101 of their family and friends joining 534 competitors from 23 nations on the traditional territories of the Líl̓wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
For the first time, Nine Network came onboard as the exclusive Australian broadcaster of the Games, giving Aussie audiences the chance to stream the action live on their digital hub, 9Now, alongside competitor videos. This was a major milestone for visibility, helping more Australians recognise the profound impact sport can have on recovery.
Inaugural Beyond the Games camp
Following the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Invictus Australia hosted the very first Beyond the Games Decompression Camp, a multi-day sporting opportunity inspired by research and past competitors feedback, designed to help individuals transition home after the intensity of international competition.
Sgt Emily Lahey, Invictus and Warrior Games alumni shared her experience post camp:
“This camp was the perfect full stop to an unforgettable 18-month journey with the Adaptive Sport Program. I’ve found community, resilience, and friendships I’ll carry for life.
After this weekend, I am excited to see what’s next – whether it’s a new challenge, a fresh adventure or simply continuing to show up with purpose.”
Learn more about the Beyond the Games Camp, including how it addresses research findings, here.
Strengthening communities nationwide
This year, our team of eight Veteran Engagement Specialists, based in communities with high veteran populations, facilitated more than 300 sport events, seeing almost 9,000 veterans and family members participate.
These events rely on the relationships with local clubs, ex-service organisations and community groups and help to create sustainable pathways into sport and recreation. These pathways build confidence, reduce isolation and help to strengthen the social network around veterans and their families.
Defence Community Sport Expos
Veterans and families came together at Invictus Australia Defence Community Sport Expos, days that bring together local defence communities to showcase how sport can strengthen wellbeing, belonging and lifelong participation.
In its fourth year, the ACT Defence Community Sports Expo saw more than 500 veterans, serving members and families exploring sports while connecting with local clubs and organisations dedicated to improving health and resilience.
Over in Queensland, just 10 months after establishing a footprint in Townsville, Australia’s largest garrison city, the first Townsville Defence Community Sports Expo was delivered. The day was embraced by veterans, families, local sport and ex-service organisations, with over 350 attendees, 14 sport activations and 20 local stallholders.
Mental Health Month: Sport This October
Throughout October, Mental Health Month, our Local Engagement Team encouraged veterans and families to connect with sport in three ways, competing in indoor rowing, attending a parkrun, or giving gaming a go.
Through these activities, we connected with veterans like Mark, who have found strength through sport;
“Gaming gave me back a sense of teamwork and connection I had lost after discharge. It’s been transformative. Life feels less heavy now, because I have a community and a sense of purpose again.”
New Community Partnerships
2025 saw Australian Masters Games, The Man Walk, Baseball Australia and Spartan Australia come on board as Community Partners. Each organisation bringing unique avenues for veterans and families to stay active, connected and experiencing the benefits of sport that other veterans say has changed their life;
“Knowing that I’ve made a decision to positively affect my physical and mental states through participating in sport and recreational activities enables me to confidently take on the daily challenges in life.” – Shane alumni
Embedding the Evidence Base – Launching our research
In 2025, Invictus Australia focused on building a stronger evidence base to demonstrate the value of sport in improving veteran and family wellbeing. With support from government and partners, we prioritised research and data to inform better programs and policies across the Defence and veteran sectors.
To guide this work, Invictus Australia commissioned two foundational studies:
1. How sport supports wellbeing during transition
2. The economic benefits of sport-based initiatives
These insights will guide future policy, program design and collaboration across the Defence and veteran support ecosystem.
Download the reports here.
Partnerships with Purpose: Fueling Impact and Growth
As a not-for-profit, our work to support veterans and their families is only possible thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners, government and everyday Australians. Below, you’ll see the impact they help create.
UNSW Canberra Partnership Launch
A major highlight of 2025 was the launch of our national-first partnership with UNSW Canberra, uniting education, research and sport to enhance support for veterans and families. The event showed how important collaboration can be in translating evidence into action, with Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh, emphasising:
“Research matters most when it leads to things we can action… This partnership is a great example of how that can come about.”
Learn more about the partnership here.
Boeing’s Commitment Beyond the Games
This year, Boeing announced its intent to support the Invictus Movement in Australia, Beyond the Games. Boeing’s grant provided sporting equipment, like pickleball bats, balls, nets and yoga mats for sporting programs Invictus Australia facilitates across the country.
