How a Queensland fitness program is empowering female veterans and families
Earlier this year, Veteran Engagement Manager Justine secured a grant from the Queensland Government with the aim to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities. It is from here that the Invictus Australia (IA) and Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT) Women in Fitness HIIT Program was born.
Regular sporting programs offer a wealth of benefits for veterans and their family members, providing a crucial outlet for physical activity, mental health, and social connection. For female veterans and their families, these programs can be particularly transformative, as they foster resilience and promote a sense of belonging, while creating a supportive network enriched by their shared experiences.
Read more about this unique program, designed by females, for females who have a connection to defence, below.
The Program
The program has kicked off consisting of two 10-week targeted fitness training programs, conducted in six key Queensland cities – Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Toowoomba. Led by highly qualified female fitness professionals, these sessions are open to female veterans and family members aged 16+.
This is a HIIT style program, a type of workout that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercises and short recovery periods and is administered by qualified female personal trainers sourced by the AIPT. The program was written by one of AIPTs elite Trainer, Sarah White, who says this process has been rewarding and means so much more to her than regular programs.
“Hand-selecting these incredible female fitness professionals to lead the workouts and creating this 10-week fitness program for the women of Invictus Australia has been such a rewarding experience. It’s about so much more than just the workouts — it’s about empowering women to feel strong, confident, and capable. I’m truly passionate about helping women unlock their potential, build resilience, and discover a love for fitness that enriches every part of their lives. ” Sarah continued:
This program not only builds physical strength but also creates a community where women uplift and inspire each other. That’s what drives me.”
Benefiting veterans and their families
As highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide, there is a need to better support females who are transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force. At current, the rates of suicide for female veterans are 24% per cent higher than for male veterans. This solidifies the need to better support females in the defence community, helping them to connect through the power of sport to drive a sense of purpose, connection and community.
The Women in Fitness program offers many benefits for both servicewomen and the families. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to improve their physical health through structured fitness routines tailored to their needs. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost overall wellbeing—critical factors for those who have served and their families.
Moreover, this program nurtures social connections among participants, which can be especially valuable for those who may feel isolated due to their unique experiences. By building a supportive network, women can share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, fostering resilience and camaraderie.
Veteran Engagement Manager and the creator of this initiative, Justine Lugg is excited to see the positive effects this program will have in her local community.
From my experience as a defence spouse, I know firsthand the unique challenges faced by veterans and the pressure this can put on their families. This program is a vital step in creating a supportive environment where women can connect, share their journeys, and prioritize their health”
How can I get involved?
Invictus Australia and AIPT invite all Queensland servicewomen to take part in this exciting initiative. There are limited spots available for the first 10-week program, so get in quick to secure your spot.
Brisbane
Missed out on a spot? We will be launching the second 10-week program, set for early 2025, in the upcoming weeks. Make sure to join the Southeast Queensland or North Queensland Invictus Australia Facebook groups to be notified when this launches.
This program is possible thanks to the Queensland Government, who provided funding ($25,000) to Invictus Australia to activate a fitness program for women and girls in the defence community under the Active Women and Girls Program to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.
Our Veteran Engagement team runs events such as these across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local Facebook group.
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook group
- WA Facebook group
- TAS Facebook group
About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
