RICHARD WEAVER

ADF Service:  I joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)  in February 2000, as an Airfield Defence Guard (ADG) in Amberley until I was medically remustered to an Air Surveillance Operator (ASOP) due to injury. During my time, I worked with Microwave Radar at No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) in Williamtown for 8 years and completed a tour to Afghanistan.
I then moved to Edinburgh, Adelaide were I worked in space operations. My claim to fame during this time was tracking the Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster which was launched into to space. I then moved to Canberra at the Australian Space Operations Centre (AUSpOC). Next, I moved back to Edinburgh in Adelaide where I was posted to No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit (1SSU), a newly established unit. This was my final destination before my discharge.

I medically discharged in August 2025 due to PTSD from an incident that occurred in 2001. 

Other information: Currently I am working towards being a table tennis coach, which is my passion and has greatly helped me get out of a very dark place. 

Age: 45 

Hometown: Canberra 

Current Town: Brisbane 

What is the Nature of your injury or illness?  PTSD due to an incident that occurred in 2001. 

Sporting background:  I played rugby league from the age of 10 through to 22, alongside eight years of golf and Oztag. I also spent a few years playing soccer as a goalkeeper. In 2011, I found my true passion in table tennis and went on to represent NSW, SA and ACT in the sport. This year, I am working towards representing QLD this year – at the Australian National Veterans Championships.

Since then, I’ve taken on coaching roles, including Head Coach for ACT and State Coach for SA, and was honoured to receive a coaching award. I’m now coaching at the Brisbane Table Tennis Club. 

When did you first connect with the Invictus Movement?  
When I was informed that I was being medically discharged - my DVA rehab consultant encouraged me to look into the Invictus movement and the Adaptive Sports Program.

What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
Table tennis has been instrumental in that it is my outlet and coping mechanism. It has benefited me in all aspects of fighting PTSD in a positive way. 

What is your greatest achievement to date?  
My three kids are my greatest achievement. But, in terms of sporting achievements. I have won bronze and silver medals in table tennis at the National Veterans Championships  and gold medals at State events. I have made the Order of Merit 3 times. 

Why did you apply for the Adaptive Sports Program? 
To assist me in transitioning out of the Defence Force and to use this as a stepping stone towards my goal in becoming a better, if not a professional, table tennis coach and player. 
This will broaden my experience in representative sport, which is the next stage of my career. 

How did you feel when you were told you would make the team? 
Overwhelmingly filled with emotion. The announcement brought back confidence that I have not had for quite some time. 

What will ‘winning’ look like for you at this event? 
Gaining experience in the sport I love and doing the best I possibly can is important to me, as it’s always been a dream of mine to represent Australia. It’s a similar motivation to why I joined the Air Force; a desire to serve and represent my country.