Unconquered

Denny Neave Gordon Traill Catherine McCullagh UNCONQUERED

Copyright © Denny Neave, Catherine McCullagh, Gordon Traill

First published 2019 Copyright remains the property of the authors and apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publishers.

All imagery throughout this book has been sourced, cleared and approved for use by the Australian Department of Defence, the Department of Defence, the Organisation ( and UK), Denny Neave, Gordon Traill and the participating athletes (for use of their personal collections). All images are copyright and all image holders retain the copyright for their images.

Big Sky Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 303, Newport, NSW 2106, Phone: 1300 364 611 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bigskypublishing.com.au

Cover design and typesetting: Think Productions Printed in China by Asia Pacific Offset

For Cataloguing-in-Publication entry see National Library of Australia. Authors: Denny Neave, Catherine McCullagh, Gordon Traill Title: Unconquered: Our Wounded Warriors ISBN: 978-1-925675-98-6

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Contents

Foreword Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC (retd)...... 5 Chapter 3 The New Zealand Defence Force Team...... 157

Introduction...... 7 Daryl Burton...... 161 Robert ‘Tiny’ Graham...... 165 ‘Invictus’ by William Henley...... 9 Matt Vangioni ...... 169 Chapter 1 About the Games...... 11 Kelly Whittle...... 173 Chapter 2 The Australian Defence Force Team...... 27 Chapter 4 Supporting the games...... 179 Peter Arbuckle...... 29 C.J. (Christopher) Collins — Invictus Alumnus...... 181 Steven Avery...... 35 Ian McCracken — Invictus Alumnus...... 185 Brigid Baker...... 41 Wade Roberts — Invictus Alumnus...... 189 Graham Bell...... 45 The Australian Defence Force Support to the Invictus Games...... 195 Davin ‘Bear’ Bretherton...... 49 The Police Force Support to The Invictus Games...... 201 Peter Brown...... 57 The Volunteers...... 205 Matt Brumby...... 61 The Charities...... 211 Dave Connolly CSC...... 67 Acknowledgements...... 217 Jesse Costelloe...... 73

Ben Farinazzo...... 79

Thomas Foster...... 85

Stephen Hayes...... 89

Beau King...... 95

Jarrod ‘Broken, Never Beaten’ Kent...... 99

Matthew Model...... 105

Emilea Mysko...... 111

Sonya Newman...... 117

Stephen Osborne...... 121

Nathan Parker...... 127

Darren Peters...... 133

Garry Robinson DSM — ‘Mr Invictus’...... 139

Peter Rudland...... 145

Jeff Wright...... 151

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Foreword

nyone who was in Sydney in the last week of October in 2018 When Prince Harry announced the games were coming to Sydney, could not have missed the profound impact of the Invictus Games. he called on all Australians to show their support. Well we sure did. The AOn show for all to see was what Prince Harry called ‘the healing games captured the imagination of the country and we were all proud of the power of sport’. We were all humbled and inspired by the determination and numbers and enthusiasm of the people who came to watch and cheer. Also achievements of the wounded, injured and ill from 18 different countries evident was the way the games were embraced right across Australia through who showed their ‘unconquered’ spirit during the Sydney Invictus Games. radio and television. On show too was the love and support provided by their family and friends ‘Game On Down Under’ was the rallying cry for the Sydney games. We who came with them to cheer them on and inspire and support them on their might be tempted to say it’s now ‘Game Done Down Under’. But that would path to recovery. be a big mistake. There is more work to be done. The next games will be held The competition was fast and furious with the competitors once again in The Hague in 2020 so we need to put a team together to compete. But universally proud to wear the uniform of their country. The rivalry might more importantly we need to treat these Invictus Games as a step forward to have been fierce, but it was in the spirit of ensuring that every competitor was creating a legacy of engagement, involvement and support for our servicemen and women. In the service of Australia they had our backs, now it is our turn encouraged and embraced regardless of results. It was uplifting and humbling to have theirs and support them in their recovery and transition to civilian life. to see these veterans once again part of a team giving their all in the service of their nation. Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC (retd)

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Introduction

n a colourful coup for Sydney, the Invictus Games 2018 were held from Governor-General Sir neatly summarises his impression of 20 to 27 October in this beautiful Australian city and quickly became a the games. ‘There are gold medals but there’s no national anthems, because Iunique and unforgettable event. The Australian Defence Force and the it is not one nation versus another; it is all nations combined with athletes Returned and Services League partnered to support a combined Australian enjoying affection and respect for one another.’ team of 72 competitors — 18 serving and 54 former military personnel. The founder of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, The Invictus Games, the brainchild of His Royal Highness, The Duke attended the closing ceremony and was fulsome in his praise for the athletes. of Sussex, and inaugurated in 2014, is an international adaptive sports event ‘Your example goes beyond the military community. It is about more than for wounded, injured and ill active duty and veteran service personnel. The your inspiring stories of recovery from injury and illness. It is about your word ‘invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’ and embodies the fighting spirit of example of determination, of optimism, of strength, honour and friendship, wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. In Sydney in 2018, some or as the Aussies call it, mateship — a core value that has the power to inspire 500 competitors from 18 nations competed in 11 adaptive sports. the world.’ He emphasised that the competitors were not ‘superheroes’ but rather ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’ who had — and will The games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support continue to — inspire others. ‘You do not have to be a veteran who has fought rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends. back from injury to be inspired by the Invictus example,’ he asserted. ‘You can Competitors, whose journeys to recovery are uniformly lengthy and painful, identify something in your own life that you want to change for the better and are quick to embrace the healing power of sport. Peter Arbuckle, who you can let the men and the women of the Invictus Games remind you that served with the 2/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, reinforced this no challenge is too difficult to overcome.’ with reference to his own recovery. ‘Sport has played a pivotal role in my rehabilitation. I cannot stress enough the importance of sport in anyone’s Unconquered: Our Wounded Warriors is a deeply personal and human rehabilitation. Sport gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, face account of the journeys of a group of competitors at the Invictus Games 2018. the limits of my disabilities and transfer my energy into competitive sport. I Many of these stories recall the trauma of armed conflict and the suffering cannot imagine what my life would be like without sport being my focus.’ that continues long after the sounds of battle have died away. The narratives featured in this book highlight the power of the individual to overcome fear, Davin Bretherton, a former 1st Battalion soldier, goes one step further, wounds both mental and physical, and lifelong disability, while also inspiring arguing that sport saved him. ‘As a result of my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, those who have never served to cope with their own challenges. These are my weight blew out, I was on every drug available and I was at the lowest stories of courage pure and simple and of the men and women who defied the point in my life. It was at this point that I got involved in sport and used it odds to remain unconquered. to get fit again and lose weight which, in turn, increased my self-esteem and confidence.’ While there are medals to be won and a medal tally board is maintained, the Invictus Games embodies a spirit that transcends the winning of medals. For many, winning is the simple act of being selected for the team. For others, it’s reaching the start line of an event. Every competitor’s journey is different, but the healing power of the games and the positive energy they bring is evident in the response of each competitor and the broad, diverse mass of spectators. For David Connolly, a former 3rd Battalion soldier, ‘Winning would be the pinnacle of all the hard training I have completed up to now. However, being there and competing, regardless of the result, means I have already won. It does not matter whether you win or lose, it is about the spirit of how you play the game.’

