Led by the dedicated team at Veteran Support Force, including Heston Russell as Director and Sam Asser as Chief of Staff, the Veteran Games was created to address key findings from the interim report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It’s a proactive mental health initiative transforming the lives of veterans, their families, and the broader community.
In teams of eight with two reserves, participants tackle military-style challenges, including an obstacle course reminiscent of those encountered in service. Testing agility and strength, the course features six and 10-foot walls, cargo nets, rope climbs, and warped walls. Additional events like tug-of-war and surprise challenges further test teams problem-solving and collaboration skills. The scoring system is managed by the Veteran Games team, with oversight from Heston Russell to ensure fair judging of teamwork, technique, and course completion time to determine a winner.
Speaking at the Games’ Gala Charity Dinner earlier this year, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Veterans Affairs, summed up the spirit of the Games: “Mateship, camaraderie, esprit de corps… these are terms often used when talking about veterans and Defence personnel. The Veteran Games brings these ideals to life. You live them, you breathe them and – most importantly – you make them real for one another.”
Melbourne-based Soldier On Program and Engagement Officer, Jason Isaac, is captain of the Ringwood RSL Veterans Games’ team, Average Joes. “This type of connection wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the Veteran Games responding to the needs of all veterans facing common challenges during and post service,” Jason says.
Since the inaugural event in Queensland’s Numinbah Valley from 30 September to 1 October 2023, the games have continued to grow, thanks to the sustained dedication of organisers and supporters like Ringwood RSL. For the second consecutive year, Ringwood RSL is sponsoring Average Joes, pledging to send all 20 team members to the Gold Coast for this year’s games, scheduled for 17 – 18 August.
“At first, I was sceptical towards funding a team of veterans to compete in the Veteran Games on the Gold Coast, said Ringwood RSL Treasurer, Harry Agathagelidis, during an Average Joes team bonding evening. “Now, seeing the connection, camaraderie, and value this has provided, this is the best thing Ringwood RSL has supported and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds. It’s a great group of veterans and we’re proud of what they’ve already achieved”.
So far, with Jason’s guidance, seven Soldier On participants are actively involved in the games, including Soldier On Ambassador Joe Piasecki, who is part of the Average Joes team. Of these participants, three have received assistance in securing meaningful employment through Soldier On Pledge companies, while two have received ongoing employment support. Additionally, one participant has secured employment with another ex-service organisation. The games have not only instilled a renewed sense of purpose in the team members but has also provided invaluable avenues and networking opportunities, advancing their career aspirations.
“Average Joes was created to bring veterans together in a proactive approach towards healthier mental health strategies,” says Jason. “The regular connection, camaraderie, and support it has brought has become greater than the competition itself.”
For Jason personally, the Veteran Games has been a transformative journey, providing him with a renewed sense of purpose and a concrete goal to focus on. Following his medical discharge and ongoing struggles with post-service injuries from his time in the Army, Jason faced a multitude of challenges that deeply impacted his life. He grappled with a loss of purpose, identity, family, and a sense of service to his community and country.
Complications arising from his injuries, coupled with challenges in accessing treatment and support from organisations like the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and medical practitioners, further exacerbated Jason’s mental health decline.
Feeling disconnected from the brotherhood he found in military service, Jason found himself navigating unfamiliar territory as a civilian, surrounded by individuals who lacked an understanding of the lived experiences of those in the ADF. This transition proved to be challenging and isolating, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the Veteran Games in providing a sense of belonging for veterans facing similar struggles.
“My wife has commented on changes she’s witnessed in me during the organisation, facilitation, and preparation for the Veterans Games,” says Jason. “She’s mentioned that over the past several months she’s noticed it’s provided me with joy, purpose, and connection with likeminded people.”
“Old mates have reconnected, new mates have been introduced, and bonds have formed from sharing a common goal.”
Despite finishing fourth overall last year, Average Joes Ringwood RSL were voted the most popular team by spectators, who were captivated by their indomitable spirit and “humoristic nature”, as Jason recalls. As the only team representing Victoria, they proudly claimed the title of Southern Region champions. They’re now looking forward to taking up the challenge again in August.
The Average Joes team have been consistently training since March this year, with an intensive regimen including strength, power, and conditioning exercises, and a cardio routine featuring high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, cycling, and rowing to enhance their VO2 range.
The project is a testament to the power of connection to create positive outcomes for our veteran community. Jason concludes, “As we continue to connect, train, and bond for a common cause, we uncover powerful moments of healing engagement, a unique experience unlike any other.”
