March 31, 2026
Defence Community Sport Expos Strengthen Connection across SA and NSW
Invictus Australia’s Defence Community Sports Expos made their return this month, with events in South Australia and Northern NSW bringing together veterans, families, sporting clubs and support organisations in a shared effort to strengthen the lives of the defence community through sport.
An example of Invictus Australia’s commitment to building sustainable sporting pathways, the expos are designed to connect the defence community with local opportunities while facilitating collaboration between ESOs, community groups and sporting providers.
Importantly, events like these showcase the positive impact sport can have, supporting transition from military service, building camaraderie in a civilian setting, enhancing wellbeing and creating strong support networks for families.
Connecting veterans and families with local opportunities
In South Australia, the expo brought together a wide range of organisations and activities, giving veterans and families the chance to explore how sport and community connection can play a role in their lives.
From trying sports like rowing, wheelchair AFL, pickleball and parkrun to engaging with organisations such as Defence SA, Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) Legacy and Open Arms, the day created a central place for the defence community to access information, services and support.
Vanessa Broughill, Veteran Engagement Manager at Invictus Australia, said the expo plays an important role in helping people take that first step.
For many in the defence community, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Bringing organisations and activities together in one place makes those first introductions easier, whether that’s to a sport, a support service, or other people who understand.”
Supporting transition, wellbeing and connection
A similar impact was seen in Northern NSW, where veterans and families connected with local organisations including archery, rowing and dragon boating local clubs. Held at Stockton Bowling Club, these interactions are often the starting point for ongoing involvement, helping individuals build routine, reconnect socially and find a sense of belonging beyond their service.
Through sport and shared experience, the expos help veterans and families to support transition from military to civilian life; build camaraderie and connection in new environments; enhance mental and social wellbeing and strengthen support networks.
A lasting impact in the community
The biggest impact of these expos is often felt by the veterans and families who attend.
By bringing local sporting clubs and support services into one place, the expos create an opportunity to connect, not just with sport, but with other people. For many, that can mean forming new friendships, building confidence, and taking the step to join a local club or activity that felt out of reach before.
That individual impact is where it starts, but events like these often mean new exposure and opportunities for the community that these individuals are part of.
At Stockton Bowls Club, a conversation at last year’s expo highlighted the need for improved accessibility. With support from Invictus Australia, the club secured funding to install a wheelchair-accessible ramp, making the space more inclusive for the wider community.
Raelene, a volunteer at the club and mother of Invictus Games alumnus Tricia Reynolds, said:
The new accessibility ramp leading to the lower levels of the outdoor activity areas, marks the beginning of several infrastructure upgrades designed to help everyone in the community connect through sports.”
Jodie Blake, Veteran Engagement Coordinator at Invictus Australia, said the difference was clear at this year’s event.
“The Stockton Bowls Club are working hard to create an inclusive place for everyone. These changes had a great impact on the Community Sports expo, with more people able to access their facilities. Their next project is wheelchair bowls. I just love the work they are doing for everyone to be involved in their sport.”
Collaboration across the community
The success of the Defence Community Sports Expos is driven by strong collaboration between local organisations, sporting clubs and industry.
Invictus Australia’s Exclusive Partners, IPAR, Ventia, Optus and Boeing, were given the opportunity to directly engage with veterans and families at these event and were able to support the events success through providing engaging activities for attendees. The organisations, alongside everyone else involved, helped to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that maximised the benefit to the defence community members who attended.
Looking ahead
With Defence Community Sports Expos planned for Western Australia and Queensland later this year, Invictus Australia will continue working alongside communities to strengthen local networks, improve access to sport and support services, and create lasting opportunities for veterans and their families.
- ACT Local Facebook group
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- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- Sydney and Central Coast Facebook Group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
- TAS Facebook Group
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