Optus and Invictus Forge Partnership to Support Veterans Through Sport

Optus, an award-winning Veteran Employer of Choice, has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Invictus Australia to advance veteran wellbeing through sport.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to values of inclusion, community, and support for regional areas, providing a structured approach to support veterans and their families in meaningful ways.

Optus’ collaboration with Invictus Australia seeks to address the mental and physical wellbeing of ex-service personnel and their families. A core feature of the partnership is its alignment with Invictus Australia’s efforts to enhance veterans’ lives through accessible and diverse sports programs. Veterans and their families will have opportunities to engage in unique sporting activities, from traditional team sports to alternative options like gaming and dragon boat racing. These programs offer pathways to participate, volunteer, and compete at various levels, promoting physical and mental resilience.

Kate Aitken, Optus’ Vice President of People and Culture, emphasised the value that veterans bring to the company and beyond, stating, “Veterans bring technical skills that critical infrastructure like telecommunications requires, as well as leadership, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure.”

Optus’ commitment to veteran support extends into its workforce through the United Network, which focuses on health and wellbeing initiatives using sport as a means for improvement.

The partnership also targets inclusion and community connection, particularly in regional areas, where Optus aims to bolster support for defence families. Through events such as the NSW Defence Sport Expo, both organisations are already exploring how sports engagement can improve social connection and mental health in defence communities.

Vanessa Bernardo, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Brand at Invictus Australia, remarked on the broader goals, saying, “This partnership with Optus is a wonderful chance to bring [our support] to life… both on the international stage with the Invictus & Warrior Games, and in local communities.”

In the coming years, Optus and Invictus Australia plan to expand their reach and impact through a variety of sports-driven initiatives designed to promote community engagement and support veteran welfare over the long term. This initiative highlights both organisations’ dedication to a structured, community-focused approach, aiming to increase public awareness of veteran contributions and strengthen veterans’ integration within Australian society. Through this partnership, Optus and Invictus Australia are taking proactive steps to ensure that veterans and their families feel recognised, supported, and connected across the country.

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