UNSW Canberra sponsors Invictus Australia for a further three years
UNSW Canberra has extended their sponsorship of Invictus Australia for another three years, seeing both organisations working together to support the defence community.
UNSW Canberra has a strong history of supporting the Invictus movement which began at the Invictus Games 2018, where they were the Official University Partner. This partnership was their first marker of intent to raise awareness of the need to better support men and women transitioning from military service, through sport. UNSW Canberra continued this commitment, signing on as Invictus Australia’s first Premier Partner in 2022. This continued sponsorship reaffirms a mutual dedication to the wellbeing of veterans and their families, whether they are on campus, playing sport, or in the community.
Reaffirming commitment to Australia’s defence community
The sponsorship with UNSW Canberra has been a natural extension of their commitment to educating members of the Australian Defence Force for more than 55 years. This renewed sponsorship reflects a strong alignment between UNSW Canberra’s mission to support lifelong learning and build inclusive, solutions-driven communities, and Invictus Australia’s mission to connect veterans and their families through sport to provide proactive and rehabilitative approaches to physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
One of Invictus Australia’s key focuses in their current 2025-2031 strategies is to promote and translate research priorities to address a range of challenges as highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, in which will form a key part of this sponsorship with UNSW Canberra.
Supporting Veterans at Every Stage of Their Service and Beyond
Over the past 55+ years, UNSW Canberra has played a pivotal role in defence education and research, supporting ADF personnel from recruitment and training to transition and beyond. With the campus embedded at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), UNSW Canberra is uniquely positioned to educate and empower both current and former serving personnel. Its academic programs and contributions to defence capability and national policy shape the future of Defence and open new pathways beyond service.
In parallel, Invictus Australia works year-round to deliver sport and recreation programs, both in communities across Australia and internationally, with an aim to proactively build mental, physical, social & emotional wellbeing of the defence community. This sponsorship strengthens those efforts, not just for UNSW Canberra alumni and current students with defence experience, but for the broader defence community.
Advancing Veteran Support Together
This sponsorship is more than an investment in the work of Invictus Australia, it is a practical investment for better outcomes for the defence community.
Vanessa Bernardo, Director Strategic Partnerships and Brand shares, “We are delighted that our relationship with UNSW Canberra has been extended. It is testament to our joint impact and shared learnings over the past three years, combined with an intention to continually evolve our work to address the challenges identified in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This partnership has not only aligned our priorities but also underscored our shared commitment to fostering healthy, connected, and resilient veterans and families. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.”
We are delighted that our relationship with UNSW Canberra has been extended. It is testament to our joint impact and shared learnings over the past three years, combined with an intention to continually evolve our work to address the challenges identified in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
This partnership has not only aligned our priorities but also underscored our shared commitment to fostering healthy, connected, and resilient veterans and families. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.”
Professor Emma Sparks UNSW, Canberra Dean and Rector, had the opportunity to see the power of sport in action at the recent Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. She explains,
Being at the Invictus Games and seeing firsthand the power of sport to transform lives was incredibly moving. It reinforced just how important community, connection and purpose are, during service and long after.
At UNSW Canberra, we are proud to extend our sponsorship with Invictus Australia to continue supporting those who serve, through education, research and programs that have lasting impact. Together, we are helping to build stronger, healthier communities around our veterans and their families.”
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org.
related stories
How Aussies can watch the Invictus Games on Nine
