Six Australian veterans suicide every month – we think that’s worth losing sleep over.

Invictus Australia’s ZERO600 Challenge – Sunday 4 June to Friday 9 June, 2023

Invictus Australia is excited to announce our national fundraising campaign, ZERO600, is back in 2023 bigger and better than before. By getting out of bed earlier to participate in our second annual ZERO600 fundraising challenge (June 4-9), you can transform your morning, stay active and connected whilst lending a hand to our nation’s Veteran community. 

The objective is simple yet incredibly impactful: rise by 6am for six consecutive days, complete an exercise routine with a friend, team, pet or by yourself and show your support. 

Last year’s inaugural campaign was a huge success, but we need more people to answer the call. 

As the Invictus Games has shown, sport – and exercise in general – possesses immense healing power. It forms the foundation of Invictus Australia’s work away from the bright lights of the Games. 

The physical benefits and connectivity of sport are critically important for ex-service men and women as well and their support network, with three in four recently transitioned veterans having experienced a mental health condition. 

What’s more, the suicide rate is three times higher for involuntary discharged ex-service males compared to their voluntarily discharged counterparts. 

These statistics must change. So, if you’re ready to make a difference for our nation’s 60,000 current-serving men and women and almost 600,000 veterans plus their families, it’s time to sign up for ZERO600. 

1. Create your fundraising profile – set yourself a fundraising target, explain to your donors what you’re planning on doing and why you feel strongly about supporting Aussie veterans. You can even create a team for your workplace or group of mates. 

2. Decide what physical challenge you are going to set yourselves – check out the videos from our ambassadors to get some inspiration. 

3. Get in touch with your ‘tribe’ to let them know you’re signing up and invite them to join you – you’re also welcome to make it a solo challenge if you’d prefer. 

4. Start fundraising and spread the word to your network – it is simpler than you think and you’ll soon find that your friends, family and colleagues are right behind our veterans too. 

5. Prepare for that first early morning on 4th June 2023 and the inevitable sense of being part of something that saves lives 

6. Get those early-morning pictures up on social media, tag #ZERO600 and show your support for Invictus Australia and Aussie veterans. 

Veteran ZERO600 ambassador – Rodney ‘Rocket’ Cottam’ 

Rodney Cottam is an ex-military man of the third battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, who served for more than four years. 

His life changed in 2004 when he was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash while driving to the barracks in Sydney, leaving him with a permanently paralysed left arm. You can watch his entire story here.

“In the blink of an eye, I went from being an elite soldier, in the best physical shape possible, to completely losing all movement and feeling in my left arm, from shoulder to fingertips,” Rodney said. 

Refusing to allow the injury to define him, ‘Rocket’ used running as his tonic. 

It took time for him to rediscover his rhythm and balance due to having no strength or support in his shoulder joint, but 19 years on from his accident Rodney now runs up to 100km per week. 

In 2022, Rodney ran an epic 350km in five days, starting at the NSW Southern Highlands and finishing at Mt Kosciuszko. He raised more than $35,000 for Invictus Australia. 

‘Rocket’ is living proof of sport’s ability to hasten the recovery process. He will be leading the charge during ZERO600 and is calling on people from all walks of life to join him. 

Civilian ZERO600 ambassador – Dave ‘Wolfman’ Williams 

Former rugby league star Dave Williams has experienced the highs and lows of professional sport. 

The winger played more than 100 games for the Manly Sea Eagles, won a premiership, represented NSW and Australia and became a fan favourite across eight years in the NRL. 

However, a broken neck meant the ‘Wolfman’ missed playing in Manly’s 2011 grand final victory and further injuries eventually curtailed his career. 

“It’s a kick in the guts. You feel like you’ve got more to give but your body is saying no, and the decision is taken away from you,” Dave said.  

“I’m not comparing my footy career to the incredible job and tough choices our military personnel make, but I guess I can understand a bit about how they feel when a chapter ends. 

“I was lost, and adapting sport and exercises meant I could still train, feel strong and capable. It really helped get my head back in the game.” 

Now 36, Dave considers exercising a key part of his regimen for staying physically and mentally healthy. Coupled with his respect for service men and women, it’s why he is advocating for ZERO600. 

How your donations help veterans 

Every dollar raised through ZERO600 will be put to great use. 

Here’s how your money will help our veterans: 

• $55 – Helps fund community sport ‘come and try’ days for 10 veterans and their families. 
• $110 – Helps profile the inspirational stories of veterans and their families using the power of sport for recovery. 
• $250 – Helps fund a veteran’s Invictus Games training camp attendance. 
• $1,000 – Helps fund a regional Veteran & Family community sporting day. 
• $5,000 – Supports a veteran and their family’s preparation and trip to the Invictus Games. 

Grab some mates, gather the family, group your work buddies or go it alone and rise at ZERO600 to help Invictus Australia continue its work transforming the lives of the veteran community through the power of sport. Head to ZERO600.com.au to sign up today!