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.

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.

David Stevens 

Snapshot of Service:
Years of Defence Service: 30
Where he served: Portsea, Melbourne, Townsville, Albury Wadonga, Cambodia, Puckapunyal, Darwin, Queenscliff, Timor Leste, Canberra, Sydney, Turkey/Israel. Transitioned out in 2013. 

David joined the army in 1984 as an officer cadet. Over his 30- year career he worked primarily in workshop and logistics roles.

He was the first Commanding Officer for JLU North Queensland and also had leadership roles in Puckapunyal, Victoria and Darwin, Northern Territory (NT).

He completed two operational deployments abroad; to Cambodia and Timor Leste. David also spent three years as the Defence Attache in Australia’s Embassies in Turkey and Israel.

Pictured: David Stevens as an Officer cadet - 1983 - 1984.

At the conclusion of his rich career in the army, David joined the Immigration team at Ventia (which at the time was Transfield Services). After several roles across Immigration, Early Learning, and Corrections, David joined the Defence team.

David’s work in the NT has been instrumental in helping Ventia build a strong network of industry, Government and community leaders and groups. This resilient network has ensured Ventia - one of the largest employers in NT after the Government - is delivering the essential services Defence needs at the heart of its operations and for short notice exercises and emergency surge events. 

As Ventia strengthens its commitment to support Defence’s strategic objectives in northern Australia, David stepped into a key role as the Defence Solutions Architect for the north. He is leading efforts to rapidly reinforce Ventia’s networks across the diverse operating requirements in northern and southern Queensland to support Ventia’s growth plans.  

As a Defence Veteran, David understands the contribution that Ventia’s focus on service excellence plays in enhancing military capability, including support to surge activities and operations; and he has lived the challenges of service delivery in demanding, sometimes remote locations. 

I think Ventia’s at the forefront of redefining service excellence and understanding our client. Successful delivery of our service is about strong leadership and direction; a positive inclusive work ethic among our frontline team; and a laser focus on client needs.

Reflections on ANZAC day

ANZAC Day is a time of pride and reflection for David.

ANZAC Day is one of the most important days of the year in my book. I’m still brought to tears every time I hear Last Post.

During his time serving in the army, David had multiple opportunities to see Gallipoli firsthand.

 “I still remember the first time I laid eyes on Gallipoli when I was serving. It was the middle of the morning, a very bright, beautiful day and the team I was with were looking up the hill and wondering how the troops ever got up there, let alone survived. I was looking out to sea trying to understand how far out the ships would’ve been to be outside of gunfire range. Imagining the troops dismounting the longboats weighed down with everything they were carrying under heavy gunfire and not giving up.”

“I’m fortunate to be able to wear my medals and participate with pride and be embraced by the community, it’s a really special day for me.”

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