Team INVICTUS AUSTRALIA BIOS: WORLD Life saving champs 2024
Invictus Australia has worked with Surf Life Saving Australia to seek permission from the international federation to enter a veteran team into the 2024 World Lifesaving Championships in the Gold Coast from 20th August to 8th September 2024.
We are proud have selected a team of 22 current and former serving veterans to be a part of Team Invictus Australia, the first non-club lifesaving team competing for the second time.
Here are the group of veterans competing under the Team Invictus Australia banner during this year’s championships. Get to know the team.
Chad Polland
Kelly Marsh
Kylie Lawler
Matthew Bragg
Nicole Webb
COMPETITORS
ADAM CONNELLY
Currumbin, QLD
Adam is a musician who is currently serving with Australian Army Band in Brisbane.
Outside of his work, Adam is heavily involved in Surf Lifesaving, and competes in the sport.
“Success at the championships for me is getting down there and having fun. I’m at the very beginning of competition and I’m just happy to be involved.”
ALEXANDER TIBBITS
Buddina, Brisbane
Alex enlisted into the Australian Army in April 2013 under the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme. During service, Alex was deployed in the Middle East, completed a rotation Tactical Assault Group East and was deployed on Operation Okra Rotation 4. Alex discharged from the military in 2019.
Outside of his work, Alex first joined nippers at Mooloolaba SLSC in 1998 and completed the Bronze Medallion in 2005. Alex had competed and was a patrolling member for Mooloolaba SLSC up until enlisting in the Army in 2013. From 2015-2018 Alex joined North Cronulla Surf Club but only attended a limited number of patrols and competitions due to military service. Alex re-joined Mooloolaba SLSC in 2019 and has returned to the Patrolling the beaches.
CRAIG VIPOND
Mooloolaba, QLD
Craig enlisted on the 4th of June, 2002 and begun his 20 year military career as a combat engineer. He is currently an 11CES Reservist. Since his service, he has served 24 years in Law Enforcement, including working for the New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police.
Outside of his work, Craig is a highly awarded Surf Life Saving Competitor, coach and club member. Some of his achievements include:
– Assisting /Coaching the Australian White Water Junior Kayak Team 1995.
– Completed 2 x Foster – Sydney Ski Marathons in four days, 1984/86 260km.
– Completed 11 George Bass Ski Marathons over 196km.
– Completed Molokai Ocean Ski Race and placed 3rd in the 2011 World Championships.
– Placed first in the Molokai Surf Ski Teams Relay in 2024
– He is a Life Member Camden Haven Surf Club.
– He represented Surf Life Saving Australia at the International level in South Africa, the USA, the UK
– World Surf Ski Champion 2006 Lorne Victoria & 2010 Alexandria Egypt.
– World Double Kayak Champion 2002.
Craig has been involved with Surf Life Saving Australia for 46 years, and is currently the secretary of the Mooloolaba Surf Club.
CHRIS O’BRIEN
Canberra, ACT
Chris began Surf Lifesaving in 1997 after crossing over from pool swimming. Training at Palm Beach (QLD) SLSC, Chris specialised in the swimming events – Tube, Board Rescue, Swim and Taplain Relay. He has competed at multiple regional, state and national events as a junior, culminating in a top 15 finish at the 1999 Australian Surf Lifesaving titles at Kurrawa Beach, QLD
Chris joined the Australian Army in 2002 through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Chris was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and posted to 20th Regiment (20 Regt) in Brisbane. From 2006 – 2009 Chris served as a Troop Commander of Weapon Locating Radar, Ground Surveillance and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, and in 2008 was deployed to Afghanistan with UAV Group 2 on Operation SLIPPER.
In 2009, Chris spent time posted to the UK as an exchange officer, where he was deployed to Afghanistan. On his return to Australia in 2011, Chris was posted to the School of Artillery as the Instructor-in-Gunnery (UAV). Chris retired from full-time military service in 2015 and is now the Director, Business Development for L3Harris WESCAM.
Chris competed at the Invictus Games The Hague in 2022 across a range of sports, including swimming.
