Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge Karl Woodward, a veteran in my community on the Central Coast who will compete in this year's Invictus Games in Germany. Mr Woodward joined the Royal Australian Airforce and graduated officers training school in 2007. He served in Townsville, Williamtown and Canberra. During his service, he was deployed twice in the Middle East and once in South Sudan. His service has taken him across several continents, including Asia, the Americas, Africa and, of course, Australia. This year, Mr Woodward retired from duty and now supports his community on the Central Coast, although he has one more mission at this month's Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. He will represent Australia in the sporting arena, competing in swimming, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby.

My sincere gratitude and respects go to Mr Woodward for his dedication to Australia and our security since 2007. And to all our former and serving personnel: thank you for your service to Australia.

The Invictus Games aim to promote a greater international understanding of and respect for those who are serving their country, by inspiring recovery and supporting the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. The 6th Invictus Games will take place in Germany and will involve 22 nations, with 550 competitors across 10 sports. The games will run from 9 to 16 September 2023.

My best wishes to all our Australian veterans who are heading to Germany to compete. Good luck. You are all our heroes.

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