During the significant time surrounding ANZAC Day we’re sharing the stories of some of our Veterans from across our business.

We thank all our Veterans for their commitment and service and are proud to be a Veteran employer of choice with over 600* Veterans and family members on the team.

We hope to help raise awareness of our Veteran’s community across our Australia and New Zealand operations by shining a light on their stories and service. ANZAC Day is about coming together and creating strength through unity and diversity just as much as it is about commemorating the impacts of war and honouring those we have lost.

Tye Jenkins

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 5 (13, including reserves)
Where served: Australia, Strait of Hormuz, Solomon Islands
Service: Australian Army, Army Reserves

After finishing Year 12, Tye Jenkin’s plan was simple: take a gap year and see where life might lead. Watching the Iraq conflict unfold on television at the time, sparked curiosity, opportunity and a sense of adventure. That moment became the catalyst for a decision that would shape the next chapter of his life. 

In 2003, Tye joined the Australian Army, enlisting with the Royal Australian Army Corps and was posted to Robertson Barracks in Darwin. What followed was five years of full-time service defined by intensity, responsibility and rapid growth. Within his first year of deployment – a rare occurrence at the time – Tye was deployed to Iraq in 2004. It was the first of several deployments that would see him operate across the northern and southern provinces, returning again in 2005–06 and once more in 2007.

Across these deployments, Tye spent around 18 months on the ground, operating out of armoured vehicles in complex, high-threat environments and experiencing every season and weather extreme. Temperatures regularly climbed beyond 60 degrees Celsius, making even routine tasks demanding. Gloves were essential just to touch vehicle surfaces that had been heated under the sun the point of burning skin. 

Deployment itself was considered an achievement. At the time, it was the reason many joined the Army, and deploying so early was seen as the pinnacle of service. With each subsequent deployment, Tye stepped into progressively senior roles, building experience and leadership along the way. One of his personal goals was to serve in every position within the armoured vehicle crew, which he managed to achieve across his five years of service. 

Beyond the operational milestones, it was the people that defined the experience. Lifelong friendships were formed in close quarters, working day in and day out with the same small teams, relying on one another completely. “In those environments, you learn to read people instinctively. You understand how they think, react and adapt, often without words” Tye reflects. Alongside this camaraderie came moments of the unexpected: encounters with high-ranking officials, international coalition leaders, Prime Ministers, Generals and even visiting musicians and celebrities passing through the operational environment.

In those environments, you learn to read people instinctively. You understand how they think, react and adapt, often without words.

However, over time, the intensity added up. There was one calendar year where Tye was home for just a single week. Having achieved the goals he had originally set out with: to deploy, to progress through roles, and to push personal limits. Tye ultimately made the decision to step away from Defence and experience a different kind of life.

Looking back, Tye describes his time in the Defence force as “drinking from a fire hydrant. It was overwhelming at first, but ultimately helped me foster adaptability, calm decision-making, interpersonal skills and the ability to process information quickly under pressure.” 

After leaving full time service, Tye spent the next 14 years working within government, while also continuing to work as an Army Reservist between 2013-2021, before transitioning into the private sector. For the past four years, Ventia has been home. The journey has been varied and rewarding, starting in facilities management and evolving as new opportunities emerged. Today, Tye manages multiple contracts, including government employee housing across regional Australia overseeing approximately 1,000 homes, as well as work within the APY Lands in Central Australia.

It was overwhelming at first, but ultimately helped me foster adaptability, calm decision-making, interpersonal skills and the ability to process information quickly under pressure.

Many of the skills gained during military service have carried seamlessly into civilian life: leadership, prioritisation, adaptability and the ability to translate complexity into clear action. Being ex-Defence also brings an immediate shared understanding when engaging with government stakeholders, building trust and cutting through quickly. 

For Tye, ANZAC Day is about reflection and reconnection. It serves as a sobering reminder to reconnect with those who he has served with and honour the bond that remains long after the uniform has been hung up. 

