Invictus Australia has announced its intention to submit a formal bid to host the Invictus Games in Australia in 2031, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort to bring the Games back Down Under. The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 saw the nation come together in support of wounded, injured and ill serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families – this announcement reflects both the legacy of those Games and the relevance of their return.
The findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide reinforced the importance of early intervention, connection, purpose and holistic wellbeing. Sport has the capacity to contribute meaningfully across at least 34 of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations. This demonstrates the profound role a home Invictus Games could play in supporting these findings, to change and save lives. Over the coming 12 months, Invictus Australia aims to prepare a comprehensive bid underpinned by support from all levels of government, corporate partners, community organisations and the broader Australian public.
Invictus Australia anticipates the official bid process will be opened by the Invictus Games Foundation in approximately 12 months, allowing them to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, interested parties and the Australian public, and to build a strong, inclusive and nationally supported bid.
General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd), the patron, Invictus Australia, said: “Sport runs deep in Australia’s identity. It’s more than competition – it’s a shared language that brings people together, whether they’re cheering from the sidelines, volunteering at the local club, or taking part themselves. It strengthens communities and gives us a sense of belonging. That same spirit of connection and purpose is at the heart of service in the Australian Defence Force. The camaraderie, the commitment to something bigger than oneself, and the resilience forged through shared experience mirror what we see in sporting communities across the country. Invictus Australia stands at this intersection of sport and service. Its work has opened doors for thousands of veterans and their families, helping them rediscover community through sport and reminding Australians everywhere of the extraordinary determination embodied by our Invictus competitors. When the Invictus Games came to Sydney in 2018, I spoke about the importance of keeping the momentum alive – not letting the flame dim after witnessing the profound impact of those Games. Thanks to Invictus Australia’s ongoing efforts, and now this bold bid to bring the Invictus Games back to Australia, that light shines brighter than ever. It’s for these reasons that I am honoured to serve as Patron of Invictus Australia.”
Michael Hartung, CEO, Invictus Australia, said: “Our intention to prepare a bid for the Invictus Games 2031 is about more than hosting an international event. These Games are a catalyst for strengthening recovery pathways, connecting a community of support and delivering meaningful outcomes for those who have served our nation. We have witnessed firsthand how this transforms the lives of competitors and their families while strengthening understanding and support within the broader community. Australia previously hosted the 4th iteration of the Invictus Games, in Sydney during 2018. This moment showed what is possible when Australians come together behind our veteran community. This intention to bid is a call to action, and we are seeking the support of government, industry, community organisations and the Australian public to help make it a reality. We are grateful to Deloitte for their continued alliance with Invictus Australia and for the role they are playing in helping us develop a strong, credible and nationally supported bid.”
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