JO BEAVIS

Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026

ADF Service 
Joined the Army on 08 May 1990 as a musician, and after 17 years of being a qualified Drum Major, Chief Clerk, and Sergeant, I posted to the Special Air Service Regiment, where I was a Supervisor Operator Administrator and later worked in Training Management. While in the Army Band, I went on tour throughout Australia, to Bougainville, Vanuatu and Tokyo, Japan. A highlight was performing the Edinburgh Tattoo at the SFS in 2005.  
After posting to Perth, I was deployed to OP MAZURKA in the Sinai Peninsula and, while there, also performed with the Fijian Army Band. Being in Perth and supporting those who were on constant operational deployment was the highlight of my Army career. I loved my time in service, and after being medically discharged in 2015, I sank into a deep hole of depression. I sought alternative methods to help find balance in life - through iRest Guided Meditation practices and becoming a Level 2 Teacher. 
 I now teach functional movement (Yoga) and iRest when on camps with Sydney Legacy as a Legatee. I remember the 2018 Invictus Games - it was where I met Legatee Easterbrook and was asked to become a Legatee - which I did. That sense of service beyond military service has helped give me purpose. I only wish I'd engaged with Invictus Australia earlier.  
I'm so grateful to have had the chance to compete at the Invictus Germany Sports Festival and meet other Service Veterans and organisations; it's changed my life. I can't wait to see where this takes me! 
 
Age: 53 

Other information 
My two children grew up while I was serving in the Army and are now adults. My son recently joined the Army and is completing his Initial Employment Training. I was incredibly proud to have three generations of our family attend his march-out: my father, an East Timor veteran and reservist; my husband, Greg, a veteran with 27 years of service; and my younger brother, who has completed 25 years of full-time and reserve service. Our grandfathers also served in the Army during the First and Second World Wars, at Maralinga and in Japan, where my father spent part of his childhood with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. My daughter is now considering joining a branch of the ADF. I am a Legatee with Sydney Legacy, Vice President and Wellbeing Officer at my local RSL sub-branch, and a teacher supporting school leavers who are neurodivergent or live with disability. When travelling, I try to learn enough of the local language to order a coffee or find the train station. We have cats, but I look forward to welcoming a dog into our family again. 

Hometown: 
Devonport, TAS 

Current Town 
Sutherland Shire, NSW 

What is the nature of your injury/ illness? 
After working around the clock, I developed Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety. Which can still flatten me today if I over-extend myself. In November 2024 I had an operation to decompress the nerves in the right side of my neck that work my right arm. I woke up with zero use of that arm - it has been a long couple of years getting back to where my arm is now - but I know the work I've been doing in the gym and pool and with Invictus has helped. 

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
Growing up, I danced, played music and hockey, and swam regularly. Because our mum could not swim, she ensured my siblings and I learned, joining the local swimming and surf lifesaving clubs before I entered the Army at 17. Being in the water supports my wellbeing and was the only place I could move my arm for nine months after surgery. Training in the gym and pool continues to strengthen my mind, arm and body. My exercise physiologists, Luke, Sam and Michael, and physiotherapists Natalie and Alex have helped me adapt to my new normal. My family, fellow Legatees, friends and the families I support as a Legatee continue to inspire and strengthen me. 

How have you stayed connected to sport?  
At every opportunity, I encourage others to get involved in sport and stay active through local committees, council groups, Legacy, Invictus Australia and my Army association. We are serious about starting a local pickleball group, I can't wait! I also hope more people come swimming with me and challenge me on the exercise rowers!  

How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia? 
I feel so grateful and very privileged to have been selected to represent Australia at the upcoming Sports Festival. My little brother will be there along with some of my bestie girlfriends! I feel whole again - when everything else is coming apart at the seams - Invictus Australia is there, providing me with purpose beyond my service and a reason to get up and be active!