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Mark Daniels Australia

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‘INVICTUS’ by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

9 10 Chapter 1 About the Games

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There are gold medals, but there are no national anthems because it is not one nation versus another; it is all nations combined with athletes enjoying affection and respect for one another. His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC (retd)

USA & Canada Painting by veteran artst Tony Tomkins

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Origins Most of us will never know the full horrors of combat. Many servicemen and women suffer life-changing injuries, visible or otherwise, while serving their country. How do these men and women find the motivation to move on and not be defined by their injuries? On a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013, His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex saw first-hand how the power of sport can help those suffering from injuries and illness — physically, psychologically and socially. He was inspired by his visit and the Invictus Games was born. The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve in the aftermath of their injury. The games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport. It captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.

Never stop fighting and do everything you can to lift everyone around you. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

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Sailing

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Alexia Vlahos hugs her best friend after winning the Bronze Medal in Powerlifting

Willie Apiata VC helping out at the

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UK team member Paul Guest at the wheelchair basketball

The Invictus Games saw Countries

491 competitors come Afghanistan together from 18 countries Since 2001, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military alliance has helped to rebuild the Afghan Armed Forces to combat Taliban resurgence. to compete in 13 sports. As Afghanistan is a landlocked country, the military consists of an army and air force only, and has more than 200,000 active soldiers. Afghanistan has been represented at previous games by teams of fewer than 10 competitors Athletes competed who nonetheless compete enthusiastically and proudly. for medals in a total Australia of 11 sports. The Australian Defence Force has almost 60,000 active personnel and a further 40,000 active and standby reserve forces. While small, it remains the largest military in Oceania. Australian troops were part of the original coalition of nations which sent troops to in 2003.

Canada Canadian forces fought alongside those of Great Britain during the First and Second World Wars and have since been committed to multilateral military action. Canadian troops were part of the war in Afghanistan and contributed to the rebuilding of Iraq after the 2003 invasion by the US-led coalition. There are approximately 68,000 regular force and 51,000 reserve force personnel across the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force.

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Eight-year-old Australian schoolgirl Jemma Sellick receives the silver medal won by USA competitor Mike Kacer. Both Team Iraq’s manager are arm amputees. Jemma told Mike how much fun it was to watch someone with the same disability compete so well. We are strong and we Danish forces have participated in United Nations missions since 1948, the year before Denmark became a member of NATO. Since 1991 the Army, are still warriors, and most Air Force and Navy have participated in international operations around the world, working closely with allied nations. Danish forces have been engaged importantly we are not alone in Afghanistan since 2002 and in the fight against Islamic State forces since — we are now part of the 2014. The Danish Armed Forces number around 20,000. ‘Invictus family’. Steffi Matz, German team A full member of NATO since 2004, the Estonian Army has engaged in numerous peacekeeping missions, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. Estonia also takes part in the European Union (EU) anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia. The games just make me feel alive. PTSD can be really The French Armed Forces number more than 220,000 and have participated in many peacekeeping missions including in Afghanistan. The French isolating. At the Invictus Army has a long history of military cooperation with Great Britain and will undoubtedly be looking forward to some friendly competition at the games. Games you are among like- minded people and they can The Georgian Armed Forces were established in 1991 after independence identify with you. The cruelty was declared from the former Soviet Union. They have been participating in of war is unimaginable. international peacekeeping missions ever since, joining the US-led coalition forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force operation in Afghanistan. Cavell Simmonds, Canadian team Georgia’s military consists of approximately 37,000 active personnel.

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27 I was representing my country obviously in the military and now, to go into the sporting arena and wear the green and gold and have “Australia” written on your back is — you can’t quite put into words what it feels like.

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Peter Arbuckle

oining the Army was the new life that a young Peter Arbuckle needed, having left home to escape a difficult family situation. He was just 18 Jyears old when he finished his recruit training and completed further training with the 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2/4 RAR), in Townsville, describing himself as ‘so young and green’, but delighted with his new life. In 1992, Peter was selected as one of only eight signallers from his battalion to deploy as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, and completed his pre-deployment training in Brisbane. Cambodia was a formative experience for a young man, and Peter came home in 1993 with a renewed appreciation for his life in Australia. It was after Peter left the Army that he had a motorcycle accident that left him with serious and life-changing injuries: There was some roadwork occurring not far from where I lived — they were putting in a new bridge. I hadn’t been on that road for a while and I was riding a big Road King, a large, heavy bike. The road went down over a creek and I would have to keep to the left-hand side or the bike would bottom out. It was such a heavy bike that I had to put on the power to get out of the rise of the creek bed and the road used to shoot for about another 200 metres and veer off. But with the roadworks, as I came up out of the creek bed and powered up to move over the rise, I realised they had put a sharp left-hand turn in just at the crest of the rise as you came out of the creek bed. I put down the power and all of a sudden there’s a turn and there’s a car there. I couldn’t avoid the car. I hit the rear end of the car which swung me side-on to the car behind with a bull bar. Peter was lucky to survive the accident which left him severely injured. It was a long road to recovery. During his rehabilitation process, he joined the Townsville Cyclones wheelchair basketball team. ‘I went along to a couple of sessions at the basketball there. Funnily enough, my daughter happened to be best friends with a young girl in Year 12 whose father was also an amputee and who played basketball for the Townsville Cyclones. He came to visit me in hospital, told me about basketball and advised me of the benefits of being in sport once you’re injured. And I went along to the basketball and I was hooked pretty much straight away.’ Townsville also boasts a major Mates4Mates presence and the organisation has a large sporting arena ‘probably a bit bigger than a basketball court and a couple of us started going to Mates4Mates to have a look.’ A few weeks later Paul Warren, another amputee, who had lost his leg in an improvised explosive device explosion in Afghanistan, and who Peter had met through basketball, returned from the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. ‘Three of us ex-military, Jeff Wright, Bear [Davin Bretherton] and me pricked our ears up and went, “hang on, this sounds like something that Peter in Cambodia on operations might interest us.”’

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Racing on Sydney Harbour Iconic setting with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

I lost my leg in June 2015. I didn’t start trying to walk again for a while because I got a pretty severe infection which almost made me lose my knee and become an above-knee amputee.

