From Invictus to the Paralympics
Beneath the grandeur of Admiralty House and overlooking Sydney Harbour, three Navy members and veterans stood proudly before an audience of dignitaries, athletes and supporters. But they weren’t alone – by their sides sat three calm, watchful service dogs, their tails gently wagging beneath crisp, new uniforms.
CAPTION: The 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games contenders, including three Navy members and veterans.
It was a moment that spoke of strength, service and second chances.
The occasion was the launch of the Australian Paralympic Team uniform for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, hosted by Paralympics Australia’s Patron-in-Chief, Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Among the models were Navy veteran Matt Brumby, Able Seaman Taryn Dickens and Lieutenant Commander David Miln – all proud Navy Invictus alumni, who know more than most about resilience and recovery.
Between them, they’ve led three Invictus Australia teams: Mr Brumby co-captained in 2018, Able Seaman Dickens captained in 2023 and Lieutenant Commander Miln was Australia’s flag bearer for the Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler 2025. Now, they’re turning their focus to the Paralympic Winter Games, chasing qualification in the demanding disciplines of para biathlon and para cross-country skiing.
“It’s a completely different challenge,” Lieutenant Commander Miln said.
“But that’s what drew us to it – the chance to push beyond what we thought possible.”
For the trio, the journey to the snowfields of Europe has been one of hard training and mutual encouragement. They’ve swapped stories, swapped tips and often swapped who’s leading the pack.
“We’ve been through a lot together – service, recovery, Invictus – and this next step just feels right,” Able Seaman Dickens said.
“We’re representing more than ourselves. We’re showing what’s possible when you’ve got support, purpose and a community that believes in you.”
And that community includes some four-legged teammates, who’ve become stars in their own right. Willow, Gigi and Suki, the members’ and veterans’ devoted service dogs, strutted down the runway at Admiralty House with the same poise as their handlers – earning more than a few smiles from the crowd.
If one, or all, of the Navy trio make the cut for Milano Cortina, their dogs could become the first service animals to attend the Paralympic Games since Sydney 2000 – a fitting tribute to the bond between members, veterans and their loyal companions.
The road to the Paralympics isn’t easy. Their next qualification events will take place in December at the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup Canmore 2025. Competition is fierce, and Australia’s history in these events is slim. Only one Australian, James Millar (Paralympian #789), has ever competed in a para biathlon, during the Torino 2006 event. Only five athletes and a guide have previously contested in Nordic events.
But those statistics don’t deter them. In fact, it fuels them.
“Every time we train, we’re reminded that we’re not just skiing or shooting for ourselves,” Mr Brumby said.
“We’re carrying the Navy spirit with us – courage, commitment and teamwork – and that’s what keeps us moving forward.”
With less than 130 days until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, excitement and anticipation are building.
Whether they make it to Italy or not, the trio have already become symbols of perseverance and purpose – a living testament to the Invictus motto: ‘I am.’
As the crowd at Admiralty House applauded their final turn on the stage, it was clear that this was more than a uniform launch. It was a celebration of possibility – of how Navy members and veterans, with the help of their service dogs and their community, continue to serve and inspire in remarkable new ways.
CAPTION: Governor-General Sam Mostyn with Navy members and veterans, alongside their partners and service dogs.
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