Read the full announcement here.
IPAR Partnership Extension
We were pleased to extend our partnership with IPAR. This Partnership sees IPAR and Invictus Australia continuing to support veterans together, not only in their transition to civilian employment but also in their ongoing wellbeing and community participation.
Read more about the partnership extension.
Alongside these milestones, all our Exclusive Partners remain committed to supporting our work and the defence communities we serve. Take a look at just one way that Optus and Ventia continued to champion our work this year.
Fundraising: The Invictus Spirit in Action
Our community of fundraising champions embodied the Invictus spirit in unique ways this year, raising funds and awareness to support our work in strengthening the lives of veterans and families through sport.
Highlights from 2025
- Rodney Cottam & Run Rocket Run
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Our Fundraising Ambassador Rodney Cottam and the Run Rocket Run team braved relentless rain, lightning and gale-force winds to take on a gruelling 24-hour challenge, repeatedly running a 1.56km track as many times as possible to raise awareness and funds for our work. - Jess Jonassen (Queensland & Brisbane Heat cricketer)
Pledged donations for every run and wicket during the WNCL and WBBL seasons, building on her #ZERO600 involvement to shine a light on transition challenges and the importance of teamwork.
- Doug Griffiths
After completing the Kona Ironman Triathlon in 2024, Doug set himself a new challenge, taking on the UTMB 100km ultramarathon across Kosciuszko, inspired by his own Journey with Invictus and the desire to give back.
- Grant Roder
Completed six half-marathons in six days in Grafton, sparking community conversations about mental health and breaking down stigma around the unique aspects of transitioning out of defence.
Thank you to everyone who has helped to raise funds and awareness for Invictus Australia this year while reinforcing the power sport can have on wellbeing.
Start your own fundraising challenge via our Fundraising Hub.
Government Engagement and Global Connections
Throughout 2025, Invictus Australia engaged with local, state and federal government representatives committed to advancing veteran wellbeing through sport. Their support continues to elevate the visibility and impact of our mission, helping create more inclusive and accessible recovery pathways nationwide.
Parliamentary Friends of Veterans Event
A major highlight was the Invictus Australia Parliamentary Friends of Veterans event, attended by government, Partners and community representatives dedicated to improving outcomes for veterans and families. It was great to have the support of Co-Chairs Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC and Matt Burnell MP, with Senator McLachlan stating that “Invictus Australia’s at the cutting edge of veterans care.”
TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop
In July, Sydney hosted the TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop, a program co-designed with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Open Arms and Invictus Australia. The workshop supported families bereaved by suicide through a week of healing, remembrance and connection.
Read more about the program here.
Invictus Games Foundation Conversation
We were honoured to co-host the 13th Invictus Games Foundation Conversation from our Sydney office, an opportunity to showcase how Australia continues to drive the Invictus movement forward well beyond a Games cycle.
Speakers explored how meaningful recovery is achieved not just on the international stage but in daily moments of community, connection and persistence, showing how Australia is leading the way in the global ‘Beyond the Games’ movement.
Watch the full Conversation below
Reflecting on Impact
These events and opportunities meant 8,829 veterans and family members attended events across Australia this year, bringing our total participation in sport number to 25,618 since becoming the legacy organisation of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Looking ahead to 2026, there are many exciting things to come. Team Australia will once again compete on the global stage at the Invictus Germany Sports Festival in June, and Team Veteran Australia will head to South Africa for the 2026 World Lifesaving Championships.
Locally in Australia, we will continue to focus on our grassroots initiatives, ensuring that even more veterans and their families can experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sport. Together, we will build stronger communities, one sporting event at a time.
To keep up to date with both international and domestic sporting opportunities, join your local Facebook group here.
If you are a business and interested in a Sponsorship with Invictus Australia, please click here.
To fundraise for Invictus Australia, click here.
For any other queries, questions or feedback, you are most welcome to contact us here.
Please note that our team will be taking a break from 22nd Dec – 5th January with full office closure. We look forward to connecting with you in 2026.
We understand that times like this can be challenging. If you need support, help is available. Please click here for more information.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- Sydney and Central Coast Facebook Group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
- TAS Facebook Group
- NT Facebook Group
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