Invictus Australia ambassadors unite in support of 2031 Invictus Games bid

Invictus Australia’s announcement of its intention to submit a bid to host the Invictus Games in 2031 has been met with a strong and unified response from its ambassador cohort. Their messages were clear and aligned: the benefits of the Invictus Games for veterans and their families “cannot be underestimated.”

Drawing on lived experience, professional expertise and deep personal connection to the veteran community, Invictus Australia’s ambassadors spoke passionately about why bringing the Games back to Australia matters.

General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd) – Patron, Invictus Australia

As Patron of Invictus Australia and one of the nation’s most respected military leaders, Sir Peter Cosgrove brings a powerful voice to the 2031 bid. Having witnessed the impact of the Invictus Games firsthand in Sydney, he emphasises the deep connection between sport, service and national identity:

“Sport is part of who we are as Australians. It brings us together and gives us a sense of belonging,” Cosgrove said.

“That same spirit lives in our defence community. Camaraderie, resilience and service to something greater than ourselves. Which I witnessed at the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games.

“Invictus Australia stands at the intersection of sport and service. Helping thousands of veterans and families rediscover purpose and community

“Bringing the Invictus Games back to Australia would shine a powerful light on their strength and determination.

“I’m proud to support this bid and proud to serve as Patron of Invictus Australia

“Together we can bring the Invictus Games back home and change lives across Australia.”

Curtis McGrath OAM PLY – Invictus Australia Ambassador, Gold Medal Paralympian, Invictus Games Competitor

A decorated Paralympian and former combat engineer, Curtis McGrath has long championed the role of sport in rehabilitation. His enthusiasm for the 2031 bid reflects both his personal journey and his commitment to the veteran community:

“This is huge news for the veteran community! The Invictus Games may be coming back to Australia in 2031,” McGrath said.

“I am so pleased to be working with Invictus Australia and Deloitte to help the bid process to bring the games back to Australia.

“The benefits of sport in rehabilitation for our service men and women cannot be underestimated; trust me I know!

“It has provided me a purpose, a community and a chance to see and believe what is possible despite the injuries I sustained from my service.

“I look forward to seeing the veteran community and their families benefit from bringing the games back down under.”

Gwen Cherne – Invictus Australia Ambassador and Former Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner (Repatriation Commission)

A powerful advocate for veteran families, Gwen Cherne’s connection to the Invictus Games is deeply personal. She credits the 2018 Sydney Games with helping her family rediscover hope after profound loss:

“When Sydney hosted the Invictus Games, it changed my life,” Cherne said.

“Being part of those Games showed my children and me something we desperately needed to see – that after devastating hardship, hope is real. That even in the aftermath of injury, trauma and loss, there is still community, purpose and belonging.

“Invictus understood something important from the very beginning: recovery after service is never just about the veteran. Families live the consequences of service too. They carry the worry, the uncertainty, the grief, the long road of healing and rebuilding.

When a veteran rises again, families have walked every step of that journey with them.

“That is why the Games matter so much.

“What I witnessed in Sydney was extraordinary. Veterans pushing themselves beyond what many thought possible. Families who had carried enormous burdens finding pride, connection and strength again. And a nation gaining a deeper understanding of the lived experience of service.

“Invictus also helps shift how we see injury, illness and disability. The focus is not on limitation, but on capability, resilience and determination.

“Now Invictus Australia had announced a bid to host the Invictus Games again in 2031.

“I sincerely hope we get the opportunity.

“Because these Games do far more than showcase incredible athletes. They strengthen families, bring communities together, and help our nation better understand the realities of service and sacrifice.

“For my family, Invictus showed us that even after the hardest chapters, hope is still possible.”

Rodney Cottam – Fundraising Ambassador, Army Veteran

A long‑time supporter of Invictus Australia and a dedicated fundraiser, Rodney Cottam knows firsthand how sport can restore purpose and connection for veterans:

“Let’s bring the Invictus Games back to Australia,” Cottam said.

“Not only do they bring veterans from all around the world together, to compete and heal, they demonstrate the passion that Australians have for sport.

“Sport is universal in demonstrating teamwork and striving for a purpose. Exactly why veterans enlist in the military.

Matt Formston – Invictus Australia Ambassador, Paralympian, World Champion Blind Surfer and Cyclist

A world‑record‑holding big‑wave surfer and Paralympian, Matt Formston brings a powerful message about resilience, pride and the healing power of sport:

“I’m proud to support Invictus Australia’s intention to bid for the Invictus Games in Australia in 2031.

“I’d love to see the Games return to Australia.

“It’s such a great way to celebrate our veterans and celebrate Aussie pride.

“For the veteran community in Australia, there’s nothing better than hosting your games and bringing veterans from other countries over here to compete against us in sport.

And I’ve seen personally the healing work that’s spoken to for people with disabilities and veteran veterans with disabilities,” he said.

Invictus Australia’s intention to bid for the 2031 Games is more than a sporting milestone – it is a commitment to the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

To learn more and pledge your support – whether through sport, volunteering, partnerships or community involvement – visit our bid page and be part of bringing the Invictus Games back to Australia in 2031.