November 17, 2025
Turning Promises Into Progress: Collaboration for Veterans Now
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide marked a turning point, it was a line in the sand, a moment when veterans and their families could finally expect to see meaningful change to prevent the devastating impact of suicide in the community. With nearly 6,000 submissions and a sobering statistic that veterans are 20 times more likely to die by suicide than in active service. This stark reality underscores the need for coordinated, cross-sector action, not just within defence and health, but across education, industry, sport, and community services.
More than twelve months on from the government’s commitment to address at some level 121 of the 122 findings from the Royal Commission’s recommendations, the question remains: how are we turning words into action?
The message is clear, collaboration is no longer optional, it’s essential and veterans and families deserve more than promises; they deserve progress. That is what Invictus Australia is setting out to deliver, leading the way in the sector by bringing together sport, research, and community engagement, to deliver practical, scalable solutions. As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh put it, “Invictus Australia isn’t waiting for change, they are delivering it.”
A Partnership Seeded in Purpose
At an event in Canberra in September, Invictus Australia reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with UNSW Canberra, extending through to 2028. This collaboration is focused on delivering life-changing and life-saving outcomes by linking academic insight, lived experience and practical innovation.
The collaboration will see UNSW Canberra and Invictus Australia work together towards the development of a educational program to be offered in early 2026, to support veterans with their transition to civilian life and employment beyond the ADF. The partnership will be underpinned by UNSW Canberra’s academic leadership and research capability. UNSW Canberra brings decades of experience in designing and delivering high quality, fit for purpose, educational programs.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Emma Sparks, Dean & Rector of UNSW Canberra, said:
“We’ve worked together to ensure what we implement is informed by those who we intend to serve. Veterans bring proven, real-world skills, and incredible depth of knowledge and experience with them after they’ve transitioned. And this is something that UNSW Canberra really wants to tap into to ensure the partnership has universal benefits for Invictus Australia, UNSW, and the veterans involved.”
UNSW Canberra is also preparing to launch a new veteran strategy by the end of 2025, focused on making lifelong learning more accessible for veterans and their families. By recognising the unique talents and transferable skills of veterans, the strategy aims to create clear pathways into tertiary and professional programs.
The Evidence That Is Driving Change
This commitment to education was matched by a shared dedication to evidence-based practice. At the same event, Invictus Australia unveiled two new research reports, commissioned by Invictus Australia and authored by Associate Professor Miranda Van Hooff and Accenture. These reports highlight the impact of sport for the defence community and reinforce the role of Invictus Australia to connect sport with defence to enable wellbeing outcomes.
Associate Professor Van Hooff emphasised:
“To truly support veterans and families, we must build an evidence base that reflects their lived experience. Collaboration across research, community and service delivery is the only way to ensure our solutions are both meaningful and measurable.”
The report created by Accenture revealed a striking insight, by increasing physical activity among 10% of the veteran community post-transition, the Australian Government could save $230 million, a clear case for investing in preventative, community-based solutions such as Invictus Australia programs and activities.
Invictus Australia has long promoted that sport offers benefits beyond physical health. These new reports spotlight the evidence showing sport can foster community, purpose, and belonging which has the ability to shift veterans from isolation to connection.
A Global Platform for Local Impact
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh, also spoke at the event, recognising Invictus Australia’s leadership:
“With the backing of UNSW Canberra and other key partners, Australia is leading the global Invictus community in demonstrating how sport can deliver both rehabilitative and preventative benefits.”
Invictus Australia’s approach is grounded in evidence, identifying that sport can play a role in addressing 34 of the 122 Royal Commission recommendations. Since inception, more than 20,000 veterans and families have benefited from Invictus Australia’s activities. By fostering purpose, connection and holistic wellbeing, and systemically shifting how the Australian sport system includes veterans, Invictus Australia’s community approach plays a critical role in addressing the very issues raised in the Royal Commission’s findings.
Through the Invictus movement and recent Games, we’ve seen that the challenges faced by Australian veterans are mirrored across our Five Eyes counterparts. By leading the way in building the evidence base, Australia is creating momentum for global collaboration on veteran suicide prevention and transition support.
Michael Hartung OAM, CEO of Invictus Australia, reflected on the significance of this work:
“This is pioneering work, and the momentum is just starting to build as nations understand how we can collectively address the suicide crisis and challenges around transition. This is an example of Australia leading the way on veterans’ issues globally, offers our government a seat at the international table, and demonstrates how connection and collaboration with key stakeholders, through the lens of sport, can be truly transformative in addressing the critical issue of veteran and family wellbeing.”
As we look ahead, Invictus Australia remains focused on driving change, working with government, the veteran community, industry, and other sporting and defence stakeholders to ensure that all veterans and their families have access to the support they need during their service, and beyond.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org.
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