The three started a basketball program with the Cyclones. ‘The Soldier For Peter, the high point was representing his country. ‘It’s a pretty big Recovery Centre out at Lavarack Barracks asked us to come along and play a stage, the Invictus Games, it’s not something small. You can’t quite put game of basketball against the Centre. We went out there and played a game into words just how special you feel and the pride of representing your and that’s how we got into Mates4Mates.’ Mates4Mates was developing a country again. I was representing my country obviously in the military program using the wheelchairs from the Soldier Recovery Centre. and now, to go into the sporting arena and wear the green and gold and have “Australia” written on your back is — you can’t quite put into words Wheelchair basketball soon became a favourite sport for Peter — until he what it feels like. Bear and I had already done that in a different sport. saw his first game of at the trials for the Toronto Invictus Bear and I had both played for the Australian Wheelchair Rugby League Games in 2016. Peter was quickly smitten: ‘Basketball was our main sport. Team. At the end of July, we went to France and played in the World Cup. We went to play basketball and it just so happened that rugby was being Pretty big year, last year.’ While a different atmosphere to the Invictus played as well. We were introduced to rugby there and I thought, “Hang on, Games, it was certainly a memorable experience. ‘Still, to be representing I like this even better than basketball.” It’s sort of a progression — it’s another your country is amazing.’ wheelchair sport. So, a lot of the “wheelchairies” who play basketball also play rugby. So we trialled for that and just happened to be selected for that For the Invictus Games in 2018, Peter was also selected for the sailing as well.’ Selection for the 2017 Toronto games was ‘fantastic’. ‘I lost my leg team, a major departure from his wheelchair rugby and basketball. ‘We in June 2015. I didn’t start trying to walk again for a while because I got a received an e-mail from the head coach one day telling us that there were pretty severe infection which almost made me lose my knee and become an two classes of sailing in the games, that numbers were short and asking if above-knee amputee. I had the infection for quite a while and I didn’t actually anyone would be interested in sailing. Now, I had a look on YouTube etc and start walking until March of 2016. So, to be selected for the Invictus Games I thought this was something I wouldn’t mind trying. Lo and behold, Bear the following year was a pretty big achievement and it’s something I was very was doing the same thing at the same time.’ Peter and Bear were both selected proud of.’ and will compete individually.

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You can’t quite put into words just how special you feel and the pride of representing your country again.

Peter was also asked to consider another new sport — volleyball — when Peter has plenty of plans for his sporting future: numbers were short: ‘I’m only an emergency reserve for volleyball. Last year We’ve been told that two Invictus Games is the limit now, so this we couldn’t field a team because the volleyball, like the basketball and the will probably more than likely be our last Invictus. So we’ve got to rugby, works on a points system.’ Under this system, points are awarded for set our sights on something new. We’ve just got 12 rugby league the severity of physical disabilities. ‘We couldn’t field a team last year because chairs sent up here to Townsville, so we’re looking at establishing we didn’t have enough amputees or paras. A lot of the guys had PTSD’ rather a wheelchair rugby league competition up here. A bit of a focus than physical disabilities and so the team didn’t have the right number of will be put on that. But I’ll still be playing basketball. We have points to qualify. ‘This year they sent out an e-mail saying “we need amputees, some competitions starting in January and going throughout the we need paras to get into the volleyball team.” And I said, “Look, my two year. And maybe a mentoring role somehow, maybe if there’s some main sports are basketball and rugby” — this was before sailing came along. I guys up here who apply for the Invictus Games, maybe we can said I’d be happy to be the emergency reserve in the event we can’t field a team help them with some of their training and pass on some of the or someone has to pull out, but that’s where my volleyball is at the moment.’ information that we have. After the games, Peter plans to continue his sporting regime. ‘I need to In terms of rehabilitation, Peter believes that sport is an essential element. stay in sport in some form or another to keep the headspace clean and the ‘Sport has played a pivotal role in my rehabilitation. I cannot stress enough body active.’ He has also begun playing wheelchair rugby league outside the the importance of sport in anyone’s rehabilitation. Sport gives me a reason to Invictus Games, explaining that ‘wheelchair rugby is based pretty much on get out of bed in the morning, face the limits of my disabilities and transfer basketball and was originally developed for the “quads” who couldn’t play my energy into competitive sport. I cannot imagine what my life would be basketball. It’s played on a basketball court. Whereas rugby league is actually like without sport being my focus.’ based on the rugby league rules’ and is a ‘free for all, full contact, try and kill each other sport.’

Celebratory smiles Peter after his bronze medal placing with his son and daughter

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We’ve just got 12 rugby league chairs sent up here to Townsville, so we’re looking at establishing a wheelchair rugby league competition up here.

In Peter’s opinion, just being selected for the Invictus Games is a victory, and winning in a team sport is just part of the extraordinary benefits of participating. ‘Winning takes on a much deeper meaning for me because it means defeating my demons and disabilities. It means coming out on top in my own internal battles. But, above all else, winning for me is seeing all the competitors at the games come away in a better place mentally than when they arrived. Winning is seeing the smiles and tears of my brothers and sisters in uniform.’ Peter rates his greatest sporting achievement as winning gold in the wheelchair rugby: In 2016 in Orlando, the Australian team was beaten by the UK team by 47-4 in the bronze medal match. In Toronto, there were some who played in Orlando and a number of us who were new and we were beaten by the USA by 23-18, only 5 goals’ difference and a massive turnaround from the year before. We then beat the USA in the heats and the UK 23-17 to claim gold. That is a story in itself. It is also an extraordinary achievement. Gold medal for wheelchair rugby Bronze medallist for sailing His long journey from his motorcycle accident has taken Peter well beyond his expectations for rehabilitation and recovery. Sport and the Invictus Games have seen him effectively re-invent himself. With this has been born a desire to help others along their own paths to recovery.

