Timothy pates

Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026  
 
ADF Service:  
I joined the Australian Army in 2012 as a vehicle mechanic and served for 12 years. My role was as a heavy diesel mechanic, working on military vehicles and equipment, making sure they stayed operational and reliable when they were needed. During my career, I deployed to the Middle East. My time in the army ended through medical discharge after injury in training, which wasn’t how I expected my career to finish, but the army gave me a mindset that still carries through everything I do now.  
 
Other information:  
I live in Wodonga and now run my own photography business. Photography became something I threw myself into after leaving the army and it’s grown into a genuine career, mainly around sport, motorsport and commercial work. My wife is also now studying photography to help me grow my business and both of my children, although still quite young, have shown great interest in photography and now even have their own cameras so we can go out as a family to local events and car shows. Cars have always been a big part of my life, so it naturally became one of the main things I enjoy photographing. but during my course I trained in all genres of photography, so I do also enjoy studio work and the creative side and have spent a lot of time playing with light painting. Outside of work I enjoy volunteering my photography skills to my local RSL sub-branch and other community organisations.  
 
Age: 33 
 
Hometown: Wodonga, Victoria 
 
Current town: Wodonga, Victoria 
 
What is the nature of your injury/ illness? 
My injuries are both mental and physical.  
 
What role has sport played in your rehabilitation? 
I currently participate in social wheelchair basketball each week. My business operates in and around sport, so both avenues give me meaningful opportunities to stay involved, which continues to support my rehabilitation and recovery. 
 
How have you stayed connected to sport? 
I participate in my local Parkrun as part of Team Invictus. 
 
How did it feel being told you will compete for Team Australia? 
It felt very different from my selection to Team Australia for the Invictus Germany Sports Festival, where the overwhelming feeling was one of personal achievement. This time, the emotions are centred around enjoyment, knowing I’ll be able to reunite with some of my teammates from that event, people I grew alongside throughout that experience. 
 
What will 'winning' look like for you at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026? 
I’ve already won. Every time I’m honoured with wearing the Australian uniform, it’s a victory. It inspires me to stay involved not only within the Invictus community, but also within my wider community at home.