Invictus Australia Partners with The Man Walk

Invictus Australia is proud to announce a new Community Partnership with The Man Walk, a grassroots movement helping men stay connected through regular, no-pressure walks. This collaboration aims to improve the mental and physical health of male veterans by creating safe, informal spaces for connection and conversation.

We’re excited to officially launch this partnership during the week of International Men’s Day, with two events on Australia’s West and East coasts:

Busselton, WA, Friday 21 November – sign up here
Geelong, VIC, Saturday 22 November – sign up here

These walks are open to current and former serving male veterans and family members aged 18 and over, offering a chance to connect with a friendly group of men in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Social isolation and loneliness are major risk factors for poor mental health and suicide, especially among men. Nearly one in three Australian men report problematic levels of loneliness, and socially isolated males face increased risks of heart disease, cognitive decline and suicide. The Man Walk offers a simple, peer-based way for men to move, talk and look out for each other. It’s about showing up, building connection, and making it okay to talk.

Initial findings from a longitudinal study co-developed with The Man Walk and Charles Sturt University confirm that the initiative is creating measurable, meaningful change. Participants reported improvements in mental and physical health, stronger social connections, and reduced risky behaviours. Men who walk regularly are less likely to experience depression, and those in regional areas report lower levels of loneliness compared to their city-based peers.

For veterans like Adam McIntosh, the impact of The Man Walk is clear. “Like many veterans I felt the loss of community, purpose and comradeship after leaving the army. In 2019 I attended a man walk in Wollongong seeking friendship and community. I found just that. The man walk is not for the retired… most of our group are working guys who, once a week, meet up for a walk and a swim, trash talk, and share a coffee before heading off to work. It’s a great way of positively resetting your outlook before heading into the weekend with the family.”

Mark, the founder of The Man Walk, shares a similar belief in the power of simple connection. He shares;

The Man Walk started with a simple idea, to create a space where men could show up, walk, and talk without pressure or judgement. We’ve seen how powerful that can be, especially for those who’ve served. This partnership with Invictus Australia is about making it easier for veterans to find connection and community, one step at a time.

Mark Burns

CEO & Founder of The Man Walk

Toni Cumpston, Director Community Engagement and Impact shares;

“This Community Partnership with The Man Walk is a step toward a healthier, connected veteran community. With suicide the leading cause of death for both ex-serving and Australian males under 30, connection is more essential now than it ever has been. This partnership is a great way for men to step away from isolation and toward connection, resilience and wellbeing. Even if you’re not near our planned events, there are more than 80 Man Walks nationwide, happening weekly that you could attend.”

You can sign up to the Geelong walk here, or the Busselton walk here.

Keep an eye on our socials for more walks coming in partnership with The Man Walk in the new year.

Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group

• ACT Local Facebook group
• SA Local Facebook group
• Sth East QLD Facebook group
• Nth QLD Facebook group
• Nth NSW Local Facebook group
• NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
• Victoria Facebook Group
• WA Facebook Group
• TAS Facebook Group
• NT Facebook Group