August 27, 2025
How can sport connect the Townsville Defence Community?
Townsville holds a unique position in Australia’s defence landscape. As a garrison city, nearly 10% of its population is connected to the Australian Defence Force, with over 8,700 veterans and 5,500 currently serving members residing in the region. With such a significant defence presence, ensuring access to local sport, including support and local organisations is essential. Sport plays a critical role in providing connection, structure and purpose for those who serve and have served.
Since launching an official presence in Townsville in October 2024, Invictus Australia has worked to connect current and former serving veterans and their families with sport in their local community. The Townsville Defence Community Sport Expo, held over the weekend, was a clear demonstration of this work in action, bringing together more than 350 attendees, 14 sports, and over 20 local stallholders.
The Expo offered a diverse range of activities including archery, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing and more, encouraging attendees to try something new, engage with others and explore how sport can support wellbeing.
Government Support and Local Leadership
The inaugural Expo gained the support of local and state government representatives, with Acting Mayor Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, Nick Dametto MP and counsellors Suzy Batkovic and Kristian Price in attendance. Through their support, this group recognised the role sport plays in strengthening community connection and wellbeing.
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, participated in the activities and reflected on the value of sport for the defence community:
Sport is really important. When you don’t have that social integration and opportunity to release stress and energy through sport, you really miss it. Once you come you feel so much better.”
Nick Dametto MP experienced the benefits of community sport firsthand, taking part in a four-minute rowing challenge and sharing his perspective:
“Sport is very important so that people have got purpose in their lives. Doing something physical can also help your mental health.”
Having the presence of government officials at events such as these allows the defence community to be seen and heard as well as shines a light on some of the unique challenges and experiences that veterans and family members face at all stages of one’s military career.
Games Alumni Demonstrating the Power of Sport
Several Invictus Games and Warrior Games alumni played a role in the Expo, demonstrating the enduring impact of sport beyond competition. Their involvement highlighted how sport continues to provide purpose, connection and community long after the Games.
Ainsley Hooker, who represented Australia at the Invictus Games 2023 and Warrior Games 2024, supported event promotion in the lead up to the day and attended with her family. Shane Bramley, an alumnus of the 2019 Warrior Games Co-Captain of Team Australia for the Invictus Games 2020 led the sitting volleyball activation, showcasing the skill and precision required on the court.
Diane Jackson, a Warrior Games 2024 competitor, supported the archery station, guiding attendees on how to shoot with accuracy. Heidi Joosten, who competed in the Invictus Games 2017 and 2018, led the rowing activation, teaching technique and encouraging participation in timed challenges.
Their leadership and willingness to share their stories contributed to an inclusive and inspiring environment, reinforcing the message that sport is a powerful tool for those wanting to proactively support their health and wellbeing.
Collaboration at the heart of the event
At the center of every Defence Community Sports Expo is effective collaboration between Australia’s sporting network, ex-service organisations (ESOs) and other organisations dedicated to strengthening the lives of veterans and families through sport. This collaboration allows local veterans and families to foster connection to community, improve health and wellbeing and find a sense of purpose.
Special thank you to the sporting organisations and clubs, ESOs and other local organisations that worked to make this event impactful for the local community. Among our community partners was Baseball Queensland, activating for the first time following the launch of Invictus Australia’s formal partnership with Baseball Australia earlier this year. This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding sport offerings and creating new pathways for engagement.
Some of our Exclusive Partners, Ventia, Boeing, Optus, and IPAR, also played a key role in supporting the event and engaging with veterans and families. Their presence helped connect attendees with services and opportunities aligned with wellbeing and community reintegration.
Gavin Lewis, National Technical Manager Veterans Services, shared:
“This Expo has been fantastic for engaging with the local veteran community, and other organisations and for the community to get a sense of all the support available for the veteran community in Townsville.”
Ongoing Impact in Townsville
Invictus Australia continues to provide support in the Townsville region, with Local Veteran Engagement Manager Justine leading efforts to build relationships and deliver programs tailored to local needs. One standout initiative is the Women in Fitness HIIT Program, delivered in partnership with The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT). This program provides female veterans and defence family members with a safe and supportive space to build strength, confidence and community, helping participants re-engage with sport and take proactive steps toward wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
Invictus Australia remains focused on strengthening the support system for veterans and defence families through sport. Our approach is informed by research and aligned with national priorities, including the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Through sustained local engagement, strategic partnerships, and inclusive sport events, we are building a connected and collaborative system that enables participation and drives long-term impact. Events like the Townsville Defence Community Sport Expo demonstrate how sport can be used as a practical tool to proactively support health and wellbeing, while reinforcing community ties.
As we continue to expand our presence in Townsville and across Australia, Invictus Australia is dedicated to ensuring that every veteran and defence family member has access to meaningful opportunities to connect, contribute, and thrive.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
related stories