This ANZAC Day, Ventia recognises the many people across our business who have served, and who continue to serve their communities in different ways today. Tye’s story is a reminder that service doesn’t end with a uniform. It lives on in the values, resilience and sense of responsibility our veterans bring to their work, their families and the communities they support.

Dean Schopen

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service:
Where served: Australia, Strait of Hormuz, Solomon Islands
Service: Royal Australian Navy

Growing up in a small wheat and sheep community in country Western Australia (WA), Dean Schopen’s world felt a long way from the coast. But a much-loved Australian TV show, Patrol Boat, and stories from a neighbour’s son who had joined the Navy sparked a dream beyond the land to the ocean. For Dean, it planted the seed for a career that would take him from the bush to the bridge of warships, and later beneath the surface of the sea, to eventually commanding dolphins.

Joining the Royal Australian Navy in 1986 through Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Dean left WA having never been on a plane before. What started as a pathway to earn a degree quickly became much more. He discovered a profession built on purpose, people and responsibility, where training, trust and teamwork mattered because lives depended on it.

Over a distinguished 25 year Navy career, Dean began as a Seaman Officer before specialising in mine warfare and clearance diving. His first operational deployment came during the first Gulf War, serving aboard HMAS Westralia, where he earned his Bridge Watchkeeping qualification, the licence that places responsibility for a ship and its crew firmly in your hands.

His final part of the qualification required him to conduct pilotage in convoy through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, waters that continues to shape global headlines today. The day after qualification, Dean transferred to HMAS Brisbane, a 4,000tonne destroyer with a crew of 330, remaining at sea for a further 56 days. By the end of the deployment, “I had well and truly fallen for a life at sea, hook, line and sinker”, shared Dean.

I had well and truly fallen for a life at sea, hook, line and sinker.

As a mine clearance diving officer, one of the Navy’s most specialised capabilities, Dean commanded HMAS Norman and HMAS Gascoyne, deploying on extended missions of three to four months at a time, including operations in the Solomon Islands. These minehunter vessels were small by naval standards but highly specialised to deliver Navy’s persistent mine countermeasures capability, around 52 metres in length, approximately 700 tonnes and crewed by about 50 people. His final command saw him lead the Australian Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Task Group, responsible for clearance diving teams, mine warfare capability, and specific coalition mine clearance operations worldwide.

It was at this time in his career Dean found himself in one of the most unusual leadership roles imaginable, commanding not just a team of clearance divers from five different countries but also four dolphins. Working alongside the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, Dean oversaw operations involving highly trained dolphins capable of detecting underwater mines more accurately than technology alone. It remains one of the most memorable chapters of his service, and one that continues to surprise people.

One dolphin in particular stood out. Her name was Ten. She earned her name because she was a 10/10 and could do everything asked of her.

Dean trained closely with Ten during mission rehearsals both in Australia, San Diego and in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbour. The program was highly specialised, supported by a team of 19 veterinarians who deployed alongside the dolphins providing care and feeding them restaurant quality food. “They received better food and care than us”, recalls Dean.

After decades of operational roles and long periods away from home, Dean made the decision to transition out of the Navy. The prospect of a Canberra based desk role, combined with a desire to be present for his young family, made the choice clear. He left proud of his achievements and knowing it was time for a different kind of service.

Transitioning into defence industry was not without its challenges. Like many Veterans, Dean found it difficult to articulate the value of military experience in civilian terms. But the skills were there, leadership under physical and mental pressure, accountability, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to the task and the team.

Those skills continue to shape his work today at Ventia as the Head of Business Development for the Defence business unit. With experience across European, American and Australian defence organisations, Dean values Ventia’s authenticity and its focus on the work that quietly enables Defence capability. While much of that work sits behind the scenes, he understands its importance. Without the services Ventia delivers at the heart of Defence supporting members through hospitality and catering, maintaining essential facilities and equipment, and sustaining complex logistics, missions simply cannot succeed.