I cannot stress enough the importance of sport in anyone’s rehabilitation. Sport gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, face the limits of my disabilities and transfer my energy into competitive sport. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without sport being my focus. Peter powers forward to the try line during a wheelchair rugby match

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Peter Arbuckle Peter in his purpose-designed wheelchair rugby chair nursing his daughter

Peter is upended in the whelchair basketball match against the Peter in the wheelchair rugby match against New Zealand

33 I think the first thing that I would have to say to everybody is don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

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Davin ‘Bear’ Bretherton

ive years as an Army cadet saw Davin Bretherton test his enthusiasm for all things military and, by the end of his schooling, he had made Fthe decision to join the Army. It helped that he came from a military family, with a great-grandfather who had served in World War I, a grandfather who had seen action on the Kokoda Track and a father who was a national serviceman. It was ‘in his blood’ as Davin himself remarks. Following his recruit training, Davin opted to join the Royal Australian Corps of Transport before moving to 1RAR and a deployment to the troubled nation of Somalia. His deployment came suddenly, and Davin describes being recalled from leave on Christmas Day to prepare for almost immediate departure to a foreign land. He knew little of Somalia, remarking laconically, ‘I didn’t even know Somalia existed’ and could tell his family even less, adding that ‘we didn’t have any idea what we would be involved in.’ The troops were given a series of inoculations and, by Boxing Day, were packed aboard HMAS Tobruk, preparing to sail for a war-torn nation on the very tip of the horn of Africa. Davin Bretherton was just 21 years old. The next few days were filled with misery as Davin suffered debilitating seasickness. ‘I was really, really crook on that bloody boat. I definitely realised why I joined the Army and not the Navy.’ Despite this, the men were kept busy with training, learning the history of Somalia, snippets of language and acquiring the specific skills they would need for the deployment. As Davin recalls with grim humour: ‘We were transitioning across the new radios, I think it was the Raven at that stage. So we all had to go through radio procedures and learn how to use these once again. There’s a funny story because when we arrived in the country they didn’t have any batteries for those and we had revert to our old radios.’ The Australians were living in a protected compound close to the port and patrolling designated areas ‘outside the wire’. Moving beyond the safety of the port and their compound tested the nerves of all concerned. ‘We had weapons and body armour. Going out of the port from day one was nerve-wracking. The gun ruled over there.’ But Davin and his mates were well trained and escaped physical injury, emerging from their deployment a highly bonded team. Fortunately for Davin, the return journey to Australia was by air and he was spared the agonies of seasickness. Once the aircraft touched down and the formalities were completed, the men were released to their families without a final debrief or even the luxury of a chat with a psychologist. This was far from ideal, as Davin recalls: ‘a lot of us did struggle straight away. I knew there were some problems straight away.’ He was to realise later that these were the first signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Davin at recruit training at Kapooka, NSW

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Davin’s behaviour began to change. ‘I got into drinking quite heavily. I got A lot of us did struggle into a lot of fights. And I think one day, about four days after coming home, straight away. I knew we got into it. Pretty much straight away I knew that things weren’t right.’ Davin was clearly in trouble and the signs were ominous. But the official there were some problems response showed no recognition. In fact, as Davin remembers, ‘The Army said a posting would be good and I’ll be fine.’ This would simply delay the straight away. inevitable. On his return from Somalia, Davin transferred to Ordnance Corps and was posted to Adelaide to the Army’s Proof and Experimental Establishment. There he worked with explosives, testing the impact of various devices in mocked-up urban areas. It was important work given the probability that the ADF would fight in an urban setting at some time in the future. The turning point in Davin’s life came during a training exercise as he leapt from the back of an APC and landed badly, tearing a ligament and ripping the bone from an area in his ankle. From there, as Davin recounts, ‘it was just a nightmare of operations’. He endured some 26 operations as the surgeons struggled to repair the damage. Deemed unfit for further service, Davin was medically discharged and faced a continuing regime of surgical treatment. Finally, the surgeons could do no more and Davin’s foot was amputated. Life as he knew it had come to an end. His discharge was an enormous blow to Davin who describes a feeling of dislocation — ‘one minute I’m in the Army and the next I’m not’. He knew he faced more medical treatment, possibly more surgery, and his mental state was beginning to show signs of stress. He felt isolated and knew that his deteriorating state of mind would affect his family and decided to self- medicate in a bid to find a solution. With little support and an increasing sense of loss, Davin fought desperately to regain control of his life, spiralling into depression. ‘It was probably after, when I attempted suicide, that I lost my will to live. I needed to change, I had gotten into debt and it just got me down.’ Sport was to prove a vital part of his battle strategy and so would his own sense of adventure: I like exploring and stuff, a lot of people wouldn’t know that before I lost my leg, I felt this need to go on a journey. So I packed my truck, my pack, food and just drove. I took lots of packs of two-minute noodles, 10 litres of water, and I had about 10 jerry cans of fuel. I crossed the desert all by myself in my truck. There’s no help out there. I had a map for directions and a compass and that was it. So I’m going to cross the desert, it took me five days to complete. I mean, the biggest day was 12 hours digging myself out when I became bogged in the desert. I had no-one to rely on except myself. And I think that’s what I wanted — I needed. After that night, the next morning, I finally got the car out. I had to keep the car running the whole time. So I was exhausted, I set up a little bloody cooker at the back there on the back step and then I put a bowl on it, I put two-minute noodles in there and sat down on the chair and I must have fallen asleep and I woke up to find the two- minute noodles were definitely cooked for too long. It was the decision to amputate his leg that had inspired Davin’s dash into the desert:

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Invictus and ‘Bear’ Bretherton. It’s in his blood.

One minute I’m in the Army and the next I’m not.

We were discussing losing the leg and I was in this doctor’s appointment His wheelchair basketball would open the door to the Invictus Games for for that day and I just — I needed to get out and have a go and really him. ‘A group of us in Townsville were playing wheelchair basketball. I had sort of work within myself, making sure that this next decision that I heard of the Invictus Games but I wasn’t aware of the details. And I wanted was going to be making was the right one for me and for my body. So to put my name down for the next one and see how that went. So previously I felt the best place to do this was in the middle of Australia where I everybody was on the wheelchair basketball team. I had never seen wheelchair could reflect on myself and nothing else. And I think being alone in sports before and stuff like that. So, I put my name down to try it out and was the desert for the five days allowed me to make good decisions which lucky enough to be selected.’ I think has turned out the best. Not many people that I know have Davin’s first experience of the Invictus Games came in 2017 when he done this. travelled to Canada as a member of the basketball and wheelchair rugby teams. Following his amputation, Davin found himself in extensive rehabilitation In Sydney in 2018, he also competed in individual sailing events along with which he knew would last months, if not years. Back in hospital, he recalls a mate, Peter Arbuckle. Davin explains, ‘The class I’m in is for people with a conversation with a doctor that would prove life-changing. ‘I was at the physical disabilities to sail these classic boats. Peter and I were asked to put our hospital because I was having so many issues and the doctor said, “If you names in to do sailing and see how we went. And from there, we got selected really want to get out of here, we need you to join some sort of supporting both of us with zero sailing experience. We had a lot of assistance from the organisation to sort of heal you with your anger and all that.”’ Sport was Sydney Yacht Club and Sail Ability down there at Pittwater. So I went from regarded as an essential element of rehabilitation, and Davin soon recognised knowing nothing about sailing to being able to sail that yacht — and I can its benefits. ‘It took a little while. I was still sorting out my depression and all actually race.’ They learned quickly under expert tuition, as Davin asserts, ‘I that. It took a little while for things to sort of click. But sport really helped was astonished how quickly we picked it up and how fearlessly competitive me get my life back together’. He learned to play wheelchair basketball and we are.’ soon found himself once again a member of a close-knit team, many of whom A photograph of Davin in his Invictus uniform seated in his wheelchair shared his experiences of the Army, injury and loss. They understood exactly clutching a basketball was selected as the cover image for Unconquered. The what he had endured. It was like coming home. ‘I look back and I see how tattoo on his arm, featuring the words ‘Somalia’ and ‘Kokoda’, proudly much I struggled and I wish I had made a few different choices along the way. emblazoned like personal battle honours, immediately captures the viewer’s At the same time, I needed to make wrong choices to see what the right ones eye. Davin was delighted with the cover image. His grandfather fought along were and then to see how far I’m coming. I enjoy basketball, it gave me a new the Kokoda Track in 1943 and he proudly walked the track to honour that lease of life, it definitely gave me a purpose for living and something to look service. forward to.’

