A team of eight Darwin-based Army soldiers will proudly represent the Northern Territory at the National Veteran Games finals on the Gold Coast this weekend, 11-12 October.
The team earned their spot after triumphing at the Darwin regional heat in August - the first time the heats have ever been held in the Northern Territory. Competing against nine teams from across the military and veteran community, the Darwin soldiers showcased their strength in the core values of time, technique and teamwork.
The eight-member team serves with the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), one of the Army's Darwin-based units. Their participation in the finals is supported through the Finocchiaro CLP Government's Operation Thrive program, which has provided $20,000 in sponsorship to cover travel and competition costs.
Minister for Veterans, Jinson Charls said the Veteran Games demonstrate the values that define Defence service - teamwork, resilience and mateship.
"Our Defence and veteran community are at the heart of the Northern Territory, and I am proud to see eight of our own soldiers representing us on the national stage."
"By supporting the 5/7 RAR team to compete at the Gold Coast finals, we are not only recognising their service, sacrifice and skills, but also strengthening the bonds between Defence and the wider community."
"I wish our Territory team the very best of luck," said Mr Charls.
Founded in 2022 as a proactive health initiative following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the Veteran Games challenge teams with short military-style problem-solving and physical tasks designed to promote fitness, resilience and mateship.
The Games also aim to shape a positive narrative about contemporary veterans, strengthen connections between Defence and the community, and showcase the skills veterans bring to the broader workforce.
Section Commander, Corporal Joshua Nash, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) said after taking out the Darwin heat, his team from 5/7 RAR is proud to be heading to the Gold Coast to compete at the Veteran Games.
"This opportunity means a lot to each of us - it's a chance to represent where we've come from, to test ourselves against strong competition and to show the results of the hard work we've put in."
"We've trained with commitment and teamwork, pushing each other to be better every step of the way. Now, as we head into the next stage, our focus is simple: give it everything we've got and leave nothing behind."
The Northern Territory is home to a veteran's community of around 20,000 people, the second highest veteran population per capita in Australia. Supporting the 5/7 RAR team reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to respecting, recognising and backing the Territory's Defence and veteran community.
