Invictus community commemorates Anzac Day 2025
Anzac Day is one of the most significant days on our national calendar. Across the country and around the world, current and former serving personnel, their families, friends and the broader community came together to honour those who have served and continue to serve. It’s a time to reflect, support those living with the legacy of service and reaffirm the values that shape our nation.
This year, Invictus Australia was proud to have the support of organisations like the 9Network, the NRL and the Essendonians, who helped share the voices and stories of veterans and their families across the country.
Essendonian Anzac Day Brunch
In Melbourne, Warrior Games 2024 competitor Brett Lewis represented Invictus Australia at the Essendonian Anzac Day Brunch. It was by chance conversation at this brunch that Brett met Diana Dunlop, who is the granddaughter of Sir Ernest ‘Weary’ Dunlop. This was a special moment for Brett as they discovered that Weary had grown up with Brett’s grandfather. The conversations at this brunch serve as a powerful reminder of the shared histories and camaraderie that continue to inspire service today. Afterward, Brett attended the AFL’s Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon.
Thank you to the Essendonians and the AFL for their ongoing support in inviting Invictus Australia along to this event and helping to spread the word about how sport can transform the lives of veterans and their families, whether that be at a community or international level.
Channel Nine and the NRL: Sharing Veteran Stories Nationwide
Channel 9 continued their support of the Invictus Movement following the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, highlighting the stories of some of Team Australia during the NRL Anzac round, following the network’s broadcast of the Games. Through special features and interviews, five Team Australia members were given the opportunity to share their inspiring stories of resilience, reminding audiences across the country of the strength and spirit behind every uniform.
Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln
Appearing on Freddy and the Eighth with his support dog Suki, Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln spoke to Danika Mason, Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns about how sport was a crucial part of his recovery after a life-changing accident in 2022 left him injured. He also touched on how he marks Anzac Day.
“For me, [the day] is all about remembering those who have gone before us, those who didn’t make it and then checking in with those mates who are still serving.”
Watch Dave’s appearance below.
Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer
Before the Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons match, Captain Olivia Miley Dyer shared how returning to sport via the Invictus Games after thyroid cancer treatment rebuilt her strength and sense of community:
“I joined Invictus hoping to be part of a team and to meet people who had a similar life experience to me, and I found that.”
Jason Marsh
At the Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs game, Jason Marsh spoke about what Anzac day means to him:
It is a time to pause, reflect and remember all the brave servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in the peace and freedom we do today.”
Jason also shared how sport helped him set new goals after his discharge: “Adaptive sports are instrumental in the recovery of service men and women and that’s what the Invictus Games were for me. It allowed me to set myself a goal to work towards.”
Adam Jackson
Adam Jackson, his support dog Demi and his family joined the Sunday Footy Show for a conversation about resilience after his stroke in 2020. Adam defied expectations, competing in indoor rowing, Nordic skiing, sitting volleyball and swimming at the recent Invictus Games.
He talked about the options for veterans to connect across our community activities, including taking part in our Team Veteran parkrun group. After discussing the importance of Anzac Day he shared:
“Invictus is about giving veterans an opportunity to rehab through sport. To be in that team environment that the military is renowned for is so important.”
Petty Officer Jarryd Boyd
At the West Tigers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks match, Petty Officer Jarryd Boyd reflected on recovery and mateship after injuries sustained during his Royal Australian Navy service. Fittingly, Jarryd was back at Leichhardt Oval — where he once played junior footy with the Leichhardt Wanderers — now with his son and a friend cheering from the stands.
Staff Honouring Anzac Day Across the Nation
With many Invictus Australia staff members having ties to defence communities or being veterans themselves, it is an important day within the organisation. Our team commemorated the day in their own ways, with many attending dawn services and taking the time to reflect on their own stories of service.
Turning Commemoration into Action
Anzac Day reminds us of the lasting wounds, both physical and mental, that veterans endure when they commit to serve and the effects this can have on their families.
While it is a time to pause and commemorate, we can also take actions that will support veterans in their recovery and rehabilitations journey. This year you can fundraise, your way via our fundraising hub and help ensure veterans and families can connect through sport in a way that strengthens their wellbeing.
FUNDRAISING HUB
Read more:
- Beyond the Games: Craig Ball’s journey of connection through sport
- Sport as a path to purpose: How Invictus Australia supports the defence community
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
related stories
How Aussies can watch the Invictus Games on Nine
