Our Purpose

By Veterans.
For Veterans.

The What And Why

A Proactive Health Initiative

The Veteran Games is a proactive health initiative designed to address key findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and key failings within the existing Veteran support systems.

Our focus is on improving physical and mental fitness outcomes for Veterans, while working to shape a positive contemporary Veteran narrative through showcasing this excellence in an exciting and engaging competition format.

We do this with the vision of creating a positive, long term and measurable impact on the lives of all current and future Veterans, their families and the broader Australian community.

teamwork - climbing a wall
Why It Matters

Take Up The Challenge

Over the past two decades, more than 1,500 Australian Veterans have died by suicide. That is more than double the number we lost in combat during the Vietnam War and more than 25 times the number of Australian combat deaths from Afghanistan and Iraq combined.

Through a series of specially designed military style events, the Veteran Games supports ex service personnel to connect as a community, with purpose, and to celebrate elements of our military identity with a focus on improving mental and physical health outcomes for current and future generations of Australian Veterans.

1,500+
Veterans lost to suicide in two decades
2x
More than combat losses in Vietnam
25x
Australian combat deaths, Afghanistan and Iraq combined
History of the Veteran Games

Three Years. One Movement.

2023

Proof of Concept

The Veteran Games is a proactive health initiative addressing key findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Connection, purpose and identity, delivered through competition.

veteran games 2023 champions
2024

Momentum

The Veteran Games returned to the Numinbah Valley for year two. 10 teams, 100 Veterans competing. Champion Team: 2 SECFOR SQN, taking home the $10,000 cash prize and the name on the shield.

image of people pulling the rope together
2025

Expansion

Two events, one series. Gold Coast: 13 teams, 130 Veterans, Champion Team Brisbane Veterans RLFC. Darwin: our first Top End heats at Robertson Barracks with NT Government and 1 Brigade, 9 teams, Champion Team 5/7 RAR.

2026 is Calling

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Four events, one national title. Whether you compete or cheer from the sideline, 2026 needs you on the ground.

VG participants running
Our Sponsors & Partners
Sponsor-VFCSponsor-NT-govSponsor-valhallaSponsor-high-sierraSponsor-savvySponsor-ambSponsor-cmbtSponsor-ffcSponsor-lifesaversSponsor-ringwoodSponsor-axonSponsor-greenbankSponsor-fuelyourlifeSponsor-good-jointSponsor-inside-outSponsor-rsl-vicSponsor-jericho