Dana RICHARDS
Western Australia
Dana (pictured: left) grew up on the South Coast of NSW, Shellharbour where her parents put her into SLS at the age of 5. In her teenage years, she spent time patrolling as well as participating in the competition, right up until she joined the Navy at the age of 22.
Since then, Dana has served both full time and as a Reservist, currently being back into Full time Service as a Training Systems Officer, based at HMAS Stirling (WA).
After moving back to her hometown, Dana took up roles such as Age Manager, Club coach, Secretary and Director of Surf Sports to share her experiences and create safe, healthy and fun environments that everyone could feel that they were part of.
Dana first competed with Team Invictus Australia at the 2022 World Lifesaving Championships in Italy.
“Success at the World Lifesaving Championships is more about being part of something that I am grateful to be able to still do. Starting an event by putting my foot on the line is also Success, then to share it with others who have also served in the ADF is a privilege.”
Dane HURST
Cronulla, Sydney
Defence History
Dane joined the Australian Army as a Riflemen in October 2005. After completing initial employment training, Dane was posted to 4th Commando Regiment (now 2nd Commando Regiment) in 2006.
In 2007 and 2009, Dane was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), and in 2010 was a member of Tactical Assault Group East (TAG-E) and completed multiple short deployments to Afghanistan as part of VIP protection.
In 2011, Dane was employed as 2IC within the sniper team on TAG. During 2011, Dane was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as part of a continuous role in VIP protection. On 14th October 2012, Dane separated from the Defence Force and in 2014 joined the 1st Commando Regiment (Reserves).
Surf Life Saving History
From 2000 – 2005 Dane competed in the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series, with his best result in 2003 finishing 3rd overall. Dane have been part of Tugun SLSC Taplin team, being part of four out of the five Australian titles won as a swimmer.
Dane won the U/19 Australian Ironman and was part of multiple winning team events in junior’s and open events. In 2005, he placed second in the Australian open Ironman before retiring and joining the Defence Force.
DONOVAN LEITCH
North Bondi, NSW
Donovan served in the Australia Army full time for 17 years. He is currently a Reservist.
He found surf lifesaving through his partner at the time, and has enjoyed the sport ever since. He loves that the sport “always has something going on that keeps you busy and on your toes.” He has patrolled at Bondi Beach for the last decade and has no intentions of stopping any time soon
For Donovan, success at this year’s championships will mean being able to compete without injury.
ERIN BRIGDEN
Brisbane, Queensland
About Erin
Erin served as a Fitter Armourer in the Australian Army from 2014 until 2023, when she was medically discharged. In the lead up to leaving the ADF, Erin was very socially isolated and didn’t have much of a support network in terms of having people who understood the military to civilian transition and what it was like to go through it. When she began to participate in adaptive sports, she found herself meeting new people and creating that sense of belonging that she lacked.
Sport has been integral to Erin’s management of her mental health, allowing her to manager her symptoms and be the mother, friends and wife she wants to be. In 2023, Erin competed for Team Australia in the Invictus Games Dusseldorf, and has recently come home from Orlando, Florida, where she competed in the DoD Warrior Games.
Erin describes herself as a “significantly different person to who she was when she left the Army,” and is proud of where she is on her recovery journey. For Erin, sport has played a massive involvement in her overall wellbeing post service.
“This is my first time competing at the World Lifesaving Championships so for me, success will be diving in and having a go at something new!“
RYAN KELLY
Port Macquarie, NSW
Ryan served for 22.5 years as a Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer in the military. During this time, he was deeply immersed in roles that required precision, teamwork, and resilience. Operating in these high-stakes environments gave him a profound respect for discipline and meticulous planning and shaped both his professional ethos and personal perspective on the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.
Outside of his military duties, Ryan was involved with the Port Macquarie Surf Lifesaving Club from a young age, allowing him to apply his skills in a community-focused context. The camaraderie and shared purpose within the club have been a source of immense fulfilment for Ryan.
