SPORT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Meet the team supporting current and ex serving defence members, and their families, to get involved in sport in their local communities.
At Invictus Australia, our Veteran Engagement Managers are embedded in communities across the country, working alongside veterans, families, local organisations and sporting partners to create meaningful opportunities through sport and recreation.
Many have served themselves or have close family connections to the military, so they understand the complex challenges that can come with life during and after service including the importance of connection, purpose and support. Their role is to listen, connect and enable, helping individuals and families find the right sport or event to support their wellbeing, recovery and sense of belonging.
Whether it’s a local parkrun, a community sports day, or simply a pathway to getting active again, they’re here to walk alongside veterans and families, supporting healthy transitions, strengthening community ties, and helping to keep the defence community connected.
We have Veteran Engagement Managers across Australia ready to help you find local sporting opportunities, you can find more about them below.
To keep up to date with upcoming events join your local Facebook group:
REACH OUT TO LEARN MORE
DEBBIE DIMMOCK
STATE MANAGER, VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, ACT & NSW
JUSTINE LUGG
REGIONAL MANAGER, VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, NORTH QLD
VANESSA BROUGHILL
REGIONAL MANAGER, VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, SA
CHRIS BURSON
REGIONAL MANAGER, VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, VIC
Jason Bennetts
REGIONAL MANAGER, VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, WA
MEGAN WEDD
VETERAN ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, SOUTH COAST NSW
JODIE BLAKE
VETERAN ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, NEWCASTLE & HUNTER NSW
Bethan Gibbs
VETERAN ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, GREATER SYDNEY NSW
Our VEM
approach:
1. Proactive Community Engagement
– Actively reach out to veterans at risk, including those medically or involuntarily discharged.
– Support all veterans and their families, regardless of service background.
2. Building Stronger Local Networks
– Foster collaboration between veteran, community, sport, and wellbeing-focused organisations.
– Strengthen ties to create a more unified support system.
3. Empowering Local Sports Clubs
– Upskill and build capacity within local sporting and recreation groups.
– Leverage Invictus Australia’s national Sporting Partners to help clubs welcome veterans and families.
4. Creating Grassroots Opportunities
– Partner with sports organisations to develop inclusive opportunities.
– Support participation, volunteering, and community involvement at all levels.
5. Ongoing Support & Guidance
– Serve as a trusted source of advice for veterans and families exploring sport.
– Refer individuals to external support services when needed.
6. Encouraging Long-Term Involvement
– Promote sustained engagement with sporting communities.
– Help veterans and families build lasting connections and routines.
Case Study
We work in local regions to build strong connections and collaborate through our sporting partners and ESOs, to support the defence community ecosystem. From archery and wheelchair rugby to table tennis, pickleball, and bowls, events offer something for everyone.
“Sport is at its best when it is creating safe spaces for people to come together, to connect, to challenge themselves and really create a community.”
Senator David Pocock
Independent Senator for the ACT and Invictus Australia attendee and supporter
“I can attest to the profound and instrumental value this event provided. It is an opportunity for people to be themselves in and environment free of judgment where many others in the room have had the same experience and a shared sense of empathy.”
“Thank you for what you are doing for the veteran community.”
“I want to thank you for all you have done to make today such a success…I am sitting here feeling a bit emotional, loving the fact that we did it. I have already had interest from one guy wanting to play bowls.”
Over the last couple of weeks, veterans and families from across Australia jumped on the erg for the Invictus Australia Indoor Rowing Competition, delivered with our partners @rowingaustralia through the Row Nation App.
Participants took on the same 1-minute and 4-minute race formats that Team Australia competes in at the Invictus Games, bringing that Invictus spirit into gyms, bases and local clubs across the country.
There were friendly rivalries between bases, plenty of encouragement, and a real sense of connection across the defence community, both online and at the indoor rowing sessions facilitated by our Engagement Team.
Swipe to see how participants across Australia went!
@rownationofficial
"The sporting community is able to support veterans and families in keeping confident and getting out there while still staying connected with people who understand you.” - Defence spouse
Sport has a way of bringing families closer. Community sport, in particular, allows for all members of the family to stay active and strengthen their mental wellbeing.
For veterans and their families, getting involved in sport can also be about connection. Shared experiences like taking part in a parkrun, joining a local club or volunteering together can strengthen bonds, build routine and create moments that matter.
Sport also helps families communicate, problem-solve and support one another, skills that carry well beyond the sporting environment.
💬 We would love to hear how you connect with your family through sport. Let us know in the comments.
When transitioning from the New Zealand Army, Rene found it difficult to replicate the fitness regimes in civilian life. That changed when he found his local @parkrunau.
Through parkrun, Rene built friendships that carried him through injury, training and major endurance events. This November, he’ll take on Coast to Kosci, a 240km ultramarathon with his community behind him, raising awareness for Skin Cancer Australia.
Throughout October Invictus Australia will be connecting veterans and their families at parkrun events across the country. parkrun is a place for everyone, it can help you to connect with your community and it`s a foundation for resilience, connection, and purpose.
Visit link in bio to read Rene’s story and see if we`re at a parkrun near you.