DEFENCE COMMUNITY SPORT Research
PROMOTING THE VALUE OF SPORT FOR Defence COMMUNITY Wellbeing
Research shows that sport plays a vital role in supporting the mental, physical and social wellbeing of current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families. It helps build resilience, foster connection, and support recovery, yet the impact of sport remains under-researched and under-utilised across defence and veteran programs.
Invictus Australia is leading the development of the Defence Community Sport Research Agenda, a national initiative designed to collate and translate evidence on how sport contributes to recovery, reintegration and quality of life for defence families. By identifying research priorities, connecting knowledge networks and enabling effective translation, the agenda ensures sport is recognised as a key driver of wellbeing.
This research agenda also informs policy, program design and community initiatives, translating lived experiences into practical outcomes. Through this work, Invictus Australia, in partnership with key stakeholders across government, academia and members of the defence community, will work to build a stronger evidence base to guide sport-based programs, strengthen mental health and social support, and create meaningful opportunities for defence personnel and their families.
DEFENCE COMMUNITY SPORT RESEARCH Register
Bringing together a comprehensive list of existing research that supports how sport can play a role in the health and wellbeing of the defence community, across 11 themes.
TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO ACTION – READ THE REPORTS
Research papers commissioned by Invictus Australia highlighting critical insights to guide future policy, program design and collaboration across defence community support ecosystems.
WHY SPORT MATTERS
Sport has emerged as a powerful tool – offering physical, mental, social, and economic benefits that directly address many of the issues identified by the Royal Commission. From reducing PTSD symptoms and improving mood regulation to fostering social connection and building new purpose, sport provides a structured, goal-oriented environment that resonates deeply with the military identity.
It also supports broader wellbeing domains outlined in the DVA Wellbeing Factors Wheel, including:
- Social: Sport prevents isolation and builds community.
- Health: Active veterans are 40% more likely to overcome mental health challenges.
- Employment: Sport fosters transferable skills like leadership and teamwork.
- Education: Volunteering in sport develops new skills and confidence.
- Meaning: Reconnecting with purpose through goal-oriented activities.
- Income: Employment opportunities in sport and elite pathways.
- Recognition: Public celebration of service through adaptive sports events.
Furthermore, there is an economic argument that investment into sport for rehabilitation and prevention will improve outcomes for veterans and their families as well as help governments to keep overall costs down.
At Invictus Australia, we witness the impact and value of sport every day in the lives of veterans and their families. Whether it be the rehabilitative effects of environments like the Invictus Games, or through local community activities which create opportunities for meaningful connection and poor- health prevention.
However, the value of sport for this community is not always understood and often dismissed. Evidence is key to changing this perspective, and we are delighted to bring forward information that will contribute to improvements across the Defence and Veteran sectors.
Swimming has become a favourite sport for Team Australia at international events like the Invictus Games, and for good reason.
The sport is highly adaptable, supports a wide range of physical abilities, and allows competitors to train and compete at their own pace. For many in the defence community, swimming provides a low-impact way to rebuild confidence, improve strength and focus on personal progress while still being part of a team environment.
That same approach underpins Team Veteran Masters Swimming Club, created by Invictus Australia as a virtual way to help veterans and their families stay active and connected at home. Members can train locally, take part in competitions, including national events, and remain part of the Team Veteran community.
More information and how to join at the link in bio.
After partnering last year, we’re proud to be walking alongside @themanwalk again across January and February.
The Man Walk is all about showing up, moving, talking and staying connected while creating safe, welcoming spaces for men to connect through simple, no-pressure walks.
Invictus Australia representatives will be at the following walks, and we’d love you to join us. These walks are open to male veterans and male family members aged 18+, with exclusive Invictus Australia challenge coins available for veterans who attend.
Upcoming walks we’ll be at:
🌕 Wollongong, NSW – 5.45am, Friday 16 January
⚫ Maroubra, NSW – 7.00am, Friday 16 January
🌕 Tuggeranong, ACT – 6.30am, Wednesday 21 January
⚫ Maitland, NSW – 6.00am, Tuesday 20 January
🌕Brisbane, QLD – 6.30am, Friday 23 January
⚫Port Noarlunga, SA – 8.00am, Saturday 7 February
🌕Huskisson, NSW – 7.00am, Thursday 26 February
ALUMNI IN ACTION | For Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 competitor Karl Woodward, community sport has reshaped life after service, helping him rebuild confidence, connection and purpose.
Karl’s path to Invictus began during a difficult period marked by injury, mental health struggles and life changes. But competing in Germany changed his trajectory. As he puts it: “The Invictus Games experience ignited a passion and inspired me to reconnect with the sports I once loved and competed in as a youngster on the Central Coast.”
Since then, he’s thrown himself into community surf lifesaving, indoor rowing and masters swimming. With support from his clubs across the NSW Mid North Coast and Central Coast regions, Karl has steadily built momentum, culminating in fulfilling a lifelong dream in 2025, winning an Australian Lifesaving Gold Medal at the Australian SLS Pool Rescue Championships.
Today, he’s an active member of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, volunteering as a lifesaver and competing alongside a community that has embraced him and supported his transition beyond uniform.
Karl says he remains grateful for the people who walked with him through his recovery, adding: “I would encourage any veteran to have a crack and get involved with the Invictus Australian community.”
Join your local Invictus Australia Facebook group to get involved in community sport beyond the Games.