That sense of service also shapes how Dean approaches ANZAC Day. For him ANZAC Day will always be deeply personal. It is not about reflecting on his own career, but about honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who never returned. He marks the day quietly, through reflection and gratitude, mindful of the risks borne by service men and women and their families.

We live in a lucky country and ANZAC Day reminds us that this didn’t happen by chance.

Deans Children Meet Ten the Dolphin at SAN Diego Harbour Marine Base

Sarah Toakley

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service:
Where served: Australia, Solomon Islands, Middle East
Service: Royal Australian Navy

When Sarah Toakley joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2000, she had just turned 17. Raised in the coastal Queensland town of Hervey Bay, the ocean had always felt like home. She grew up on the beach, earned her boat licence before her car licence, and spent her high school years in Navy cadets. Joining the Navy wasn’t a sudden decision, but a long held ambition and a way to see the world beyond the horizon she’d always known. 

By the time she turned 18, Sarah was posted to sea as a Combat Systems Operator. Over the next six years, she spent much of her time deployed, serving on operations ranging from peacekeeping in the Solomon Islands to border protection around Christmas Island, and later in the Middle East during the early stages of the Gulf War in 2003. 

“It was a different time,” Sarah reflects. All male ships were still part of Navy life, and being a young woman at sea meant having to prove, daily, that she belonged. Looking back, she acknowledges how tough those early years were, particularly so far from home and in an environment where acceptance wasn’t guaranteed. 

Despite the challenges, Sarah loved her time in the Navy. She speaks fondly of the camaraderie, the shared purpose, and the experience of stepping ashore with “300 of your best mates.” For someone who had barely travelled beyond Queensland before enlisting, her first overseas ports in Manila, Vietnam and Thailand were eye-opening and formative experiences. 

Anyone in uniform has my respect. I know how tough it is, not just on you, but on your family and friends.

Sarah discharged after six years of service, reaching the rank of Leading Seaman. Long deployments and time away from loved ones made it difficult to maintain a “normal” life on shore, prompting her transition into the mining industry. She carried with her the discipline, resilience and work ethic forged at sea. 

Those qualities remain central to how she works today. Now part of Ventia’s team supporting the Queensland Police Ankle Monitoring contract, Sarah sees a clear link between her military service and her current role. 

“Anyone in uniform has my respect,” she says. “I know how tough it is, not just on you, but on your family and friends.” Supporting a service that protects the community gives her a familiar sense of pride. 

ANZAC Day remains deeply personal for Sarah. Each year, she and her family attend the dawn service, a tradition she began long before having children. As her kids grow older, they’re starting to understand why the day matters. Her daughter is especially curious, often pulling out Sarah’s medals and proudly wearing the miniature versions to school. 

Reflection is at the heart of the day. Sarah remembers marching with her own mother, who passed away when Sarah’s daughter was just three months old. She reflects on friendships formed during her service, and on colleagues who never made it home. 

Sarah was awarded five medals for her service, including recognition for her deployments to Iraq, the Solomon Islands and Christmas Island, symbols of the commitment and sacrifice those years represented. 

This ANZAC Day, Ventia recognises the many people across our business who have served, and who continue to serve their communities in different ways today. Sarah’s story is a reminder that service doesn’t end with a uniform. It lives on in the values, resilience and sense of responsibility our veterans bring to their work, their families and the communities they support. 

Hamish Kirk

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 18 years
Where served: New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Timor‑Leste, Pacific, Asia and Europe

Hamish Kirk served for 18 years in the New Zealand Defence Force, including 12 years in the Regular Force, after first joining as a Territorial (Reserve) Army Chaplain. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister, Hamish brought decades of leadership, care and calm decision‑making to his role as a Lead Chaplain, supporting personnel through some of the most challenging moments of their careers.

