Veterans First Consulting activate big bonus for Veteran Games 2026 Darwin team

Hosted in conjunction with the Northern Territory Government, 1st Brigade and Veterans First Consulting, the Darwin Heats showcased Australia's premier military-inspired team competition in the Top End, bringing together currently serving and former ADF personnel.

A total of 12 teams representing Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside US Marines and the local veteran community, battled through challenging conditions in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. Competitors tackled the signature obstacle course and a series of surprise events revealed on the day, all inspired by military service and combat scenarios.

Each challenge was scored on time, technique and teamwork, testing both the physical and mental capabilities of every team.

When the final scores were tallied, 1CER claimed top honours and booked their ticket to compete at the Veteran Games National Finals. Their victory earned them a $20,000 Northern Territory Government sponsorship to support their journey to the Sunshine Coast.

Joining them at the Finals will be local veteran community team, The Mad Snakes (on a Plane).

"We certainly weren't expecting our Veteran Games journey to continue beyond Robertson Barracks, so this is an incredible opportunity for the team."

Returning for their second consecutive year of competition, the Mad Snakes secured the Veterans First Consulting Chin-Up Challenge sponsorship of $20,000 after being selected by the Veteran Games judging panel.

"Well, I said there was one more bit of exciting news to share from the Veteran Games... we're off to the Sunshine Coast!" said Mad Snakes (on a Plane) team member Kris Civitarese.

"Our Mad Snakes on a Plane team has been given the opportunity to compete at the Veteran Games National Finals in October!

"A massive thank you to Veterans First Consulting for sponsoring our team's trip to the Finals, along with everyone who helped raise funds through the Chin-Up Challenge at the Darwin Heats.

"We certainly weren't expecting our Veteran Games journey to continue beyond Robertson Barracks, so this is an incredible opportunity for the team.

"Congratulations again to 1st Combat Engineer Regiment on winning the Darwin Heats and securing their place at the Finals. We'll be joining them on the Sunshine Coast for another couple of days of challenges, teamwork, mateship and fun while representing the Territory.

"Four weeks to get ourselves ready. Sunshine Coast, here come the Mad Snakes!" Kris added.

The day also featured participation from the Commander of 1st Brigade, Brigadier Rob Haertsch, who stepped onto the course and competed alongside his team, highlighting the strong support for the event across the Defence and Veteran communities.

With the Darwin Heats now complete, both teams will proudly represent the Northern Territory when they line up against the nation's best teams at the Veteran Games National Finals on October 24 and 25, 2026.

Former Special Forces commander and Veteran Support Force Managing Director Heston Russell, who founded the Veteran Games in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, was elated with this year's turnout.

"The 2026 Darwin Heat has grown significantly from last year and will return for the foreseeable future," Heston told the NT News.

"When people leave Defence, they can lose much more than a job. They can lose their sense of purpose, community and identity.

"The Veteran Games gives people something to train for, a team to belong to and an opportunity to reconnect with the people and values they know.

"Importantly, we're bringing current and former serving personnel together. We want that connection with the Defence community to continue beyond the day someone takes their uniform off," Heston added.

The 2026 Darwin Heats also included the extra incentive for competitors, as Veterans First Consulting triggered funding from the Chin-Up Challenge to support a second team traveling to the Finals weekend.

"This year, thanks to the support of our presenting sponsor, Veterans First Consulting, a second team from the Darwin Heat will also receive support to travel to the National Finals," Heston said.

"This specifically gives our local Veteran community team the opportunity to continue their Veteran Games journey on the national stage.

"That's what we want to keep building: more opportunities for Veterans to participate, reconnect and represent their communities.

"We'll be back next year and we want to keep building from here.

"Our ambition is for the Veteran Games to become an enduring part of the Defence and Veteran community in the Top End."

Challenge presented, challenge accepted, tickets booked!

The Veterans First Consulting Chin-Up Challenge once again proved a crowd favourite in Darwin, delivering some eye-watering numbers and helping support Veteran participation at the National Finals.

An incredible 3,484 chin-ups were completed on the day, generating $22,615 for the Veteran Games and ensuring the Mad Snakes are fully funded in their pursuit of the overall championship trophy.

The winner of the overall Darwin Heats Chin-Up Challenge was Jack B., who smashed out an amazing 31 heaves, close to the 2026 record of 35 set by Quentin Stratford at the Gold Coast.

The Veteran Games now moves to Sunshine Coast Stadium for Finals weekend, where Veterans First Consulting will continue its support of the competition while providing plenty of entertainment and activities for athletes, supporters and cheer squads alike.