According to Ryan, sport, particularly surf lifesaving, has been instrumental in maintaining his mental, physical, and social wellbeing. “The rigorous training required for surf lifesaving demands peak physical fitness, enhancing resilience and endurance. Mentally, the fast-paced nature of lifesaving competitions sharpens decision-making skills and fosters a mindset of adaptability under pressure. Plus, the social aspect of surf lifesaving builds strong bonds with teammates and the community, providing a support network that extends beyond the beach.”
For Ryan, engaging in activities like surf lifesaving offers a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and continuous personal growth similar to the military.
“Success for me is simply representing Team Invictus Australia. I’ve come off the back of numerous surgeries and multiple hospital stays, so being able to train and bring myself back to a competitive level feels like a good achievement.”
JOHN ROONEY
South Maroubra, New South Wales
About John
John joined the army in 1970 and became a member of the Signals Corps. Since retiring, he has become active in helping veterans within his volunteer role as a qualified Wellbeing Advocate.
His Surf Lifesaving history goes back many years, and even to this day he continues to do regular patrols, help train squads to become lifesavers and assess candidates from other clubs.
His passion for training lifesavers in CPR comes from his true belief in the process, after he was able to save the live of a baby in 1976 by being involved in her resuscitation.
John is competing in the 75 years + age group, however he still loves sport as much as he has his whole life. He tries to keep active in a variety of different ways, one of these being an 800m ocean swim three times a week followed by some banter over coffee. On top of this, he completes three gym sessions a week and a beach fitness session with the WNOW group.
“ I am honoured to be selected to be a member of the Invictus Team at the upcoming World Lifesaving Championships. I am happy just to be able to compete and catch up with the many friends I have made through years of competing.“
KARL WOODWARD
North Avoca, NSW
Karl joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2007 and discharged in
2023. During this time, he was deployed across the Middle East whilst serving on Operations Slipper and Accordion and to South Sudan as part of Operation Aslan.
Karl first joined North Avoca SLSC in 1997 and later rejoined in 2022. He continues to compete and patrol even to this day.
For Karl, sport plays a vital role in his rehabilitation for both his physical and mental injuries. He has always used sport to maintain fitness, however it now is a way for him to maintain purpose, focus and discipline in his everyday life.
“I felt I had already won when I was selected on Team Invictus Australia at the selection camp in earlier this year. I feel that turning up to the World Lifesaving Championships and competing to the best of my ability with my fellow Aussie veteran teammates is a win in my book.”
MARK GILBERT
Freshwater, NSW
Mark describes himself as an “Anglican Minister, Surf Lifesaving Chaplain, GP, husband of 25 years and a dad to three adult children.”
Mark was present at the World Lifesaving Championships in Riccione, Italy in 2022 and witness the team’s commitment, bravery and camaraderie regardless of personal circumstances.
Apart from Surf Lifesaving, Mark enjoys hiking and trekking, and sailing. According to Mark, these activities give him a great sense of mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Mark loves being a part of the Surf Lifesaving Community. He says this is because the community helps people to “be the best versions of themselves,” by preaching a commitment to serving others and exposing people to sunlight, exercise and community.
“It’s a privilege to be part of Team Invictus Australia again on the Gold Coast in 2024 and to help in any way I can. Success for me is being helpful for someone else on Team Invictus Australia.”
NATHAN TOLMAN
Dicky Beach, QLD
Nathen served in the Australian Army for 22 years, working his way up to Warrant Officer Class 2 both serving as a Paratrooper and Infantryman. During this time, Nathan was deployed to; East Timor, Soloman Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.
After an extensive career as a soldier Nathan noticed signs and symptoms of declining mental health and physical injuries. This ultimately assisted in his decision to end his career and medically discharge.
Now Nathan continues to serve the community helping Veterans and our Youth in a time of need.
“Success for me at the championships is connecting in the Veteran Community and showing others that veterans can be resilient post service.”
REMI RAFTER
Mooloolaba, QLD
Remi (pictured: middle) began his military career studying civil engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy and completing officer training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. From there, he went on to serve 13 years in the Australian Army, serving both domestically and overseas in Afghanistan. He served in a variety of roles, including an officer in the Royal Australian Engineers, combat engineer positions at the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (Darwin) and construction and project management positions at 21st Construction Squadron (Brisbane), and 19th Chief Engineer Works (Sydney).
