Leading infrastructure services provider Ventia is pleased to announce its Premier Partnership with Invictus Australia, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of military veterans and their families through sports initiatives.
The partnership was unveiled at a launch event held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, where Joel Vanderzwan, a veteran and Invictus Games alumni, shared his inspiring story and highlighted the importance of Invictus Australia's community and international support for the wellbeing of local veterans and their families.
Together, the two organisations will continue to harness the power of sports to foster resilience, recovery, and community integration among military veterans and their families across Australia.
Ventia employs well over 600 veterans, reservists and defence family members across its Australian operations and is passionate about the role that this cohort plays in its success keeping infrastructure working for communities.
John Rogers, Executive General Manager of Ventia’s Defence business, says “the partnership with Invictus Australia reinforces our strong commitment to supporting the Australian Defence community, caring deeply for our greatest asset, our people, and contributing to positive social change”.
John also noted that the historic Memorial, provided a moving backdrop to celebrate the partnership between Ventia and Invictus Australia. Guests gathered to hear from Ventia and Invictus Australia leaders, Ventia veterans and Joel Vanderzwan who provided a firsthand account of his journey as a veteran and the transformative impact the Invictus movement has had on his physical and mental wellbeing. Vanderzwan emphasised the significance of community and international outreach programs conducted by Invictus Australia, underscoring their vital role in supporting the health and resilience of veterans and their families.
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Joel noted, ‘"Beyond the glitz of an Invictus Games lies the heart of Invictus Australia’s mission: supporting veterans and families in their communities through a range of sports to support health. While the Games offer a shining moment, it's the connections forged in local sports that sustain me and my mates. With limited spots to go to an Invictus Games team, to me it's about fostering a culture of inclusion, honouring sacrifice, and educating Australians on the true essence of service. That, to me, is why Invictus Australia's work is so vital, and why I remain connected well after my Games’ experience."
In his address, John Rogers, stated, ‘We are delighted to become a Premier Partner of Invictus Australia and support the veteran and Defence community through sport. There is an alignment between Ventia's values of Integrity, Challenge, Ingenuity and particularly Collaboration which we see reflected in Invictus Australia's approach to facilitating strong, supportive communities and international sporting activities for veterans. Our organisations have a shared dedication to the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families, and we look forward to an inspiring, impactful relationship.”
James Brown, Chairman of Invictus Australia, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Our collaboration with Ventia opens doors for us to foster deeper connections through impactful sporting activities for veterans and families in crucial locations nationwide. This partnership not only strengthens mental, social, and physical wellbeing but also broadens our community reach.
Ventia's commitment ensures active engagement, extending beyond individuals to involve all employees and families in our endeavours."
Watch highlights from the announcement here
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