THE ROAD TO AN AUSSIE INVICTUS GAMES BEGINS
Let’s build support to power a bid that could bring the Invictus Games back to Australia.
OUR INTENTION TO BID
Invictus Australia has announced its intention to bid to host the Invictus Games in Australia.
This is the first step in a national process to explore and build a potential bid – one that is credible, inclusive and backed by communities across the country.
WHY AUSTRALIA?
Australia knows how to deliver world‑class Invictus Games and we are ready to lead again. In 2018, our nation demonstrated what is possible when community, government and partners stand unified behind wounded, injured and ill veterans and their families. This impact continued well beyond the closing ceremony, where we saw long‑term outcomes for veteran wellbeing, connection and national pride.
In 2031, Australia would be well placed to deliver a Games that reflects the very best of the Invictus Movement – grounded in recovery, purpose and connection.
WHY 2031?
The 2031 Games timing presents an opportunity to build on this legacy. It aligns with Australia’s Green & Gold Runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering a natural platform to deliver a multi‑sport, adaptive Games at scale. In 2031, Australia is ready and positioned to deliver a Games that is credible, connected and ready to set the global standard.
GET INVOLVED
Bringing the Invictus Games home will require a national effort. Over the coming 12 months, Invictus Australia intends to prepare a comprehensive bid, one that requires support from all levels of government, corporate Australia, community organisations and the broader Australian public.
We are pleased that Deloitte has extended their alliance with Invictus, to help this bid get off the ground! Will you join them?
Sign up below to stay informed as the process progresses over the coming months. You will hear about opportunities across sport, volunteering, partnerships and community involvement as the bid develops.
For media enquiries, you can email GoodPR at hello@goodpr.com.au or reach them by phone (02) 8502 2272.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018. The Legacy That Lives On.
Australia hosted the Invictus Games in Sydney in 2018, welcoming competitors, families and supporters from 18 nations. From 20 to 27 October, Sydney hosted 491 competitors and more than 1,000 family members and supporters.
Across eight days of competition, wounded, injured and ill former and current serving veterans demonstrated how sport supported their recovery. The Games were widely supported by the Australian public and increased awareness of the experiences of those who have served. Research showed that involvement in the Games led to improved mental health outcomes, a stronger sense of belonging and increased confidence. Ninety‑two per cent of participants experienced improved mental health, 87 per cent reported increased confidence and 85 per cent felt a stronger sense of belonging.
Following the Games, Invictus Australia was established to ensure the impact continued, supporting all veterans and their families through sport and community across Australia. Not only to strengthen recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and ill veterans, but to expand the impact by preventing social isolation, and increasing cohehsion, meaning, connection and purpose through sport, for all 581,000 veterans plus families.
Relive all the action from the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 below.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Invictus Australia is the legacy organisation established to ensure the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 were not a one‑off event. Since 2018, Invictus Australia has continued to support veterans and their families to remain active, connected and supported through sport, proactively strengthening health and wellbeing throughout and beyond service.
More than 27,000 veterans and family members have participated in sporting activities across the country through Invictus Australia’s community work and partnerships with sporting organisations such as parkrun, True Grit, Volleyball Australia and many others.
By linking the defence community to meaningful sporting opportunities, from grassroots participation through to international events such as the Invictus Games, Invictus Australia helps veterans and their families prioritise their health, find purpose and build community through the power of sport.
Invictus Australia ambassadors unite in support of 2031 Invictus Games bid
Australia’s Invictus Games bid intentions strengthened by strong alumni support
Get in Touch
For many veterans and families, structure, routine and the deep sense of camaraderie is embedded within their lives. Factors like relocations, job changes and transition can affect this.
Sport helps bridge that gap.
It creates a space where connection happens naturally. Whether it’s a shared training session, a competitive match, or simply showing up together, sport rebuilds something many veterans miss: belonging.
Here are five reasons why sport is beneficial for veterans:
🤝Rebuilds a sense of community
The bonds formed through sport mirror those built during service: trust, teamwork, and shared goals.
🤝Supports mental wellbeing
Regular physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
🤝Restores identity and purpose
Sport offers structure, routine, and achievable goals, helping veterans rediscover a sense of direction.
🤝Encourages peer support
Being surrounded by others with similar experiences creates a safe, understanding environment where no one has to explain themselves.
🤝Celebrates resilience
Every training session, every game, every effort is a reminder of strength - both physical and mental.
At its core, sport is about community, connection and becoming stronger, together.
Will you rise beside our Aussie Veterans?
In Australia, we lose 6 veterans to suicide a month. ZERO600 exists because we don’t accept that. From 1–6 June, set your alarm for ZERO600. Get up. Get active. Raise funds for veterans and families who need us.
Back again for this year`s campaign is Rodney Cottam, our ZERO600 ambassador. Hear from Rodney as he shares how he sustained life-changing injuries in 2004 that ended his military career. Now, he`s rising for the mates who didn`t make it. He`s rising so you will too.
Powered by our Exclusive Corporate Partners: @boeing , @ventiaservices, optus and IPAR.
Sign up at zero600.com.au 🔗 (link in bio)
On World Health Day, we recognise the role of sport in supporting veteran health across both physical and mental wellbeing.
Research shows that regular participation in sport improves cardiovascular health, strength and mobility, while the routine and social elements of group activity support mood regulation, stress management and emotional wellbeing. Community‑based, team sport also strengthens social support, a key protective factor during military to civilian transition.
For Invictus Games competitor Callan McLean, returning to adaptive sport after medical discharge supported both his physical recovery and mental health.
“Finding adaptive sport and new methods to keep fit and get my sporting fix has allowed me to not only improve my physical fitness once again, but to also improve my mental health.”
Whole‑of‑health support starts with participation people can sustain. Accessible, social and routine‑based sport supports long‑term wellbeing.