WA Veterans And Families Foster Wellbeing At The Defence Community Sport Expo
On September 15th 2024, veterans and family members gathered for a day of connecting with likeminded people and organisations through sport. The inaugural WA Invictus Australia (IA) Defence Community Sport Expo attracted over 150 people from the Western Australian defence community, including veterans and family members, ex-service and sporting organisations together at the Rockingham Rams Baseball Club.
This event, spearheaded by IA’s Western Australian Veteran Engagement Manager, Hannah Laws, is an example of our mission to establish sporting systems to benefit the local defence communities around Australia and facilitate effective collaboration between ex-service organisations (ESOs).
Importantly, events like this showcase the positive impact sport can have on the defence community, by providing information and services to; support transition out of the military; build camaraderie within a civilian setting; enhance wellbeing and provide a strong support network for families.
“We had a fantastic time today in the glorious sunshine at the first Defence Community Sport Expo. It was a great day with family-friendly activities, games, and sport for all ages and abilities. We loved connecting with the Defence community – serving members, veterans and their families.” – Working Spirit
Sport, an outlet for the defence community
The event drew in veterans and families through the power of sport, with many wanting to explore the various ways it can add value to their health and wellbeing. With a multitude of sports on offer, from baseball, to wheelchair AFL and indoor rowing, attendees had the opportunity to find a sport, and local sporting body, that matched their interest.
For many, it was their first time being exposed to the adaptive sport on offer, which can provide an avenue to get involved in sport for all people in the defence community, including those who are wounded, injured or sick due to service.
It was fantastic day, a chance to try out different sports and activities that are on offer in the community. As a veteran, adaptive sports have helped me a lot in my recovery. It got me out of a bad place and has been lifechanging being able to play sport since my injury.
Special thank you to East Fremantle Bowls Club, Rockingham Rams Baseball Club, WAAll Abilities Football Association (Wheelchair AFL), Volleyball WA and Baldivis Volleyball Association, 13th Brigade (Indoor Rowing) and Veteran Gaming Australia for assisting in providing these sporting opportunities to the defence community.
While the day provided a fun opportunity to try out a sport, the main goal was to facilitate a way in which veterans and families can regularly enjoy sport through local clubs. According to Hannah, Rockingham Rams Baseball Club, the event’s venue, is a great example of this;
“A huge thank you to Rockingham Rams Baseball Club, not only did they provide the fantastic venue and incredible volunteers, but baseball was a massive hit! The club has an amazing community that’s already welcomed members of our Defence Community, and we can’t wait to see more join them.”
Government Support
It was great to see Hugh Jones MLA, Member for Darling Range attend this day on behalf of Hon. Paul Papalia CSC, MLA. Hugh was able to connect with the local community, hear from ESOs and sporting organisations about how they are empowering and supporting the defence community, and chat to Invictus Australia staff about their goals in providing sporting opportunities for the over 600,000 Australian veterans and family members.
As a veteran himself, Hugh understands the importance of days like this for former serving members and families, but also for those currently serving;
In my 30 years of service in the Navy, sport was the glue that kept us together and kept us physically and mentally fit; [events like this are] great to reconnect with former colleagues and to meet people who support our veteran community.
The positive effects of ESO collaboration
While sport drew people in and got them connected with the local community, having the presence of multiple ESOs provided a welcoming environment for veterans and families to learn about how the collaboration between multiple organisations designed to support the defence community can benefit their overall wellbeing.
From garden games and arts and craft to giant connect four and corn hole, these organisations made sure there was something for everyone. Special thank you to Wyverne Resilience, Veterans Transition Centre, Working Spirit, Disaster Relief Australia and Buddy Up for supporting this event.
Support from our partners
Some of our Premier Partners Ventia, NEC Australia and IPAR were on ground to show their support for WA veterans and families, providing face painting, arts and crafts and their expertise about how their organisations can provide crucial support to those in the defence community. One of our supporting partners, FTP solutions also generously donated a photobooth which was a hit with all attendees and coffees for volunteers and staff.
Vanessa Bernardo, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Brand at Invictus Australia, reflected on what this continued support means for the organisation.
“It was fantastic to have the support of our corporate partners and friends, who work alongside us to support the defence community, and share our passion to make a difference. The staff volunteer their time to be here, and all the activities are thoughtfully designed to create more opportunities for fun and connection. We thank IPAR, Ventia, NEC Australia and Optus unequivocally for going above & beyond to support this work.”
What’s next? Looking forward
The Western Australia Defence Community Sport Expo serves as a powerful example of how sport can address the challenges faced by veterans and their families, many of which are highlighted in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report. By fostering connection to community, improving health and wellbeing, and helping veterans and their families to find a sense of purpose, this event demonstrates the value collaboration between ex-service organizations and sporting bodies can have on the lives of many.
Off the back of this successful event, Invictus Australia now turns to the veterans and families that reside in NSW. The next Defence Community Sport Expo will be held in the Newcastle area, during the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Veterans Health Week.
Event Details:
Date: 19th October 2024
Time: 10:30am – 2:30am
Where: Stockton Bowling Club
NEWCASTLE DEFENCE COMMUNITY SPORTS EXPO
Read more:
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- Lifesaving hopefuls attend Selection Camp for Team Invictus Australia on the sunny Gold Coast
- Invictus Australia supports first veterans team to compete at the Surf Life Saving World Champs
- Invictus Games alumna turns to Lifesaving World Champs for new challenge
Our Veteran Engagement team runs events such as these across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local 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
About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
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