During his time in Defence, Hamish was deployed to the Solomon Islands and Timor‑Leste, alongside numerous exercises across the Pacific, Asia and Europe. One of his most significant postings was at Linton Military Camp, the largest Army base in New Zealand, where he coordinated chaplaincy support and stepped in when situations required clear thinking, leadership and compassion.

When things hit the fan, you took charge, worked out what the problem was, and figured out how to deal with it.

After completing his Defence service, Hamish transitioned seamlessly into Ventia, beginning his new role immediately and bringing his military experience with him from day one.

Hamish now works as a Shift Engineer at Palmerston North Hospital, supporting the operation of more than 35 buildings across the campus. His role is to ensure critical systems such as steam boilers, medical gases, water, fire protection and infrastructure continue to operate safely and reliably - with Hamish and his team acting as first responders when anything goes wrong.

It’s about problem solving, prioritising what’s mission‑critical, and knowing when to step in or bring in the right people.

For Hamish, the skills developed in Defence translate naturally into his role at Ventia. The ability to break complex issues into manageable parts, stay calm under pressure, and engage positively with people - from clinical staff to engineers - are core to his day‑to‑day work.

“You want your interaction to be one of the better things that happened in someone’s day - even when everything else is going wrong.”

Asked what he enjoys most about working at Ventia, Hamish points to the people, the problem‑solving, and the culture.

Ventia is genuinely values‑driven. I’ve been very impressed by how the values Ventia talks about are actually lived in our contracts. Trust is high, people are listened to, and leaders genuinely have their teams’ best interests at heart.

As ANZAC Day approaches, Hamish reflects on both his service and the service of others. A defining moment for him was being selected as the NZDF Chaplain for the Passchendaele 100 commemorations, an experience that permanently changed his understanding of remembrance.

“That trip turned ANZAC Day from something in my head into something in my heart. Seeing the cemeteries, the scale of sacrifice - it changes you forever.”

Outside of work, Hamish remains deeply connected to his local community. He enjoys hunting when time allows, supports his local church, and spends as much time as possible with his family.

At Ventia, we are proud to recognise Hamish’s service and the depth of experience he brings to our organisation. His story is just one example of how veterans continue to make a meaningful impact across Ventia - and why Ventia is a workplace where veterans are supported and valued.

Nicholas Burge

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 21
Where served: United Kingdom, Falkland Islands
Service: Royal Navy (Marine Engineering)

Nicholas Burge is a Shift Engineer at Palmerston North Hospital, where he has been part of Team Ventia for six years, helping keep critical hospital systems running around the clock for patients and frontline healthcare staff.

Nicholas joined the Royal Navy at just 16 and a half, beginning his career as a Junior Marine Engineering Mechanic, or Stoker. Over 21 years of service, he worked his way up to Chief Petty Officer Mechanician, serving aboard major vessels including HMS Ark Royal and HMS Hermes, where he completed his apprenticeship.

“Being so young, you were classed as a minor and not allowed out after midnight. There was such a thing as ‘Cinderella leave’ - and on my first overseas trip to America, I definitely didn’t make it back in time.”

One of Nicholas’ most defining experiences was the Falklands Conflict in 1982, where he worked relentlessly to keep vital ship systems operating.

“The intensity was something else. We worked around the clock to keep the engines, boilers and machinery running. You didn’t stop.”

After transitioning out of the Navy in 1993, Nicholas continued his engineering career in the UK before moving to New Zealand in 2006. Six years ago, he joined Ventia at Palmerston North Hospital, working alongside a team of 200 staff and bringing decades of experience across steam, gas, diesel, refrigeration and mechanical engineering.

No day or night is the same, and you’ve got to be ready for anything - that’s very similar to life on a ship. We’re on call to keep the place running so hospital staff can do their jobs.

Today, Nicholas applies the skills shaped through military service to ensure the hospital operates safely and reliably, whatever the situation.

“No day or night is the same, and you’ve got to be ready for anything - that’s very similar to life on a ship.”

