Athletes, veterans, doctors, supporters and veterans gathered at the Gabba for Beyond the Boundary, a Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research (FGMR) dinner on Wednesday night. 

The event celebrated the healing power of sport for veterans transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force, while raising funds for pioneering research that supports veterans and their families.  

A highlight of the evening was the Forged Under Pressure panel, sponsored by Ord Minnett. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Shayna Jack OAM OLY; ADF veteran and Invictus Games competitor Pete Rudland; former Queensland Rugby League CEO and Maroon Ben Ikin; and renowned psychiatrist Dr Andrew Khoo, came together for a candid and moving conversation about courage in the face of adversity.

The panellists explored the similarities between elite sport and the military, and the importance of finding purpose and connection even during the toughest moments. It was an inspiring discussion with many ‘forged under pressure’ moments shared, reaching the consensus that it isn’t how you perform at your best, but how you perform during great challenge that defines who you are.   

Silent auction winners walked away with a signed Maroons State of Origin jersey; a framed trio of signed Queensland Reds, Brisbane Heat and NRL Dolphins jerseys; tickets to Carreras and Friends, as well as NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium – to name a few.  

All funds raised on the night will support GMR’s mission to understand the unique physical and mental health impacts of military service to create practical tools and support for veterans and their families.  

Our sincere thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible: platinum partner Bupa; gold sponsor Aspen Medical; silver sponsor Ord Minnett and bronze sponsor Novartis; as well as table sponsors The University of Queensland; Paxton-Hall Lawyers; RSL Queensland and MPK.  

Thanks also to our generous prize donors: Stadiums Queensland; Suncorp Stadium; Tennis Queensland; Queensland Rugby League; Brisbane Heat; Queensland Reds; NRL Dolphins; Lexie and Nick Amarandos and Tyson Stelzer.  

The Friends of GMR initiative will launch nationally at Australian Parliament House on Tuesday 18 August.