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It was probably after, when I attempted suicide, that I lost my will to live. I needed to change, I had gotten into debt and it just got me down.

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Gold medal victory kiss from his wife

Walking the track was physically and mentally tough. Even the application my pathway as well as to understand and to walk in the footsteps of process posed some problems for Davin: my grandfather. I joined the Army because of him. I knew what he did when I was young and I thought that I would go and step in his It was a program run by Mates4Mates up here in Townsville. I put footsteps over there and I did that for my mother as well. It was quite my name down for it in 2016 and they said I wasn’t ready for it yet. emotional along the track, a couple of places there get emotionally I was encouraged to keep going with my rehabilitation. Doing the overwhelming. We had a big ceremony there and I wore my medals, things I was doing. Try again the next year. So I kept going, fighting my grandfather’s medals and my great-grandfather’s medals. with my demons, working on my mental health and all that. And put my application in again a year later. And I was accepted. So after a bit For Davin, the benefits of completing the gruelling walk were profound and of training for it, I was looking forward to it because my grandfather far-reaching. It taught him the value of shared experience and understanding served on Kokoda. I imagined myself standing on the same respected with others in the same predicament. Sport has had the same impact: ground that my grandfather and many other brave Australians did. Sport has been absolutely amazing for me. I think the first thing that I And I had to keep my cool when I found it both physically demanding would have to say to everybody is don’t be afraid to reach out and ask and mentally demanding, it was bloody hard. It gave me some sense for help. The ability to overcome a lot of these things may just be made of the ordeal that these brave men went through. And the conditions so much easier with assistance from others. You have family support, — it really gave you an understanding of the mateship, the courage, your mental health programs and all that. They’re the ones that really the sacrifices and all that. They went over there to defend Australia. I brought me back into it. The ability to play sport again did so much was just absolutely blessed to be part of that. It was quite an emotional for my mental health. It really saved my life. Because there’s a lot of journey, but it’s much more than a journey. For me, it was the chance things happening here and you need to search them out, and really to sort of challenge myself and to understand a little bit more about try to go ahead and live your life. For a long time, I stopped living

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Bear with a British competitor The fans just love him

my life, I was just existing and sports have given me back the ability to live and try things you’ve got to learn by yourself. You’re focusing If you really want to get on your mental health and you’re running around the court. You want out of here, we need you to to do the best job possible. You’re there for your mates and you want to perform at your best to help them out and you’re expecting the join some sort of supporting same thing from them. You get that camaraderie back. And you get a bit of self-pride back as well and it puts everybody back on an even organisation to sort of heal field, your disability is second to what you’re actually doing and that you with your anger and is amazing. What truly inspires Davin at the moment is helping others: ‘We can get all that. stories out there to help other veterans.’ The Invictus Games has given him the opportunity to reach far more people than he had thought possible. ‘I had such an emotional journey the other day, coming back from basketball training. I was on . I was going through, reading some of the comments and there was a gentleman there that was asking for help. I know that I was able to get him to ask for help and he responded positively. It just brought me to the point where I knew that everything that I was doing was right with him and myself. I can rest easy that one person that I wanted to get treated has now asked for help. Mission accomplished.’

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Steely eyed Bear, ready to take on the Kiwis

On the way to a silver medal. Sydney Harbour Peter Arbuckle, bronze medal, and Davin, silver medal, for sailing

55 156 Chapter 3 The New Zealand Defence Force Team

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New Zealander Ben Peckham at the wheelchair basketball Every person’s journey is different. But what I love about the games is that it gives all competitors a chance to be proud, to represent their nation, to show their families what it’s all about.

Gordon Traill presents the Anzac Ribbon to George Nepata Willie Apiata VC, the New Zealand games ambassador, with Patrick Aboud

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ompeting in front of the families who have supported them ‘Every person’s journey is different. But what I love about the games through their injuries and illnesses was the overwhelming is that it gives all competitors a chance to be proud, to represent their Chighlight of the Invictus Games in Sydney 2018 for the New nation, to show their families what it’s all about.’ He was also quick to Zealand Defence Force team. As some of the competitors remarked, often recognise the part that sport and the games have played in rehabilitation with great emotion: and recovery. ‘It is part of that journey from the injuries they’ve suffered back to feeling valued as fully representational, contributing Kiwis.’ It’s ‘For my sons, it shows them that I’ll be alright, that they don’t need to a critical journey, not just for the individual and the family, but for the worry about dad.’ community as a whole. ‘They’ve been part of the journey. They have picked me up when I’m down and it’s a celebration for all of us.’ ‘I just wanted to show my kids what doing your best can achieve.’ It is part of that journey These are just some of the comments from team members which provide from the injuries they’ve an indication of the enormous importance of families to the rehabilitation and recovery process. For the families themselves, the process has been just as suffered back to feeling valued powerful and every bit as life-changing. They describe seeing partners, parents as fully representational, and siblings happier than they have been in years, of being focused on what they can do rather than what they can’t and, crucially, of being accepted. Just contributing Kiwis. as crucially, the discovery that there are others with similar stories has brought the realisation that the journey to recovery need not be made alone. Pride is a common family feeling. For 13-year-old Monica Bawden, the sense of pride is overwhelming. She is incredibly proud of her mum, Vanessa Bawden-Pere and, just as significantly, ‘Mum’s really proud of herself’. The 24-strong New Zealand team was supported by managers, medical staff, coaches, and Friends and Families Coordinator, patron Willie Apiata VC, alongside a series of generous sponsors. Contingent commander, Rear Admiral Dave Proctor, acknowledges that it is incredibly rewarding for families to see their loved ones competing and being part of a team.