“We’re on call to keep the place running so hospital staff can do their jobs.”

As ANZAC Day approaches, Nicholas reflects on the importance of service and remembrance. 

“ANZAC Day is an important time to remember - especially when we look at what’s happening in the world today. It’s important future generations understand the sacrifices and what service really means.”

At Ventia, we are proud to recognise Nicholas for his service, technical excellence, and the quiet dedication he brings to keeping essential community services running every day.

Nicholas Burge with his family

Ben Van Zeyl

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 4
Where they served: Australia, and East Timor

Ben Van Zeyl recently commenced with Ventia working on the Defence Maintenance Contract as a Regional Manager. Since starting in February, he has enjoyed being part of Team Ventia, seeing endless opportunity for a long term career. 

In my short time with Ventia I have already seen they understand Defence members and work with them every day. It’s clear that Ventia recognises Veterans for their skills and characteristics that they bring to the table.

Pictured: Ben Van Zeyl during service in 2001

Ben served in the Army as a combat engineer for four years between 2000 and 2005. 

It was an interesting time to be in the Defence Force. It was the tail end of East Timor and just before things got busy with Afghanistan. It was a very transitional era in Defence.

Ben enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the teams in Defence, and made friendships for life during his time served. 

Ben feels that his experience in Defence helped to equip him for his long career in the private sector that would follow. When looking at his current role with Ventia, Ben feels that he really understands the customer and has a breadth of knowledge around their expectations and culture.

In previous roles, Ben found that some businesses struggled to understand the experience of a Veteran.

I think their perceptions were largely based around what they might have seen in movies- that Veterans are aggressive and highly strung. A lot of the time this couldn’t be further from the truth. Veterans are articulate, disciplined, and have an impeccable attention to detail.

Ben finds Ventia to be a very welcoming workplace for Veterans.

It’s nice to come to Ventia and have other Veterans in the business that understand the Defence Force, and I am enjoying having the chance to work with Defence directly as a customer.

Ben works on the Defence Maintenance Contract as a Regional Manager for the South region, covering South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. A big part of his role is working with site managers across the states to ensure operations are running smoothly, and directly communicating and collaborating with the customer.

As we approach ANZAC Day, Ben sees this important day as a significant time to reflect.

I probably don’t reflect specifically on my service, but just on the service of Australians and the people I have served with and people that served before and after me. The commitment and the promise they make to go out and do what they need to do.

At Ventia, we seek to take this significant time of reflection and recognition to shine a light on the amazing service of our Veterans across the business, and the sacrifice they made for Australia and New Zealand. We thank Ben for his commitment to Australia and for choosing to bring his unique skills as a Veteran to our workplace.

Lindsay Morton

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 38
Where they served: Australia, and ASEAN

Colonel Lindsay Morton’s military career encompassed 30 years full time service and eight years in the Reserve. Lindsay currently works as the Contract Manager of Clothing Store and Retail Store contracts at Ventia.

Lindsay graduated from the Officer Cadet School Portsea in 1981 to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps before transferring to the Royal Australian Ordnance Corps.  Lindsay served in a range of logistic postings with command appointments including 52 Combat Supplies Platoon, Northern Logistic Group and Joint Logistic Unit South Queensland. 

Pictured: Lindsay Morton with Keith Payne VC

Lindsay has received many high honours during his career, including a Support Commander Australia Commendation, a Chief of Defence Force Commendation, selection as chair of the ASEAN Regional Forum, serving as Director Warehousing and Distribution, Director Operations and Acting Director General Supply Chain Branch, and being selected as a Member of the Order of Australia.

As Contract Manager for Ventia’s Defence Clothing Store and Retail Store contracts leading 359 employees across 70 sites, Lindsay uses his insights into Defence operations to educate his team, providing valuable information about how Defence operates to the wider Ventia organisation. Lindsay is an invaluable ambassador promoting Ventia capabilities to Defence and Industry connections, converting them into opportunities for Defence by identifying how Ventia can address their challenges. As a result, his input has helped Ventia win or retain over $350M in contract value.  

