Ventia runs a fuel maintenance operation across 43 Defence bases in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory (NT). Photo: Ventia.
The Top End is working to keep Australian Defence Force personnel in the Territory as they transition out of the military, through a new partnership with infrastructure services provider Ventia.
On average, 250 Australian Defence Force Personnel transition out of the military while posted in the Territory each year. The NT Government established Operation Thrive to improve access to employment opportunities and support health and wellbeing to encourage these veterans to stay in the Territory.
The operation was launched following the NT Defence Veterans Strategy in 2023, but it has already delivered GP veteran health training, #CheckYourMates campaigns, and a not-for-profit partnership with Soldier On.
The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ventia is a “major” accomplishment for the operation according to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Brent Potter.
“A key focus of the Lawler Labor Government is assisting Defence personnel and their families to adjust to civilian life, become a valued member of the community and stay in the Territory,” said Minister Potter.
“Transitioning from Defence to civilian life is not easy, which is why secure employment and mentorship opportunities are so important.”
The MoU is the first of its kind in the Territory, but Ventia has already made a formidable base there. As a specialist in the management of long-term public and private assets, it employs over 500 Territorians across a range of contracts – especially with Defence.
Each year the corporation is already providing 20 former service personnel and their spouses permanent employment and mentoring. Some of the roles on offer include positions as project managers, vehicle mechanics, admin staff and groundkeepers.
A majority of these opportunities will be in Defence locations across the region such as Larrakeyah Barracks and RAAF Base Tindal.
The program will be supported by a $2.55 million investment, coming from the Territory Government’s $3.1 million allotment to the veterans’ community in its recent budget.
Currently Ventia has a team of over 1100 employees and contractors in the NT, where it is the largest employer of apprentices.
In Darwin the company has been central to the construction of the Ichthys Onshore LNG site.
Its strong presence in the defence sector shows in its involvement with the remediation of a major Defence site skirting the city.
Ventia mainly delivers Defence Base Services, Defence Maintenance and Support Services, and National Clothing Store Services. Through its specialist environment management consultancy, Ten Rivers, it also supports Defence and other clients with bushfire management.
