Pictured in the ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park’s Hall of Service left to right: Vanessa Bernardo, Director of Marketing – Invictus Australia, Michael Hartung, CEO – Invictus Australia, David McPadden, Group Executive Transport – Ventia, (centre front) Joel Vanderzwan, Veteran and Invictus Games competitor, John Rogers, EGM Defence – Ventia, James Brown, Chairman – Invictus Australia, Ceridwen Pillai – Invictus Australia, and Angela Williams, General Manager Community- Ventia

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.

Joel Vanderzwan, a veteran and Invictus Games alumni, shares his inspiring story with Invictus Australia CEO, Michael Hartung

 

As of May 2024, 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, commented on the partnership.

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

Official partnership signing between Invictus Australia's Chairman, James Brown, and Ventia's EGM Defence, John Rogers

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. 

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

James Brown added "Ventia's commitment ensures active engagement, extending beyond individuals to involve all employees and families in our endeavors."

explore Our commitment to VETERANS AND DEFENCE families

Watch the video below to learn more about the partnership