In Ipswich’s Defence heartland, the suburbs surrounding RAAF Base Amberley are once again at the centre of national attention as the Veteran Games issues its final call for registrations.
Local Air Force teams, 2 SECFOR Alpha and their new Bravo squad, are preparing to carry Ipswich pride into the Games, with Alpha returning as defending champions. Their participation is a point of pride for Yamanto, Springfield, Redbank Plains and Ripley, where many Defence families live and work.
Defending champions return
2 SECFOR Alpha made history last year by winning the Games, and they are now aiming to become the first team to lift the shield twice. Drawn from the No. 2 Security Forces Squadron at Amberley, the squad represents a proud Ipswich tradition of Defence service.
Photo Credit: Veteran Games
This year they will be joined by 2 SECFOR Bravo, a younger group of squadron members who are eager to gain experience and show their strength. The presence of both Alpha and Bravo underscores the depth of talent and commitment within Ipswich’s Defence community. Local residents who know the long-standing role Amberley plays in the region have a clear reason to feel invested in the teams’ progress.
Photo Credit: Veteran Games
The Ipswich teams will face rivals from across the country. Among them are the Valkyrie Veterans from Brisbane, the all-female team formed to inspire other women, and the Scablifters from Newcastle, made up of Royal Australian Air Force veterans and reservists.
From Darwin, Corporal Joshua Nash will lead his team after winning the Northern Territory heats in August. Each squad brings its own story, reinforcing the Games’ role as a meeting ground for diverse Defence experiences.
Purpose and resilience
The Games are run by the Veteran Support Force, established in 2021 by retired Special Forces Major Heston Russell. His focus has been on building connection and resilience in the veteran community, particularly around mental health. Through outreach and events, the organisation provides veterans with the opportunity to stay connected and supported.
Russell has described the Games as a chance to challenge veterans physically and mentally while reinforcing bonds that last beyond service. For Ipswich, a city long defined by its Defence base, this message carries special weight. The Games provide a way for current and former Defence members to demonstrate their strength while also showing younger recruits that service is about community as much as it is about operations.
Local impact
The Games are more than just a competition. They are a chance for families and communities to come together in support of their Defence neighbours. Many households in Yamanto, Springfield, Ripley and Redbank Plains have direct ties to Amberley, making the success of Alpha and Bravo teams a shared local story. The Games provide visibility and pride for these suburbs, reinforcing their identity as part of Australia’s Defence landscape.
Teams have until 26 September to register, with the finals to be staged on 11–12 October at Numinbah Valley on the Gold Coast. The event will bring together more than 500 veterans, serving personnel, families and supporters, with competitions including obstacle courses, stretcher carries and tug-of-war. Each squad must field eight competitors and two reserves.
With registrations closing soon, organisers are urging current and former Defence members to gather teams of eight with two reserves and sign up via veterangames.com. The finals are free to attend, giving families and communities a chance to witness the competition firsthand.
Published 19-Sept-2025