Lindsay understands that clothing and personal equipment impact capability, evoke emotion and carry expectation. Lindsay led the transition of additional Clothing Stores into the Ventia network providing an enhanced level of service, achieved with absolutely no interruption of service – an impressive feat. 

For Lindsay, it was very important to him that even post-transition he could continue working in the Defence space.

Ventia gave me the opportunity to continue my association and contribution to Defence, which was important to me. Even though I was no longer in uniform, I felt as if I could still offer Defence benefit and improve things.

When Ventia launched the Defence Veteran, Family and Reservist Program in 2023 Lindsay was the first person approached to lead the Veteran Community of Practice.

I’d encourage Veterans working at Ventia to embrace our Veteran program. There are challenges transitioning from a military environment to a commercial environment, but the skills, expertise, and knowledge that Veterans bring is respected and valued and there is opportunity to contribute that within Ventia.

Whilst serving, Lindsay was also the Director of the Defence Lake Attack, a Defence charity initiative that raised approximately $1.25 million over 5 years. Lindsay is also a keen sportsman, having completed five Ironman Triathlons and held the title of the ADF Triathlon Champion. 

During the time surrounding ANZAC Day, Lindsay often considers the sacrifices and commitment made by Defence personnel every day.

I think ANZAC Day is about the acknowledgement and recognition of the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice that service personnel provide and have provided to this country throughout the years, they put themselves first and foremost for others, and they’re prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice. It’s something that maintains the way of life we enjoy but often is not recognised or appreciated.

Lindsay’s extensive and successful career has brought a wealth of value to Ventia, and we thank him for his sacrifice and commitment throughout his career in both Defence and at Ventia.

Scott Babington

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 38
Where they served: Australia, South Sudan, Afghanistan

Scott has worked with Ventia for three years on Defence contract Land8120. Scott has committed his career to Defence, serving in the regular Army for 34 years starting at the age of 16 with a further 4 years in the Army Reserve. Scott brings his invaluable expertise in education and training to assist Land 8120 in training Defence personnel in specialised Earthmoving and Material Handling Equipment.

Scott’s extensive Army career had many highlights. He recalls his experience in deployments to South Sudan and Afghanistan as a military observer and advisor. He rounded out his career with Defence by returning to the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME) where he started his career as an apprentice. One of Scott's final postings was as the Second in Command of ASEME. Scott discharged from the Army as a Major after 34 years of service.

Pictured: Scott Babington with unexploded ordnance on Kokoka trail trek

I spent five years as a technical instructor at the school, teaching the new generation of technical people in Defence.

Scott now works in Ventia’s Defence team on the Land8120 contract. A primary element of Scott’s role at Ventia is providing education and training for the customer as they learn to operate the new vehicles that Ventia have provided to Defence on the Land 8120 contract.

I think there’s a heap of opportunities available at Ventia. I’ve found it to be a really accommodating workplace and has an open mind. The Defence mentality where no matter what challenge is thrown at you, you just do your best, is definitely a mentality that is also shared at Ventia.

Scott has a passion for Australian military history, and often read history books while deployed to learn more about the men and woman who served before him and their stories.

“Often when you’re sitting in a weapon pit or command bunker, you don’t have access to the internet. I spent a lot of my deployments working in the UN environment or with US soldiers, and a lot of what they’d talk about isn’t really relevant to an Aussie. So I used to read Australian Military history books, and when I got to the end of the book I’d offer it up to my UN colleagues or to my American buddies. In general terms they were not very interested in Australian Military history, and consequently my offers were generally declined. So I’d read the books again, and again, and again.”

