October 23, 2025
How Indoor Rowing is Helping Veterans Find Connection and Purpose
Maintaining wellbeing can be a lifelong challenge for those who have served, not only during the transition out of uniform, but through the many stages of defence life. The physical demands of service, frequent relocations and time away from family can all take a toll on health, connection and sense of identity. Community-based sports, such as indoor rowing, can provide a solution to many of these challenges.
Low impact and accessible; indoor rowing combines fitness with mindfulness, allowing participants to focus on rhythm, breathing and teamwork. It’s an activity that builds both strength and calm, making it a practical and inclusive way for the defence community to stay active and connected.
For veteran Shane Bramley, those benefits are personal. After 27 years in the Army and a career dedicated to helping others stay fit and recover from injury, Shane knows how movement can transform wellbeing. Now, he’s helping other veterans and family members rediscover that same sense of purpose by leading a new indoor rowing program in Townsville, part of Invictus Australia’s national initiative launching this October during Mental Health Month.
Shane’s Story: Finding Strength Through Movement
When Shane was medically discharged from the Army, he held the rank of Sergeant and had spent most of his career as a Physical Training Instructor. His role involved helping others reach their physical potential and included improving performance and guiding recovery and rehabilitation. In his final years of service, he worked closely with wounded, injured and ill personnel, supporting their return to work or transition out of the Australian Defence Force.
But while he was helping others rebuild, Shane was also managing his own physical challenges. “Throughout my service I sustained quite a few injuries across my whole body,” he says. “These required long-term management strategies, and I had to progressively move away from sport and physical activities as participating would aggravate my injuries and be a constant source of stress.”
Shane first connected with the Invictus movement in 2017. After volunteering at a local training camp in Townsville, he went on to represent Team Australia at both a Warrior Games and Invictus Games.
After the establishment of Invictus Australia and the community sports programs that followed, Shane became a regular supporter, attending archery, pickleball and wheelchair sport events and running the sitting volleyball at the inaugural North Queensland Defence Community Sports Expo.
“I’ve been keen to support a number of Invictus Australia activities and initiatives to help other veterans discover how they may benefit from being involved,” he says. “I really enjoy assisting people re-establish a positive relationship with exercise and being active.”
A New Chapter: Bringing Indoor Rowing to the Defence Community
This October, Shane will lead weekly indoor rowing sessions in Townsville, welcoming veterans and family members to experience the sport for themselves.
“What I’m most excited about as a coach,” Shane explains, “is having an opportunity to help people achieve their ‘aha moment’ in connecting an exercise or activity with purpose. People are often really close to putting all the training variables together to achieve their goals, but might benefit from a few tips and seeing others work towards theirs.”
For Shane, these sessions are about rebuilding confidence, routine and connection, especially for those adjusting to new phases of life.
Knowing that I’ve made a decision to positively affect my physical and mental states through participating in sport and recreational activities enables me to confidently take on the daily challenges in life.”
Shane continued, “It gives me respite from focusing on my limitations and normalises the struggles when connecting with others in the community in not too dissimilar situations.”
Building Stronger Communities
Shane’s story reflects what the ethos of Invictus Australia’s community sport initiatives are all about, creating safe, welcoming spaces where veterans and family members can build wellbeing through shared experience and connection.
Indoor rowing is one of those powerful tools as it’s accessible to all abilities, fosters teamwork and helps participants rediscover the mental and physical resilience that defined their service.
Take the Next Step
This October, veterans and family members across Australia are encouraged to join a local indoor rowing session or start their journey at home through the Row Nation app. More information can be found here.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
- TAS Facebook Group
- NT Facebook Group
