Volunteers, the backbone of our communities
Each May, National Volunteer Week offers a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers across Australia. This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities,’ shines a light on the deep and lasting connections that form when people come together to give their time and talents in service of others.
Volunteering does more than just support good causes, it builds relationships, strengthens local ties and creates a sense of belonging. At Invictus Australia, we see this every day through the veterans, family members and community members who give back, helping to build inclusive, resilient communities.
For veterans and their families, volunteering can be a way to stay connected to purpose and service beyond military life. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that volunteering supports mental health by offering a sense of accomplishment, belonging, and meaning. These are vital elements in the transition to civilian life, especially in light of the Royal Commission findings around isolation, wellbeing and the need for ongoing connection for the defence community.
Over the past year, we’ve had a range of Invictus Community Champions who have been volunteering their time to help support our local Veteran Engagement Managers across Australia. These individuals remind us that a few hours given each week can make a world of difference, not only to those they help but to themselves as well.
To mark National Volunteer Week, we’re sharing a bit about each of these champions, and asking them how volunteering has helped them to stay connected within their community.
KAYE, ACT
A warm and familiar face within the Invictus Australia community, Kaye is a passionate advocate for connection, community and giving back. A war widow herself, Kaye has experienced the unique challenges that come with military life, not just for those who serve, but for the families who support them. Military service runs deep in her family, her brother, father, and grandfather all serving in the Army, her husband and uncle in the Navy, her aunty in Army nursing, her daughter also serving, and one of her sons served for a decade in the Army Reserves.
Kaye shared about her experience as volunteering with Invictus Australia. “Volunteering isn’t just about helping others, it’s about showing up for your community, creating meaningful connections, and continuing to serve, long after the uniform comes off.”
JIM, QLD
Jim served in the Royal Australian Air Force for over 39 years, transitioning out earlier this year in February 2025. He first came across Invictus Australia through his involvement in wheelchair NRL in his local community, where he met and was inspired by several Invictus Games competitors. Hearing their stories firsthand opened Jim’s eyes to the power of sport on physical and mental fitness. Motivated by their experiences, Jim began participating in more sporting activities. Jim is passionate about giving back, not only through his support of Invictus Australia, but also through a range of organisations that support the defence community.
“I found that being a part of the Invictus community, especially through volunteering, has really helped me stay connected. It has put me alongside others who have shared experiences and have walked a similar path through serving, creating a real sense of belonging and purpose for me. It’s not only allowed me to feel connected, but it’s also seen me form new friendships and reconnect with the community in a meaningful way.”
JODIE, NSW
Jodie is a Navy veteran and RAAF spouse who has always enjoyed sport for fun. After being medically discharged, Jodie felt like sport was no longer an option for her and poured her energy into motherhood and raising her children. Her perspective on sport post being medically discharged changed one day when she discovered dragon boating and hiking, which helped her reconnect with herself, her community, and her sense of achievement. Sport has given Jodie confidence, goals to strive for, and a feeling of health and well-being.
Jodie shared her experience of volunteering in the community. “Volunteering with Invictus Australia really helped me feel connected, not just to what was going on, but to the people too. I loved having something in my diary that felt like it was giving back to the community. Chatting with veterans, sharing ideas, and helping with events like the Community Sport Expo made me feel like I was actually part of it all. Supporting the local veteran engagement manager in their role was a real highlight, it just felt good to be involved.”
Bill, SA
Bill is a former police officer and founder of Operation Unity (SA), which supports veterans and first responders, offering services to ensure their home environment is filled with support, love and care. A passionate advocate, Bill is a tireless volunteer within the South Australian community, dedicating his time to championing not just Invictus Australia, but the wellbeing of first responders and those who have served.
Volunteering has been a powerful source of connection for Bill. “Some people get a feeling of achievement when they do sport, I get that feeling from helping someone,” says Bill. “Seeing people benefit from the volunteering I’ve done with Invictus gives me the drive to do more. It’s about creating supportive and welcoming communities that provide a safe place for connection.”
Hank, NSW
If you say something is impossible, Hank will tell you impossible is just someone else’s opinion. “How do you know something is impossible unless you try.”
He is all about giving things a go. After serving in the Army, Hank got his hands on his first hand cycle and that marked a turning point in his life. Not only does Hank now hold several national titles for his adaptive mountain biking, he also established Coffs Coast Adaptive Cycling to help make cycling accessible to people of all abilities across the Coffs Coast region and holds titles in archery too. Hank does so much in the local sporting community because he knows the importance of helping people to find their purpose and community so they don’t feel alone.
Championing Invictus Australia and adaptive cycling in his local community has helped Hank to feel connected. “Sport has stopped me from feeling isolated. It has got me out of my house, visiting new places and most importantly, it has got me looking after myself. Being the best version of myself allows me to give back to my family who supported me through service and allows me to be an active member of my community.”
Grant, NSW
Grant served in the Navy, continuing a proud legacy as part of a fourth-generation military family. His time in uniform instilled in him the values of leadership, resilience, and service, all principles that continue to guide him today. Since transitioning from Defence, Grant has remained actively involved in his community through sport and volunteering, using these connections to stay engaged, support others, and maintain the sense of camaraderie he valued during his service. Much like his time in uniform, volunteering has also reinforced the importance of leadership, resilience and working toward something greater than himself.
Grant shares how fulfilling volunteering in the community is. “Volunteering with Invictus Australia and championing their work in the community has provided me a meaningful way to stay connected with my community after leaving the Navy. It’s given me a platform to share my experiences, support others, and continue serving in a different but equally important way. It’s a reminder of the power of connection and the value of giving back, which has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Connection, the Common Thread
Through each of these stories we see a common thread, that volunteering brings a sense of connection. Whether that is through veterans rediscovering the thing that lights them up and gives them purpose or being in community and forming new bonds and friendships, we know that these shared experiences, through volunteering, bring people together.
This National Volunteer Week we celebrate all volunteers, those above and many others whose quiet contributions create a safe space for many across the country. Because when people give, they don’t just help others, they build stronger, more connected communities.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
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