Strength in Partnership: Organisations in Victoria Uniting to Support Veterans Through Sport
A powerful collaboration is taking shape in Lara, Victoria, as organisations unite to support veterans, their families and the wider community through sport. Invictus Australia, Lara RSL, and Lara Sporting Club have combined their efforts to create a pickleball program for veterans and families, demonstrating how partnerships can provide vital opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and engagement for the defence community. This initiative, originally launched as part of an Invictus Australia fundraising campaign, has since evolved into a longer-term program, showcasing the strength of working together to support veterans and families.
After a successful initial campaign, funding from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Health Week initiative meant pickleball sets could be purchased, enabling the program to continue over four weekends throughout the summer. Over this period, the positive effects of this program for the overall wellbeing of veterans and families became clear.
Supporting the contemporary veteran
Taking a holistic approach to veteran support, this regular pickleball program acknowledges that contemporary veterans require innovative and inclusive solutions. Marcus McEwen, President of the Lara RSL sub-branch, emphasised the importance of collaboration in veteran engagement:
Contemporary veterans…require a more collaborative approach to support, therefore I think it is great to see an Invictus Australia / RSL co-run event taking place in the community, and it’s even better when members of the public get to join in too. That really helps to foster community engagement for our veterans.”
Brendon Chavasse, General Manager at Lara Sporting Club, echoed this sentiment, recognising sport’s role in fostering inclusivity:
“Pickleball in Lara engages both our veterans and the greater community in exercise and enjoyment. The Lara Sporting Club were keen to get on board with the Lara RSL and Invictus Australia for this great local opportunity.”
The Role of Sport in Veteran Wellbeing
Sport is a crucial tool for veteran wellbeing, offering social connection, physical activity, and a renewed sense of purpose. This initiative aligns with key themes identified in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, highlighting the importance of structured recreational activities in easing the transition to civilian life and providing a sense of community and purpose.
Chris Burson, Veteran Engagement Manager at Invictus Australia, has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand:
“It’s been enjoyable to see the Lara RSL members attend these events and connect with community members they would not have previously connected with. While many were unfamiliar with pickleball, sport allows them to spend time with their families and local community in a new, supportive environment.
It has also been great to see many defence family members from our pickleball sessions attend RSL events and in turn find out more about the service history of their family members.“
Excited for the future of the program, Chris is proud of what the three organisations have provided for veterans and families:
The camaraderie, laughter, banter and support networks formed are exactly what we aimed to achieve through this pickleball program, using sport as the connector. Through effective collaboration, we have created a supportive environment where veterans and their families feel valued and engaged. I am excited to see the future of this program.”
Continuing to Serve Up Support in Lara
The ongoing enthusiasm for the program has set the stage for its continued growth. With Invictus Australia, Lara RSL, and Lara Sporting Club working together, plans are underway to establish a permanent pickleball program in Lara. Ambitions include forming a team of veterans and family members to join the local Geelong Pickleball League, ensuring that support through sport remains accessible and impactful.
Through initiatives like this, sport continues to be a powerful tool for connection, mental health support, and community engagement. To get involved in community sport in your area, head to our events calendar.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
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