Case study
Mark Faranda
Army veteran, State Representative, Veteran Gaming Australia
South Australia
overview
Mark joined the Australian Army at 19, training as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic at the Army Logistics Training Centre. His career took him across Australia and overseas, including service with the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment in Darwin, 16th Air Defence in South Australia, and 7th Royal Australian Regiment in Edinburgh.
Highlights of his service included working on Armygeddon, a custom supercharged 6×6 Land Rover, deployments to Malaysia with Rifle Company Butterworth, and Operation Resolute, where he served as part of a boarding party alongside Customs and Navy personnel. Mark was twice named RAEME SA Soldier of the Year, promoted to Corporal, and awarded the Operational Service Medal. He remembers his time in the Army as a mix of challenges, mateship, and unique camaraderie that he still carries with him today.
challenge
After years of service, Mark faced chronic pain from knee and back injuries, along with mental health challenges. “I battled alcoholism, went through rehabilitation, and although I pushed hard to recover, the injuries and struggles returned,” he explains. These challenges ultimately led to his medical discharge in 2016.
Transitioning to civilian life brought further difficulties. Running a mechanical workshop with his wife gave him a sense of purpose, but when it closed during COVID-19, he felt isolated once again. Motorsport, his lifelong passion, was no longer an option due to his injuries. “I felt cut off, with little sense of direction or belonging,” Mark reflects.
Journey
Mark discovered esports through a racing simulator, which rekindled his competitive spirit and gave him an outlet when motorsport was no longer possible. Soon after, he connected with Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA) and began engaging with its online community of veterans.
“Gaming gave me back a sense of teamwork and connection…suddenly I was connecting with other veterans across the country who understood my struggles. It’s been transformative, life feels less heavy now, because I have a community and a sense of purpose again.” he says.
Inspired by VGA’s mission, Mark became the organisation’s South Australia State Representative, organising free community events for veterans and their families—arcade days, bowling nights, and participation in ADF community events such as RAAF Edinburgh Family Day and Veterans’ Health Week.
Through VGA, Mark has also worked with partner organisations like Invictus Australia, which helps connect veterans with broader wellbeing hubs, groups, and activities. These partnerships expand the reach of esports and recreation programs, ensuring more veterans and families can take part and find community.
IMPACT
Throughout his recovery and transition, Mark credits the unwavering support of his family. “I would not have made it through my injuries and illnesses without my loving wife Lisa,” he says. “We have three children, Nicholas, Mia and Christian, all born while I was serving.” Their support gave him the foundation to rebuild, even during the most difficult times.
Today, gaming and esports are central to Mark’s wellbeing. His role in VGA has given him the chance to give back, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the sense of camaraderie he once found in service.
Personally, Mark is focused on his family and maintaining his health. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing opportunities in South Australia and nationally, helping more veterans overcome isolation and find belonging through sport and recreation.
“Sport and e-sports have been transformative – life feels less heavy now, because I have a community and a sense of purpose again.
Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to mates, to veteran organisations, to groups like VGA. Small steps matter… and remember you don’t have to go through it alone.”
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LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO TILL THE INVICTUS AUSTRALIA SPORTS FESTIVAL 2026, PRESENTED BY ATCO!
The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, is nearly here.
If you`re in Perth, we`d love to see you there.
On Saturday, head down to Scarborough Beach to cheer on competitors in Indoor Rowing, witness and experience the power of sport at the Community Sport Expo and soak up the Festival atmosphere. Register your interest for the Community Day! Link in bio.
On Sunday, Pickleball and Sitting Volleyball take over Perth HPC, with free tickets available for spectators. Reserve your ticket, link in bio.
Can`t make it to Perth? You can still be part of the support team by taking a Virtual Seat, Row or Corporate Box through our Fill the Stands fundraiser. It`s a simple way to show competitors that a whole community is behind them so they don`t take on their next challenge alone. Link in bio!
Whether you`re there in person or supporting from afar, every bit of encouragement makes a difference.
"It was only when I found Invictus that the positive change started."
Today on World Mental Health Day, we recognise the importance of looking after the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
For many veterans and family members, sport can play a powerful role in recovery and wellbeing.
Cindy`s story reflects what`s possible when people find connection through sport. After facing some of her toughest moments, it was discovering the Invictus Movement and becoming part of a supportive community that helped her reconnect with herself and build a renewed sense of purpose.
At Invictus Australia, we see every day how sport can bring people together, build confidence, strengthen connections and remind people they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Veterans and their families can contact @OpenArmsPeers on 1800 011 046, while the general public can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Perth will become the home of the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, with each day taking us to a different part of the city. Explore the venues that will bring the Festival to life with this Venue Guide!
A special thank you to the @citystirlingwa for supporting our Scarborough activities and Venues West for helping deliver the Festival at the @perth.hpc
If you`re in Perth, join us for our free Community Day and Indoor Rowing competition on Saturday at Scarborough Beach. No ticket is required.
For Sunday`s events, head to @perth.hpc for Day 2 of the competition. Reserve your free ticket via Eventbrite.
Can`t make it to Perth? Take a Virtual Seat, Row or Corporate Box and stand behind the veterans and families competing. Your support helps show those who have served and sacrificed that they are not facing their next challenge alone.
Links in bio!
• Day 2 Eventbrite Registration
• Purchase a Virtual Seat