sheryl o'brien
Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026
ADF Service
I joined the Army Reserve in 1990 as a Storeman before transferring to the Ready Reserve in January 1994, where I served as a Driver. In February 1995, I transferred to the Army.
Other Information
I work with a transport company that delivers bulk chemicals to concrete plants and concrete panels to building sites.
Age: 57
Hometown
Parrakie, South Australia
Current Town
Tingalpa, Queensland
What is the nature of your injury/ illness?
Lower limb injuries and mental health issues due to service-related injuries
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation?
I enjoyed a variety of sports, including netball, volleyball, and rugby with the defence teams. I remain active through Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair AFL, Sitting Volleyball, Walking Netball, Pickleball, and Table Tennis.
How have you stayed connected to sport?
I stay connected to sport by joining a local table tennis club where I compete in competition fixtures and a handicapped competition. I have also taken up Pickleball and continue to enjoy the physical and social benefits it provides. The Germany Sports Festival reignited my passion for sport, and I am looking for more challenges to take on in the future.
How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia?
I felt honoured and excited to be involved with Team Australia for this festival, as it will be my second festival. it still has the same feeling as being selected for the first one. It validated my determination and courage to continue with being involved in sports and that I have the ability, strength and determination to be a part of a great team.
What will 'winning' look like for you at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026?
The opportunity to compete at a new festival, representing Australia in our home country, meeting the other competitors, supporting our team members and knowing that the other competitors understand what we have been through even though it may not be the same. The other exciting part of this adventure is that my partner will also get to experience this festival. I am looking forward to having him on Team Australia after missing out on the Invictus Germany Sports Festival.
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