Three Ways you can get involved in sport this October

October is Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on how we can take practical steps to support our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us. 

Since 2018, more than 20,000 veterans and family members have come together through community sport events facilitated or co-facilitated by Invictus Australia. At these events, the defence community have met new people, formed lasting connections, strengthened family bonds and explored new sport clubs.

This October, we’re encouraging even more members of the defence community to engage in sport, by providing three easy ways to get active and connected.  

How Sport Supports Veteran Wellbeing 

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide highlighted the urgent need for practical ways to support wellbeing across the defence community. Sport is one of the most effective tools we have in addressing at least 34 of the 122 recommendations from the Royal Commission, and contributes to several of its key themes:

• Social Support & Connection 
  Sport creates opportunities to meet people, form friendships and be part of a team. For the defence community, this sense of belonging is similar to the camaraderie of service.  

• Maintaining & Strengthening Family Relationships 
  Defence families often face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to long periods apart. Participating in sport as a family builds shared experiences, supports healthy routines and creates time together away from everyday pressures. 

• Identity & Purpose 
  Transitioning out of the Defence Force often involves a loss of identity, routine and purpose that were once shaped by service. Sport offers structure, community and meaningful goals that support veterans in redefining who they are beyond the uniform. 

• Prevention Through Increasing Help-Seeking 
  Being active and engaged in a community, especially through sport, helps break down isolation and stigma, making it easier for individuals to talk openly about challenges, access support and seek help. 

3 Ways to Get Involved This October 

1. Join Team Veteran at parkrun 

Our team will be on the ground at more than 20 parkrun events across the country during October, connecting with members of the Team Veteran parkrun group. Here is a list of the parkrun events Invictus Australia representatives will be at. These representatives will have a limited number of free Team Veteran t-shirts ready to hand out to those who are new members signing up to the Team Veteran parkrun group. 

Don’t see your local parkrun on the list? You can still join the group online and be part of a community that celebrates service, fosters belonging, and allows participants to connect with each other and the broader community. The Team Veteran parkrun group is open to veterans, their families and supporters of the defence community. 

How to join parkrun’s Team Veteran: 

1.Login or join parkrun by registering at www.parkrun.com.au/register 

2.Then you can join the Team Veteran run club by selecting ‘Join This Group’. You can join up to 5 groups, one of which can be your primary group.
3.Participate in a parkrun!

2. Come and Try Gaming 

We’re working with our community partner Veteran Gaming Australia to encourage defence communities to give gaming a go. There will be opportunities for people in SA, NSW and VIC to attend in person events in October to try gaming. Details are below:  

• South Australia: Get active and connected through pickleball, table tennis and gaming

11^th October | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Veteran Wellbeing Centre, Repat Health Precinct, Daw Park 

• Victoria: Come and Try Slot Cars 

19^th October | From 12pm | Outlaw Slot Cars, Mulgrave, Victoria, 3107 

• New South Wales: Veteran Gaming Australia and Invictus Australia will be at the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Expo with Beach Pickleball and Come & Try Gaming 

12th October |   10:00am – 2:00pm | Shoalhaven Veteran & Family Hub 

These events are in the lead up to the OVEL Tournament, featuring Rocket League, where Invictus Australia and Veteran Gaming Australia staff will host watch parties in 4 locations on November 1^st. Details are below. Make sure you are following your local Facebook group for further information. 

• Wagga Wagga, NSW 

10:00am – 1:00pm | Riverina Veteran and Family Hub, NSW 

• Queanbeyan, NSW 

10:00am – 1:00pm | Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub 

• Adelaide, SA 

Times TBA | Northern Adelaide Veteran and Family Hub 

• Perth, WA 

Location and Times TBA 

3. Compete in Indoor Rowing

From 11–19 October, we’re partnering with Rowing Australia to deliver the Invictus Australia Indoor Rowing Competition through the Row Nation App. This challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all levels, all you need is access to a Concept 2 rowing machine. 

You can choose from two race formats, a 1-minute sprint or 4-minute endurance or give both a go. Results are logged instantly through the app and displayed on a live national leaderboard. This means you’ll be able to see how you rank in real time against other members and supporters of the defence community across the country. 

View the leaderboard, learn more and find out how to sign up for this challenge here. 

Don’t have a Concept 2 rower at home? You can still join in by heading to a local rowing club or one of the indoor rowing sessions hosted by Invictus Australia’s local engagement team this October, details are below.  

• 13^th October | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Rockville Sports Oval, Toowoomba, QLD. 

• 13^th October | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Shoalhaven PCYC, Nowra, NSW. 

• 13^th October | 11:30am – 12:30pm | Lone Pine Barracks, Singleton, NSW. 

• 14^th October | 10:00am – 11:00am | The Oasis, Townsville, QLD 

• 14^th October | 11:30am – 12:30pm | RAAF Williamtown, NSW 

• 16^th October | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Canberra Grammer School Rowing Shed, ACT 

• 19^th October | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Torrens Rowing Club, SA 

• 27^th October | 7:30am – 9:00am | Irwin Barracks, WA

To sign up to, or learn more about these events, head to our events calendar or join your local Facebook Group.

Spotlight: True Grit in WA 

For those based in Western Australia, there’s another opportunity to get connected in community this October. Invictus Australia has recently renewed its partnership with True Grit, Australia’s only military-inspired obstacle course. 

Invictus Australia will provide 10 x free tickets per event for members of Team Veteran, then a 10% discount for additional team members.   

Invictus Australia local Engagement Manager Jason Bennetts will be the point of contact for the team on the day. This opportunity is open to veterans – former & current serving and their families. To find out more information, join the WA Facebook Group. 

If you’re looking for something different, check out our events page, or join your local facebook group, as there are a range of events around the country. 

Take the Next Step 

Getting involved in sport doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re joining a parkrun, trying out gaming, or giving indoor rowing a go, it’s all about taking that first step. You never know who you’ll meet or what you might discover about yourself along the way. Sport is a great way to boost your wellbeing, build new friendships, and reconnect with your sense of purpose. 

These events directly reflect the priorities of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which called for stronger pathways to connection, identity, purpose, and early intervention. By choosing sport, you’re choosing one of the simplest, most effective ways to put those recommendations into action. 

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