159 178 Chapter 4 Supporting the games

179 Figure out your goal, get focused and smash it. One goal at a time.

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C.J. (Christopher) Collins — Invictus Alumnus

.J. Collins spent almost eight years in the Army, serving in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. It was his ideal career, Csomething he had dreamt of since he was a child. But, while his Army career was full of ‘great moments’, C.J. spent his last 18 months in uniform at the Soldier Recovery Centre (SRC) at Lavarack Barracks. His career was now in freefall after he sustained a serious injury to his back, badly damaging his lumbar and thoracic spine. It was during a heavy weapons course that C.J. injured the lumbar area of his spine. Initially, he damaged three of his discs, one of which the doctors suspected was torn. Despite this, he continued on the course. ‘I had injections and rehab before being cleared for work. Shortly after, during training, I fell into a four-foot hole carrying a full combat load. The jar ran straight up my spine into the thoracic region. That caused a herniated disc and a protruding disc. That’s when the decision was made to move me to the SRC.’ This was a significant injury, particularly for an infantry soldier, and had an enormous impact on C.J.’s life and work. The prospect of a medical discharge was devastating. Suddenly his dream career had been taken from him. ‘When I was first told I was to be medically discharged, I fell into depression. I stopped talking to other soldiers in my unit. I was distant, even from those closest to Aussie mates me, my family and friends. To make matters worse, I had guys in my own unit talking behind my back, saying I was faking my injury. Life was hell.’ It was the treatment he received at the SRC that gave C.J. focus, support and, above all, hope that he could recover from his injury and lead something approaching a normal life. ‘Finding focus and a goal to achieve’ were key to his recovery, both mental and physical. ‘I wanted to be fit and strong again for my kids, to be without daily pain that caused me to drink almost every night of the week.’ The rehabilitation was lengthy and tough, but overcoming the challenges set by his physio on a weekly basis gave C.J. the confidence that he could conquer the other challenges he would encounter in his recovery. ‘Now, my life is great and I’ve been able to recover from my injury through weekly physio and daily gym sessions. I’m one of the lucky ones. If it wasn’t for the adaptive sport comps, I would probably still be carrying an injury and suffering daily pain.’

I fell into a four-foot hole carrying a full combat load.

Bronze medal at the

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C.J. and his wife Celeste Aussies having a laugh with Prince Harry in Orlando

C.J. was given the opportunity to participate in trials for the US Armed When I was first told I was Forces Wounded Warrior Games and discovered the thrill of competing. The to be medically discharged, I camaraderie, the tremendous support and the realisation that there were others who had a similar tale of suffering to his own made this a deeply memorable fell into depression. I stopped experience. Then he heard about the Invictus Games. ‘After competing at the Wounded Warrior trials in 2016, I just knew I had to try for the Invictus team talking to other soldiers in that same year. I was lucky enough that one of the selected competitors had my unit. I was distant, even dropped off the team and I was next in line. I only had three weeks to prepare, so I just made sure I was as fit as I could be.’ from those closest to me, my His family was incredibly supportive of C.J.’s involvement, recognising family and friends. the enormous value of sport to his rehabilitation process. They were also thrilled at his selection for the Australian team, proud of how far he had come in what has been a long and difficult journey. Family has become his new career and they clearly remain a strong inspiration. ‘I’m now a stay-at- home dad. My wife and kids are my everything. It’s because of them that I have made it this far and it’s because of them that I’ll become better with each passing day.’

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Wheelchair rugby Orlando

Dan Keighran VC presenting C.J. with his Aussie shirt Farewell speech before flying out to the USA

C.J. won a bronze medal in powerlifting to add to his silver medal in shooting and his sportsmanship award at the Wounded Warrior trials. He Now, my life is great is the first to admit that he was nervous before his events, but very excited and I’ve been able to to be part of the games team. With the end of the games, he felt proud of what he had accomplished, but ‘upset it was over’. It had been a period of recover from my injury extraordinary highs that would stay with him. through weekly physio To other injured veterans, C.J. offers words of encouragement based on his own difficult road to recovery: ‘Sounds corny and it has been said and daily gym sessions. a lot, but just never give up. Don’t quit. Figure out your goal, get focused and smash it. One goal at a time.’ It describes his own journey perfectly. To this he adds, ‘There were so many great moments between the hard times. My time competing at the USAF Wounded Warrior trials and the Invictus Games in 2016 were definitely massive highlights. They were stepping stones towards my recovery.’ To this he can add the tremendous value of the Invictus experience for his physical and mental recovery.

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I can’t think of anything else you could have done to make it better. Just having you here is enough. Richie Gamble, UK Team, about JTF 646

Opening ceremony Interaction with competitors

Closing ceremony Opening ceremony Whatever JTF 646 did to prepare for the games, it has certainly paid off, they got it absolutely right. Their performance was superb. Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, former Chief of the Defence Force

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The Australian Defence Force Support to the Invictus Games

The Army Band playing at a Legacy event at Invictus 2018 Medal ceremony Tennis hug

hile the Invictus Games boasts its own management organisation, members of the public became overwhelmingly apparent. Demand for the Australian Invictus Management Group, the support of key these effects grew each day and the JTF was fully employed. The line Wagencies was crucial to the success of the event. Given its close from organisers then became: ‘just keep doing what you are doing’ and connection to the games through the ranks of its veteran competitors, the my instruction to my staff was simply to get as many people forward Australian Defence Force (ADF) filled a natural support role, formalised as as we could and let them do their thing. part of Operation Invincible. A joint task force — JTF 646 — comprising 253 The ‘personal touch’ saw a rapport quickly develop between the members personnel from all three services was established in October 2018, the bulk of of JTF 646 and the competitors, their families and supporters. As Brigadier its members coming from the 5th Brigade. The task force was commanded by Bond relates: Brigadier Michael Bond. There are hundreds of stories where our people engaged with This was not an operation that shared many similarities with other ADF competitors, their families and friends or members of the public, stories support operations to major events such as the 2000 Olympics, and Brigadier often relayed to the headquarters by people in tears wanting to thank the Bond emphasised the difference in approach adopted for the Invictus Games. ADF for what they had witnessed. To illustrate with one example, seen ‘Intensive training and deliberate preparation meant that JTF personnel by only a few, and repeated hundreds of times throughout the games, operated well forward amongst the competitors, their families and friends and the medal presenters spent days perfecting their drills, rehearsing the members of the public. This brought operational results the ADF has not seen nuances at each venue and preparing uniforms well into each night. before.’ Friendly contact with competitors, their families, and members of the They performed brilliantly, looking smart on national television public was unusual for an ADF operation and, as Brigadier Bond suggests, it each evening. They brought gravitas to each presentation with their paid handsome dividends: professionalism. But this was not the most important thing they did. The brilliance of our people was evident from the opening ceremony Their true brilliance was how they each engaged with the competitors onwards. Their success led to further requests for their style and approach behind closed doors prior to the medal ceremonies. Our Navy, Army throughout the games. Initially the JTF members were described by and Air Force men and women gently and warmly engaged often highly organisers as the ‘invisible glue’ of the games, behind the scenes making stressed veterans who were feeling a range of emotions, sitting beside it all hold together. I was very happy with this description. Quickly them, slowly and carefully briefing them on the medal ceremony that however, the unforeseen effects of having empowered ADF personnel was about to occur, listening to their worries and putting their minds at interacting with veteran competitors, their families and friends and ease. Unseen, untrained, ‘from the heart brilliance’.

