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A leading nonprofit organisation connecting wounded veterans as well as current serving personnel to sporting communities across Australia finds itself without financial support following the Government’s decision to completely withdraw funding from its national sport and rehabilitation program.
Invictus Australia became the first of its kind in the world to extend the impact of the Invictus Games— an international multi-sport event for current and former Australian Defence Force servicemen and women who were wounded, injured and ill—beyond the games and support veterans and families across Australia.
For many participants, the 2018 Invictus Games held in Sydney sparked new connections, renewed goals and a belief in what was possible beyond military service.
With this year marked to tip over thirty thousand participants in the programs since the movement’s inception, The Wire’s Shaun Dourado spoke with CEO of Invictus Australia, Michael Hartung, who argues that this decision will have immediate and far-reaching consequences for the thousands of Australian veterans and their families.
It was tough news and certainly hit us as a bit of a shock when we learnt that funding would not be continuing for this work, particularly in light of the findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Michael Hartung
In a statement on their website, Invictus Australia claims it’s sport-based, community-led approach can contribute to addressing 34 of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations for stronger early-intervention, social connection, and holistic support systems.
Serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force already face a significantly higher risk of suicide, with the most recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data showing an average of 78% taking their lives each year.
That’s three deaths per fortnight.
The CEO claims the decision represents a serious step back on the Government’s commitment to veteran wellbeing.
We know the impact these programs have because we see it every day — in the veterans who find connection after isolation, in families who feel supported, and in communities brought together through shared experiences and recovery through sport. What we do is fairly unique— not only in Australia, but globally. We should be encouraging growth of this effort because the more veterans and families we can support the better the outcomes for all of us.
Michael Hartung
According to Mr Hartung, sport is a powerful recovery tool for those who have been wounded, injured or fallen ill during or as a consequence of military service, providing a number of benefits for both physical and mental health, along with the social support and camaraderie that can be especially beneficial for those who have experienced trauma.
"Ninety-two percent of participants talk about improved mental health as a result of the games experience.”
Despite the lack of funding posing a challenge, the organisation is actively exploring other options to continue providing crucial support to veterans.
If we are truly committed to veteran wellbeing, support for this work must continue so we can keep delivering evidence backed impact at scale.”
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