Danny giles
Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026
ADF service:
I joined the Australian Army in August 1997, signing up to be an Infantry Soldier. My first posting was to 2RAR, Townsville in 1998. I did 2 tours of East Timor. I posted to 4RAR in 2002 and completed the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) selection course in 2004, subsequently going on to have a 20-year career in the regiment. I have done multiple tours to the Middle East during my time and was medically discharged from service in 2024.
Other information:
I’m currently retired and live and work on a 5-acre property with livestock. I’m married to my beautiful and supportive wife, Rachel, and have 3 talented kids, Lachlan (15), Matilda (13), and Oscar (8).
Age: 47
Hometown: Darwin, Northern Territory
Current town: Perth, Western Australia
What is the nature of your injury or illness?
PTSD, and I have sustained many long-term physical injuries and suffer from chronic pain due to service.
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation?
I played all sports as a kid and enjoyed competing in team sports and being with my mates. Aussie rules and cricket were my faves during my high school days, but I always gave everything a go.
It has allowed me to participate in the sporting arena again after a long time missing out due to service. Reconnecting with sport post‑service helps me feel young again, and it keeps me fit, focused, and surrounded by like‑minded veterans.
How have you stayed connected to sport?
I played master’s footy and coached my son’s cricket team.
How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia?
Honoured and excited.
What will ‘winning’ look like for you at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival?
Reconnecting with my fellow Invictus Games veterans and enjoying each other’s company.
Who is supporting you at the Games?
My wife and 3 kids.
LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO TILL THE INVICTUS AUSTRALIA SPORTS FESTIVAL 2026, PRESENTED BY ATCO!
The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, is nearly here.
If you`re in Perth, we`d love to see you there.
On Saturday, head down to Scarborough Beach to cheer on competitors in Indoor Rowing, witness and experience the power of sport at the Community Sport Expo and soak up the Festival atmosphere. Register your interest for the Community Day! Link in bio.
On Sunday, Pickleball and Sitting Volleyball take over Perth HPC, with free tickets available for spectators. Reserve your ticket, link in bio.
Can`t make it to Perth? You can still be part of the support team by taking a Virtual Seat, Row or Corporate Box through our Fill the Stands fundraiser. It`s a simple way to show competitors that a whole community is behind them so they don`t take on their next challenge alone. Link in bio!
Whether you`re there in person or supporting from afar, every bit of encouragement makes a difference.
"It was only when I found Invictus that the positive change started."
Today on World Mental Health Day, we recognise the importance of looking after the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
For many veterans and family members, sport can play a powerful role in recovery and wellbeing.
Cindy`s story reflects what`s possible when people find connection through sport. After facing some of her toughest moments, it was discovering the Invictus Movement and becoming part of a supportive community that helped her reconnect with herself and build a renewed sense of purpose.
At Invictus Australia, we see every day how sport can bring people together, build confidence, strengthen connections and remind people they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Veterans and their families can contact @OpenArmsPeers on 1800 011 046, while the general public can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Perth will become the home of the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, with each day taking us to a different part of the city. Explore the venues that will bring the Festival to life with this Venue Guide!
A special thank you to the @citystirlingwa for supporting our Scarborough activities and Venues West for helping deliver the Festival at the @perth.hpc
If you`re in Perth, join us for our free Community Day and Indoor Rowing competition on Saturday at Scarborough Beach. No ticket is required.
For Sunday`s events, head to @perth.hpc for Day 2 of the competition. Reserve your free ticket via Eventbrite.
Can`t make it to Perth? Take a Virtual Seat, Row or Corporate Box and stand behind the veterans and families competing. Your support helps show those who have served and sacrificed that they are not facing their next challenge alone.
Links in bio!
• Day 2 Eventbrite Registration
• Purchase a Virtual Seat