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The Invictus Games is not a sporting competition, it is a celebration of the human spirit that showcases everything that is good about service in the Defence Force. Ben Rahilly, Chief Operating Officer, AIMG

There is no greater service than to wear the uniform of your country. They, the veterans here, hold a special place in our heart. They show us their spirit of strength in the face of diversity, their strength to fight, strength to never give up. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove

ADF members line the walkway for the competitors at the closing ceremony Major Rob Pickersgill checking on his soldiers at the swimming

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Closing ceremony Closing ceremony

While the success of the games was due to a large range of factors, Brigadier Bond has no doubt that it was underpinned by the contribution of the members of his task force, of whom he is extremely proud. ‘The Invictus Games were a great success for Australia. This was due in no small way to the performance of our people on Op Invincible. The lesson coming from the way the mission was successfully executed is to invest in and trust in our people. Accept some risk and mitigate it by reinforcing clear commander’s intent. Success bred further demand and further success. Our people revelled in their freedom of manoeuvre and surprised many with their style and approach. It was an outstanding success for the ADF internationally and domestically. And it was a privilege to serve.’ Among the stories emerging from the games that describe the personal contributions of the various JTF 646 members, is that of Lance Corporal Fadi Jabbori. In one particular final, Lance Corporal Jabbori and his mates came to support the Dutch team, conscious that many of the international teams had few dedicated followers. So passionate and encouraging was the support shown by these Australian soldiers for the Dutch competitors that the umpire was moved to tears. He called the JTF 646 personnel onto the court and embraced them with tears in his eyes, and thanked them for supporting the competitors with such spirit. As Brigadier Bond later commented, ‘Magic things will continue to happen when you go all-in as you support the competitors.’ In Lance Corporal Jabbori’s words, ‘I told them we will cheer them on till the end. As promised, we were there to support them in the final. Unfortunately, they didn’t win; however the umpire did ask me to enter the court and thanked me in person. As we hugged he began to tear up and thanked us for our support.’ Another story concerns Private Andrew Tonkih and his support for British competitor Alan White. Alan White is an ex-Royal Marine who suffered a back injury that left him partially paralysed. He fought valiantly to recover, coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression to represent the in the road cycling, pedalling with his arms in a recumbent bike.

ADFA cadets at Invictus 2018

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ADF working together Over the next 10 days you will help keep families together, you will help keep people alive. General Peter Leahy, AC, former Chief of Army, Chairman of AIMG Board

During the afternoon race on Sunday, as he completed the final lap, Alan This is the approach that Brigadier Bond had engendered in the members was overcome by exhaustion, grinding to a halt at the base of a hill, at the corner of his task force. He commented of the soldier’s action, ‘Private Tonkih, in that where his daughter was watching from the sidelines. The crowd was cheering moment, embodied the Invictus spirit — compassion, bravery, camaraderie, and pushing him on, his daughter yelling, ‘Go, Daddy! You can do it!’ But Alan and helping out a fellow soldier in distress. Since yesterday afternoon, the JTF had come to a standstill, physically and mentally spent. He pulled off his socks has been approached by competitors and spectators alike (a number in tears), and shoes, and began inching his way up the hill, pedalling a quarter-turn at a passing on their thanks for Private Tonkih’s actions in Alan’s hour of need.’ time and locking his handbrake so he wouldn’t roll back down. To the qualities listed by Brigadier Bond as representing the Invictus spirit It was at this point that Private Andrew Tonkih, who was assisting with might be added another — humanity. The members of JTF 646 have clearly the race at the time, ran over to Alan and asked, ‘Is it okay if I help you mate?’ demonstrated their humanity during the course of their support for the games Alan nodded and Private Tonkih stepped behind him, grabbed the rear bars and they have done so in a way that they or the competitors are unlikely ever of the bike and, with the crowd cheering on and Alan’s daughter watching, to forget. Their numerous accolades were obviously well deserved. began pushing him up the hill, giving him the short boost that he needed to conquer the slope and cross the finish line. Private Tonkih later met Alan and his family, and he was thanked for his help.

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Opening ceremony Medals Opening ceremony

Opening ceremony

Ready for the day’s briefing

Members of the ADF at the indoor rowing medal ceremony Army members ready to start work A silver medallist from the Netherlands shares her medal with her daughter 199 UNCONQUERED

These current veterans are the ones fighting terrorism. We know through the propaganda that ISIS puts out that there’s a risk to them.

There’s a real connection between the military who fight terrorism overseas and the police who fight terrorists locally.

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The New South Wales Police Force Support to the Invictus Games

ver a year before the opening of the in The lengthy build-up to the games was crucial to the development of Sydney, the NSW Police Force was approached by the Australian comprehensive security infrastructure. ‘Coming on board that long ago OInvictus Management Group to assist with the security component gave us the ability to plan. I was fortunate enough to go to Canada with the of this unique event. Superintendent Gavin Dengate, a driving force behind Australian Management Group and have a look at arrangements over there. the security arrangements, is proud of his team’s achievement, particularly I also collected a few ideas which we’ve expanded on in a number of areas.’ ‘when you look at what we’ve delivered following extensive planning some 14 Gavin also echoes the sense of pride the police felt in being invited to work months ago.’ Gavin is quick to emphasise the risks that naturally occur in the hand in hand with the Invictus Management Group. ‘Coming on board was staging of such an immense sporting event in the post-9/11 world. ‘For us, the a natural fit for us. We received permission from our Commissioner to second risks include current, modern-day veterans — we’re not talking about Anzac a senior police officer to the Invictus senior management team. We provided Day veterans, although don’t get me wrong, they’re extremely important. But in-kind sponsorship as the Security Director for the games. This represented these current veterans are the ones fighting terrorism. We know through the a great opportunity for one of our female leaders to work for Invictus for propaganda that ISIS puts out that there’s a risk to them. And, if it’s a risk to around six months. We also have done numerous other things. For example, them, then it’s a risk to the community.’ we paid for all the security clearances instead of Invictus paying for those across the few thousand volunteers and workforce. So we’ve done all that for Gavin is also proud of the relationship between the police and the them as well as a number of other things.’ military. ‘There’s a real connection between the military who fight terrorism overseas and the police who fight terrorists locally. This is true in terms of The security provided by the NSW Police has far exceeded what would risk, because terrorist groups often talk about killing both military and police. generally be provided for an event of this size and type. ‘For us as an So we’re their top two targets.’ This shared sense of danger strengthens the organisation, right from the top, our Commissioner was very keen to come bonds between the two organisations and also builds empathy for those who on board. And that’s transcended across all different areas of the business. Yes, have been wounded or injured while serving their country. ‘There’s a real we would provide a presence for HRH the Duke of Sussex, we provide green connection between police and military in that risk sense,’ adds Gavin, ‘but light corridors, we provide motorcades, and we do that as business as usual. also in relation to what we do, our core business, fighting crime. This affects But the emphasis for us was on Invictus, on what extra we could provide to the health of both the military and the police. Police suffer from PTSD [Post the Invictus community. 24-hour security around the hotels — very rare for Traumatic Stress Disorder] as much as the military, although the military have police to do that. Likewise 24-hour security around the family and friends’ horrific injuries that we’re fortunate we don’t have. It’s very difficult in some hotels in the city. This is not something police generally do, but we wanted to ways for some people to understand. But it’s a reality that we do.’ make sure that they were afforded every bit of peace of mind.’