Today, he is the co-founder and co-owner of RM Developments, a real estate developer. From a soldier moulded by duty to a real estate professional navigating complex markets, his military service remains an indelible part of his identity, infusing his work with purpose and resilience.
Remi is now enjoying life back on the Sunshine Coast, this allows him to spend most days training at Mooloolaba Surf Club as a Master where he spent his youth as a Nipper.
“Success for me at the World Lifesaving Championships is being able to compete and contribute in a team.”
Ryan Garlard
Sunshine Coast, QLD
In 1983 Ryan joined North Caloundra SLSC (now Dickey Beach) as a Nipper and went on to complete his Bronze Medallion with the club in 1990.
Ryan joined the Australian Army in May 2009 as part of a Direct Recruiting Special Forces Scheme. After successfully completing Commando selection and reinforcement cycle, Ryan was posted to 2nd Commando Regiment in November 2010. Ryan is currently still serving in the Australian Army Reserves with 1 Commando Regiment.
Ryan has been a member of North Caloundra, Alexandra Headlands and Palm Beach (Qld) Surf Clubs. In 2003 Ryan became a member of Kawana Waters SLSC where he is still currently active. Ryan has remained an active patrolling member throughout his military service.
SEAN LAWLER
Sydney, NSW
Sean first joined the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club in 1992 after completing his Basic Resuscitation Certificate. In 1993 he completed his Surf Rescue Certificate and two years later his Bronze Medallion (1995). From 1993 – 2004 Sean was a competitive member racing at both State and Australian level.
Sean joined the Australian Army as a Riflemen in February 2004. After sustaining an injury in 2005 he became a Clerk and was posted to 4 Commando. In June 2008 Sean was promoted to the Rank of Corporal and deployed as part of the Special Operations Task Group Rotation 7 (SOTG7, Operation Slipper).
In 2009 Sean was posted to the Special Air Service Regiment where he later Separated from the Australian Regular Army and Joined the 41st Battalion Royal NSW Regiment. In April 2011 Sean was deployed to East Timor as part of Timor Leste Task Group Three (TLTG3). On 6 July 2013 he separated from the Defence Force.
Sean participated in the 2016 and 2017 Invictus Games.
Sean have been a member of Coffs Harbour Surf Club for almost 25 years, however due to his military service he was unable to patrol for approximately 10 of those years (2004-2013).
SIMONE READ
Towradgi, Sydney, New South Wales
Simone joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a Steward in May 1995. After completing the initial military training, she was posted to Wagga Wagga to complete employment training. On joining the RAAF, Simone was inspired to become a Flight Steward. During her time in service, Simone was privileged to serve with our head of state, Defence leaders, overseas dignitaries and support missions such as EAST Timor. In 2009 Simone transferred to part-time service to focus on her family and support her children, one who has special needs.
Simone has been involved in Surf Life Saving for most of her life, starting at Greenmount Surf Club as a nipper. She transferred to Currumbin to complete her Surf Rescue Certificate. During her time in these clubs, Simone competed at many carnivals, including State. In 2009 Simone joined Towradgi Surf Club as an age group leader, later completing her Bronze Medallion and taking up a volunteer patrol position. During her time as a member within Towradgi Surf Club, Simone has helped establish the Illawarra Junior Triathlon Club (ITC) to help provide cross-training and additional open water paths for the community.
“Success for me this world championships is cheering on my friends and my veteran community and being a part of something bigger than myself.”
WILLIAM BARRY
Currumbin, QLD
William (right) joined Surf Lifesaving in October of 1976, gaining his Bronze Medallion in January 1977. He is still actively involved in the sport, and still completes both beach and jet ski patrols at his local club.
In 1983, William joined the military as a Reservist. He has now completed over 41 years of both part and full time service and has deployed five times during this time.
For William, training and sport enables him to live and maintain a good lifestyle. Through sport, he has had the opportunity to travel ,meet people he would not normally meet and enjoy a good social lifestyle.
“Success to me is just getting to the start line and competing.”