In 2018, Scott and some of his Army mates decided to walk the Kokoda trail together, an endeavour that Scott’s history books had more than prepared him for:

“I took a mud model kit on the Kokoda trail trek. Some of the guys that taught me when I was a very young soldier were Vietnam Veterans and I’d seen them do fascinating things with mud models. So I incorporated it into my first trek of Kokoda, and my mates were asking me many questions about the military history of Kokoda, which I had studied quite intimately. This led to me being offered a job as a trek leader at the conclusion of the trek. To this day I aim to run 4-5 treks per year along the Kokoda trail.”

For Scott, ANZAC Day is a day of commemoration.

For many of us that served, it’s a day to reflect on our service as well as the service of our friends. But for the broader community, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice and service of ordinary men and women who have served our nation, that come from a raft of backgrounds. When you put on the uniform, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or the colour of your skin, it’s about what’s in your head, and what’s in your heart.

Tracey Glenny

About Tracey:
Tracey Glenny is a part of our People and Capability team in the Defence sector. She has been an Army Defence family member for 15 years, and is currently based in Darwin where her husband works as a current serving member.

Tracey has had a whirlwind of experiences as a Defence partner. She shared that one of the highlights of being a Defence partner is how she has been able to see so much of Australia while moving between postings, but the biggest challenge is the time she has to spend away from her partner, often with minimal family support.

Pictured: Tracey Glenny with husband 2015

I think the Defence spouse is the glue that holds the family together. Often when my husband is away the rest of the family needs a bit of extra love and care and that responsibility falls on the spouse.

Prior to joining Ventia, Tracey struggled to find job security as a Defence spouse. She recalls being rejected from roles simply because she was a Defence family member.

I think there is a misconception around what Defence family members can offer the workplace. In my view, family members are extremely resilient and they offer really good skills such as adaptability, organisational skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Tracey finds Ventia a wonderful place to work as a Defence family member. She works in our People and Capability team on Ventia’s Defence Base Services contract. Tracey is also an integral leader in the Ventia Defence Veteran’s Program. The Veteran’s program aims to offer support to the Veteran community and shine a light on their value in the workplace, celebrating their unique skills and experiences through community events, partnerships, and awards.

“Within the first few minutes of my interview I felt welcomed at Ventia. It didn’t matter that I was a Defence wife and I could openly speak and share about that. I’m an extremely proud Defence wife, when I stand by my husband on ANZAC Day I often get teary.”

Tracey looks forward to a continued career in Ventia where she is celebrated for her unique skills that she brings into a professional setting as a Defence family member.

John Rogers

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 21
Where they served: New Zealand, Australia, Former Yugoslavia, East Timor, South East Asia and the Pacific, US, UK Transitioned out in 2005

John Rogers was a serving member of the New Zealand Defence Force for 21 years. In recent years he has enjoyed a successful career in the private sector, which has led him to his current role as Executive General Manager of Defence for Ventia.

John and his team are working at the heart of Defence capability as a leading prime services integrator and top five Defence industry partner. The team is focused on ensuring Ventia enables Defence to focus on its strategic objectives by delivering essential integrated support solutions across Australia.

Pictured: John Rogers and members of Team Ventia at the Soldier on Gala Ball.

During John’s time in the army, he served across Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. A highlight from his career was his deployment in East Timor, where he was defending national interests during a time of crisis.

ANZAC Day is a time of reflection and recognition for John. It is significant for him as he remembers his time in service and those who served with him who are no longer with us. 

I think it’s important for both Australia and New Zealand to remember those that served and made a huge sacrifice for the rest of us.

John’s recognition of those that have served goes beyond just ANZAC Day and his history in the New Zealand Defence Force. He appreciates the wealth of knowledge that veterans bring to the private sector and seeks to employ and utilise the skills they bring to Ventia. He says, “their deep understanding of the client and fantastic work ethic enhances our services and capabilities.”

Jason Collins: Fire & Rescue expertise 

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 5
Where he served: RAAF Base Tindal & RAAF Base Williamtown.
Transitioned out in 2002.