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Given the success of the 2000 Olympics, many competitors and visitors from overseas were keen to visit Sydney, regarding it as one of the world’s safest cities. Gavin agrees — to a point. ‘Australia, particularly Sydney, was rated the safest capital city in the world only a couple of years ago. We know it’s a safe city, but to us it’s about the unknown — what we don’t know. We need to make sure we’ve got the capability to address an issue. So having the police deployed at the right time is crucial. The spin-off is that you can do such good stuff too with engagement. For us it’s been all about connecting with the competitors. Really embracing the spirit. One example of this occurred two nights ago when a couple of young cops were watching the wheelchair rugby. They got on their phones during the game and tried to buy tickets for the next day. And they were filthy because they were sold out! That sort of stuff. When people actually got the opportunity to come and look at it they were overwhelmed by what they saw.’ The connection between the police and the military was a vital element of the police support for the games. ‘We had a real connection from the start. We pushed that forward to what we could do for them, particularly looking at cost savings for Invictus as well. We were keen for the money to go a) back to support the games, but b) also to the charities that will support the veterans. During the games, we briefed the police on what we expected: that was very simply we wanted the police to connect with the hearts and minds of the military. One thing I did was to buy 1000 police patches, the patches that the officers wear on their sleeves. I gave two police patches to all the police, particularly those around the hotels.’ Collecting patches was a serious business among the competitors, supporters and spectators, and it also presented an opportunity for the police to enjoy the lighter side of their duties and to mingle with the crowds. As Gavin notes, this worked particularly well. ‘The idea was that they would get in and listen to the stories and connect with the veterans and the competitors and their families. After some conversation they would give them a badge. In many ways this is similar to the actions of those people who worked at the Olympics. I don’t think the Olympics captured the spirit of our veterans or the spirit of a group of people like these games have. The Olympics captured the spirit of a competitor. But Invictus captures the spirit of a movement. The movement is very powerful because those few who go and serve their country, when you look at the numbers in respect of the whole population, are providing safety, security for the many. So, they have big weights on their shoulders.’ Gavin regards the police involvement with the Invictus Games as a valuable opportunity. ‘The cops are lucky because we get to take part in it, probably more than some members of the community. And this gives us that ability to connect with the competitors. Because, as I mentioned earlier, there needs to be a real connection between the military and the cops. I think, moving forward from here, there’s a great opportunity for the military and police, particularly in that welfare space, to connect a lot more.’ Those who attended the Invictus Games — whether as competitors, families, supporters or spectators — would certainly echo Gavin’s sentiments over the value of the friendly but highly capable police presence. The fact that the games were safe and incident-free is testament to the efficiency of the security arrangements. But, just as importantly, the games also strengthened the bonds between the competitors and the police, proving the value of Gavin’s initiatives, and providing potential for a deeper community connection in the future.

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The emphasis for us was on Invictus, on what extra we could provide to Invictus community. We wanted the police to connect with the hearts and minds of the military. Moving forward from here, there’s a great opportunity for the military and police, particularly in that welfare space, to connect a lot more.

Superintendant Gavin Dengate with Gavin Joyce

Police on duty outside the powerlifting

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Closing the Games

o the people of Australia who filled the stands and cheered on the sidelines – thank you so much. Your energy powered our competitors Tall week and you made these games your own by creating a typically Aussie atmosphere! To the friends and families who got our competitors to the start line and applauded them all the way to the finish line, thank you. You are all part of one big Invictus family and none of us would be here without you. And to the competitors goes the biggest thanks of all. You have once again left us humbled and inspired by your example, by your determination, by your service and by your sense of humour. HRH, The Duke of Sussex Closing Ceremony, Invictus Games Sydney 2018

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These games are for focusing on those who need fixing, regardless of where you come from. It’s for the people who tried out but can’t be here, the people who never came back from conflict overseas, the parents of those loved ones who have gone – that’s why I did it. Darren Peters, Australia

Energy and inspiration. Everyone involved in the games, from competitors and families, to organisers, volunteers, supporters, spectators and school kids finished Invictus 2018 with a new-found sense of energy and inspiration. Absolutely fantastic. Air Chief Marshal Mark Donald Binskin, AC (retd)

The games have had a very therapeutic effect on the wider Australian people and the international audience. We’ve turned the light on – let’s not turn the light off. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove

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I hope these games shine a brighter light on mental health and what people can achieve and overcome when they’re supported. That’s the one message I hope spectators and people who have watched at home will take away from the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Gus Worland

Cycling event in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney

Michael Liddiard on the pool deck USA clean sweep

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Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. – William Ernest Henley

Unconquered: Our Wounded Warriors tells the remarkable story of a group of men and women from Australia and New Zealand who fought and conquered extraordinary challenges from the battlefield to the sporting arena. These veterans of the Army, Navy and Air Force served their country in campaigns from Somalia to Afghanistan and the multitude of conflicts in between, and share the common scars of their service, both apparent and invisible. For these men and women, now confronting the trials of daily life, the Invictus Games provided a further challenge, a chance to test their mettle in the sporting arena representing the country for which they had fought. ‘Invictus’ is the Latin word for ‘unconquered’ or ‘undefeated’ — a perfect description of these veterans who now fight their own personal battles. Through the power of sport, they have proven that they can overcome the mental and physical trauma inflicted by their service. This beautifully illustrated volume allows us to share their story of service, sacrifice and courage, and gain an insight into their dogged determination to triumph in the face of adversity. Unconquered: Our Wounded Warriors is a deeply personal and human account of the trauma of armed conflict and the suffering that continues long after the sounds of battle have died away. It highlights the power of the individual to overcome fear, wounds both mental and physical, and lifelong disability and inspires those of us who have never served to cope with our own challenges. These are stories of courage pure and simple and of the men and women who defied the odds to remain unconquered.

ISBN 978-1-925675-98-6

9 781925 675986