Invictus Australia welcomes support in 2022/23 Federal Budget
March 30, 2022: Invictus Australia has welcomed the announcement in last night’s Federal Budget which will provide $9 million over the next 3 years to ensure that Australia’s strong representation at international events such as the Invictus Games and Warrior Games continue, and the impact of the Invictus movement can be experienced by veteran communities throughout Australia.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said as Australia’s military capability grows, so too will the support provided to the men and women who serve our nation, and their families.
Minister Gee said: “This Australian Government has been a strong supporter of Invictus Australia and the additional $9 million investment in this Budget demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the organisation.
“Invictus competitors have all already given so much for our nation through their service, and I am delighted we’ve been able to provide this extra funding to support their ongoing contribution through sport.”
“Australians have cheered on our competitors at all four Invictus Games since 2014, and we look forward to seeing them in action at the Hague next month, and again at the 2023 Games in Dusseldorf. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
“The funding will also help deliver Invictus’ Adaptive Sports Program and get more veterans involved in local and community sport right across Australia.”
Words from Invictus australia
In response to the announcement, Invictus Australia Chairman James Brown said:
“We are delighted to have the support of the Federal Government and the Department of Veteran Affairs for the important work we do to engage veterans and their families through sport. This announcement provides a commitment to our Invictus Games competitors now and into the future, as well as the thousands of veterans nationwide that benefit from our local community initiatives.”
“We extend our thanks to Minister Gee and to the Federal Government on this important announcement for Australia veterans and their families.”
Invictus Australia is a legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. The not-for-profit charity directly supports all former serving participants in the Invictus program, with the latest iteration taking place in The Hague next month. Followed by a Games in Düsseldorf next year, and a North American Games in 2025, a busy schedule lies ahead.
There are over 600,000 Veterans in Australia, with an extra 6,000 transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force every year. 18% are discharged for medical reasons. 50% of Veterans have experienced a mental health disorder in their lifetime, and the suicide rate of male Veterans under the age of 30 is twice that of other Australian men their age.
This increased funding will allow Invictus Australia to reach more of these veterans and their families, as the power of sport to connect, and to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is proven, significant and well understood.
Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung said of the announcement:
“This is fantastic news on the eve of the next Invictus Games, which commence on April 16 in The Hague. This funding will ensure we can provide the necessary support to Invictus Teams and similar events”
“Invictus Australia is a world first, announced last October. We have been given the right to use this powerful brand in Australia to benefit the broader veteran community outside of the Games themselves. That is why this funding will also support our work to connect veterans and their families with vibrant and engaging local sporting communities”
“All of these initiatives make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families, in their recovery and as a prevention measure for physical and mental health challenges”.
For more information, please visit www.invictusaustralia.org
#InvictusAustralia #UnconqueredTogether
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Media Contact: Vanessa Bernardo, Marketing Director Invictus Australia
E: vbernardo@invictusaustralia.org M: 0466 380 166
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