The Royal Australian Air Force and Ventia’s Defence Base Services are both extremely fortunate to have had Jason Collins representing us on our Fire & Rescue teams.

Jason, who is a proud Veteran, has been front and center for several extreme disasters over the course of his tenure as a Station Officer, notably during the Black Summer bushfires during 2019-2020. Jason was recently honoured with a National Emergency Medal by Defence in recognition of his valor and dedication during this difficult time.

Pictured: Jason Collins being recognised with a National Emergency Medal by Defence for his dedication and valor during the 2019 bushfires.

Jason says that overall, he found the transition back to civilian life relatively easy. However, he found himself yearning for the structure and discipline the Air Force provided him with. “I missed it every day,” he says. “I knew I wanted to get back into that world in some way or another.” 

I had been familiar with Ventia during my time in the service and I knew the value they placed on recruiting Veterans.

In early 2006 and in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, an opportunity arose to join the Ventia Fire & Rescue team at RAAF Base East Sale as a firefighter. Jason jumped at the chance.

It’s been a career path that has provided him with challenges and promotion all the way up to Station Officer. The Fire & Rescue team at East Sale were predominantly ex-military personnel so Jason felt right at ease. 

When not working, Jason enjoys motorcycling and overseas travel with his partner and soon to be wife Vanessa, also a Ventia employee. 
 

The significance of ANZAC day

In the leadup to ANZAC Day, we asked Jason what significance the day holds for him. 

I use ANZAC Day to remember and reflect on those that served before me, with me, and those currently serving, including both of my grandfathers who served during WWII and who are no longer with us.

Kirsty Schilling

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 13
Where she served: 9FSB, 7CSSB, 4CSSB, 1 SIG Regt
Transitioned out in 2022 to Active Reserves

The Defence Retail Stores team recently welcomed a new Team Leader, Kirsty Schilling, to the Lavarack Barracks Health Centre Q-Store.

Kirsty, who is also a proud Veteran, is the front-line face and voice of customer excellence for all visitors to the Q-Store. She is also responsible for supporting Defence personnel and contractors seeking stores and equipment. 

Behind the scenes, her role involves ensuring stock is on hand to re-stock levels, ordering of items and equipment when requested, maintenance from tracking regular technical inspections to accountability and maintaining inventory.  She also disposes of equipment that is no longer required or is being replaced.

Kirsty did not start her ADF career until she was in her 30’s. She served for 13 years before deciding to transition out to the active reserves.

Pictured: Kirsty Schilling and her partner.

She hoped her ‘civilian’ life and experiences prior to joining would make the transition easier, “because I joined  Defence a little later than most, I did not think it would be so much of a change, how wrong I was,” she says. “The loss of connection, comradery, self-worth and being a part of something special left me feeling lost for a while.”

“I was introduced to Ventia by a co- worker. She knew I was ex Defence and wanted to somehow get back into the surroundings," says Kirsty. 

The opportunity at Ventia has allowed me to remain connected to all that I love about serving.

Kirsty shared that, “my Defence experience helps with understanding how the Defence organisation works so that I can better support the personal, contractors and units that I work with in this position.”

In the lead up to ANZAC Day we asked Kirsty what it means to her

“ANZAC Day is a very special day for me,” she says. “Not only did I graduate on ANZAC Day, but it also carries a strong connection to serving members and Veterans. It’s an incredible feeling to be a small part of an incredibly large, proud group and to remember what our soldiers went through in war. Without the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand Soldiers, our home as we know it, would be a very different one”.

When not working or on reserve duty Kirsty is out hiking with her partner, keeping her creative skills alive painting their new home or is hard at work looking after her young son and mini zoo that includes two dogs Torvi and Axel, two snakes, Scout and Luna and a cat, Seb. 

We thank our veterans for their service to the Australian Defence Force and their continued contributions to Defence capability as part of team Ventia. 

 

*Figures correct as of April 2025