COLIN MCCALLum

ADF Service:  I joined the Royal Australian Navy in May 1995 as a Boatswain’s Mate. As a Patrol Boat Sailor, I spent much of my time being deployed on Operation Cranberry (Border protection operations in the country's northern approaches to prevent illegal fishing operations). In August 2002, I transferred to Aircrewman. As an Aircrewman, I was deployed to the Middle East, Timor-Leste and the South Pacific. I was Medically separated from the Navy in September 2024. 
A highlight of my career was being part of the crew that conducted a long-range Search and Rescue of two French Sailors 485NM off the NSW coast in October 2013. 

Other information:  Now that I am retired I am a stay-at-home dad to my two children, Stephanie, 15, and Josh, 13. 

Age: 49 

Hometown:  My father was in the Navy, so I lived in many places including Frankston, Punchbowl, Greystanes, East Fremantle and Nowra before ending up in Burpengary East, Queensland. 

Current Town: Nowra, NSW 

What is the Nature of your injury or illness?  I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and multiple musculoskeletal injuries including Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis all as a result of my almost 30-year service in the Navy. I am currently recovering from Cervical Fusion surgery that occurred in late 2025. 

Sporting background:  I played rugby union from the age of 8 until I joined the Navy at 18. During the summer, I competitively sailed in many classes up to and including at State and National level. I played many sports during my service; from rugby union, AFL, water skiing, sailing and snowboarding. I have always enjoyed being part of a team. 

When did you first connect with the Invictus Movement?  
I first connected with the Invictus Movement through a local community Indoor Rowing event that is held at the Nowra PCYC. I then attended an Invictus Australia Defence Community Sport Expo in Canberra where I was inspired to apply to be a competitor at the 2025 Invictus Games. I was extremely fortunate to be selected as part of Team Australia for the 2025 Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler. 
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
I have always relied on physical activity to manage my mental health. Being a Navy Aircrewman, you are required to maintain a higher-than-normal level of fitness due to the requirements as a Rescue Swimmer. With my current physical injuries, I was unsure about what I was able to do, but I began training with an Exercise Physiologist who pushed me to go back to training using weights, and I have not looked back. I also participated in a program called the Veteran Surf Project where I learned to surf and find the wonderful benefits of saltwater therapy. If it wasn't for the coaches and the crew at the Veteran Surf Project, I am not sure I would be still here. 

What is your greatest achievement to date?  Marrying my wife, Kerryn, and having my two kids, Stephanie and Joshua. 
Participating at the 2025 Invictus Games as part of Team Australia. 

Why did you apply for the Adaptive Sports Program? I had participated in a few of the “Come and Try’ days that Invictus Australia holds around NSW and the ACT, and I regularly participated in a weekly Invictus Australia Indoor Rowing group in Nowra. The support and inclusion shown by these groups was infectious, and I wanted more. After competing at the 2025 Invictus Games, I felt my journey wasn’t finished. The Adaptive Sport Program offered a way to continue participating in sport while managing my worsening musculoskeletal injuries and supporting my recovery following cervical surgery. 

How did you feel when you were told you would make the team? 
I was so excited to be given another opportunity to represent Australia. I am so fortunate to be able to be part of this awesome team to go to Germany and represent Australia. 

What will ‘winning’ look like for you at this event? 
I have already won, just being selected again to be part of Team Australia is a win and an absolute honour for me.  
The example I am setting for my children means a lot to me after struggling with my physical health after the 2025 Invictus Games.