Invictus Australia announces new board members
Invictus Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board Directors. Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise, the additions further strengthen the organisation’s commitment to unleashing the power of sport to support the wellbeing of military veterans and families.
Joining the Board are Sonia Bijelic and Corene Strauss, both distinguished leaders in their respective fields.
Bijelic is a senior leader with extensive experience in marketing, strategy, and governance, with a strong track record of success across numerous national and multinational businesses and industries, including sport, entertainment, hospitality, telecommunications, consumer packaged goods, financial services and not-for-profit. Her leadership positions at iconic brands such as Walt Disney, Cricket Australia, Telstra, GE, ANZ, Treasury Wine Estates and the Guild Group, coupled with her current role as Global Director of Campaigns at Movember, highlight her strategic acumen and business expertise. Additionally, Sonia’s governance experience, including reporting to boards in various marketing roles and serving on the board of Boxing Australia, further strengthens Invictus Australia’s governance framework.
Bijelic shared her enthusiasm of the appointment, remarking, “Joining the Board of Invictus Australia is a tremendous honor for me. I am deeply committed to supporting our wounded warriors and everyday heroes through the transformative and protective power of sport, and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the impactful work of Invictus Australia. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.”
Strauss brings a wealth of executive experience in nonprofit management, with a focus on serving the veteran community and promoting disability inclusion through sport. As the current CEO of the Australian Disability Network, and former roles as the CEO of Special Olympics Australia and the first female CEO of the NRL Men of League Foundation, Corene has demonstrated her ability to build organisational capacity, forge strategic partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. Her extensive experience in marketing and communications, coupled with her strong governance background and deep connections within the veteran community, make her a valuable addition to the Invictus Australia Board.
Strauss expressed her excitement about joining the Board, stating, “I am delighted to be joining the Invictus Australia Board and sharing my extensive experience in sport, veterans and disability sectors. Having worked at grassroots sport to world games in disability sport, supported veterans and their families and building our nations disability confidence I feel like all my passions have combined perfectly for this role. Invictus Australia has a great future and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
James Brown, Chairman of Invictus Australia, expressed his warm welcome to the new members, stating,
We are delighted to welcome Sonia and Corene to Invictus Australia’s Board of Directors. Their impressive backgrounds and unwavering dedication to our cause will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts in supporting the Defence community.”
Sonia Bijelic and Corene Strauss will join current Invictus Australia Board members including Chairman James Brown, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd), Glenn Keyes AO, and Brigadier Patrick Kidd OBE OAM (Retd), in guiding Invictus Australia towards its mission of empowering and inspiring veterans and families health through sport.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Nina Willoughby, GoodPR
nina@goodpr.com.au, +61 427 400 961
—
About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia is the NFP responsible for organising the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. We carry on the legacy of the Games every day in local communities, as all veterans and their families can benefit from involvement with sporting communities, particularly ‘at risk’ veterans. As well as promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, Invictus Australia shines a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life. Find out more at www.invictusaustralia.org
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
