Bupa joins Invictus Australia Sports Festival

Bupa’s support will span two areas: the additional element of a Knowledge and Translation Symposium, bringing together leaders from across the Defence, sport, veteran, health and research sectors; and community sport activities designed to give veterans, families and the broader community opportunities to connect and experience the role sport and physical activity can play in health and wellbeing.

The partnership brings together Bupa’s longstanding experience supporting the health of the Australian Defence community with Invictus Australia’s work using sport and physical activity to support recovery, connection and wellbeing during and beyond service.

Bupa has supported the delivery of health services to Australian Defence Force personnel since 2019, alongside broader work supporting veterans and families through health, transition and mental health services.

The Knowledge and Translation Symposium will bring together distinguished leaders and nationally recognised voices from Defence, sport, government, research and veteran sector to explore the role of sport in supporting veteran wellbeing and transition from service. Topics will include the evidence and opportunities surrounding sport, physical activity and veteran wellbeing, as well as the role preventative approaches can play in supporting healthier outcomes over the longer term.

Bupa will also be involved in community activities at Scarborough Beach on Saturday 24 October, where veterans, families and members of the broader community will have the opportunity to try a range of sports, connect with others and experience firsthand the inclusive environments that sport can create.

Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung OAM said:

“We are proud to welcome Bupa as a Supporting Partner, Healthcare of the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026. Bupa shares our commitment to helping veterans and their families thrive through connection, recovery and wellbeing,” Hartung said.

“The Symposium is an important addition to the Festival, creating an opportunity to bring together experts, practitioners and lived experience voices to explore the evidence and impact of sport in recovery.

Bupa’s experience supporting Defence health and wellbeing makes them a natural partner in helping facilitate these important conversations and ensuring the insights generated continue to benefit the veteran community long after the Festival concludes,” he said.

Bupa ADF Health Services Director, Peter Livanes, said:

“Supporting every aspect of wellbeing for the Defence community is vital for achieving the best physical and mental health outcomes, which is why partnering with organisations like Invictus Australia is so important.

“The Invictus Australia Sports Festival showcases the extraordinary strength of the Defence community. By bringing people together through sport, it creates opportunities for recovery, connection and personal achievement, and we're proud to support an event that makes such a meaningful impact,” he said.

The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, will welcome competitors from host nation Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea centered on sport, recovery and connection.

Competitors will take part in Indoor Rowing, Pickleball, Sitting Volleyball and Swimming, alongside opportunities for the wider veteran community and general public to get involved through community sport.

The Festival begins with the Knowledge and Translation Symposium on Friday 23 October, followed by two days of sport and community activity across Perth.

For Invictus Australia, the Festival forms part of a broader commitment to ensuring the impact of sport continues beyond the bright lights of an Invictus Games, creating welcoming pathways for veterans and families to stay active, connected and involved in their communities.

Further Festival announcements, including the Symposium speaker line-up and schedule, will be shared in the lead-up to October. More information can be found here.

For those who can't attend the Festival in person, we're encouraging them to purchase a virtual seat to fundraise in support of wounded, injured and ill military personnel.