The company specialises in the long-term operation, maintenance and management of critical public and private assets and infrastructure across a broad range of industry segments, including defence and social infrastructure, infrastructure services, telecommunications and transport in Australia and New Zealand. 

Ventia has had a long and proud association with the Territory for more than 20 years, implementing a philosophy of employing and developing local workforce capability that is supported by local business and industry. 

Membership with the NT Chamber of Commerce and a partnership with NT Indigenous Business Network align with their goal of building sustainable local partnerships, enhancing workforce diversity, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Territory. 

They also support the community through initiatives such as Ventia Stadium sponsorship, annual community grants program and a landmark MOU with the NT Government aimed at employment programs for Defence veterans and family members to remain in the Territory post-service. 

Ventia’s enormous past and present contribution to the Territory economy includes: 

Supporting the asset and project management of the Defence estate and training, ranging from green environments through to large-scale hospitality, catering, gymnasium and accommodation services 

Specialist maintenance and logistics support for military combat vehicles and operation of the Defence Uniform and Retail Store units. 

Maintaining the critical infrastructure that supports the major telecommunications network Territory wide. 

Supporting the NT and Federal governments in rapid recommissioning and 24/7 operation of the Manigur Ma Ichthys workers’ accommodation camp in Howard Springs to cope with the repatriation of Australians during the covid 19 pandemic. 

VENTIA’S GENERAL MANAGER OF INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION BYRON DAVIS … ‘WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE – WE’RE REMOVING BARRIERS. GETTING A JOB IS A WAY OUT OF DISADVANTAGE’. PHOTO: GRACE FOX 

Taking part in the construction and then maintenance of the Ichthys gas plant 

Performing complex environmental remediation activities across the Cox Peninsula and the repatriation of the Ranger uranium mine at Jabiru 

One area of particular pride is their role in trying to “close the gap” between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through a broad training and employment program. 

Ventia, which employs 550 staff and contractors, including trainees and graduates, runs a groundbreaking initiative called TRECCA, which stands for Training, Employment, Recruitment, Care and Career Advancement. 

The program has taken on 65 Indigenous Territorians already this year and has provided employment for thousands of people throughout Australia since being launched in 2015. 

Ventia’s General Manager of Indigenous Participation Byron Davis, who is of Kalkadoon and Waanyi heritage, says: “We transform lives by offering sustainable, long-term employment. 

“We’re making a difference – we’re removing barriers. Getting a job is a way out of disadvantage.” 

Byron has forged good relationships with senior managers and leaders in the business, which leads to job offers in a range of industries, mainly hospitality, cleaning and ground maintenance. 

“We find work for people who want to work even though they may never have had a job in their lives and, without our help to open doors, many of our mob may not have these opportunities.” 

He is proud that TRECCA has helped many disadvantaged Indigenous people, including some who are illiterate and others who have large families they are trying to support on Centrelink payments. 

The program started in the Territory, but Byron has been thrilled to see the TRECCA team grow, and the program adapt to be rolled out in other locations across Australia. 

“The employment system isn’t modelled for blackfellas, so we’ve remodelled the system. No physical fitness tests, no references, no interviews about past employment experience. Some of our mob don’t even have Identification, not even a birth certificate. Simple things that others take for granted. 

“We’re not looking for people with a university degree in physics. Just a willingness to work. Ventia helps them get a start, a way into the workforce. Willingness and attitude are everything.” 

TRECCA runs work-preparation sessions to emphasise to the Indigenous jobseekers that they need resilience in the workplace. 

“We help them understand that not everything is going to be perfect at work. We arm them with work tools. 

“No other company is doing this in the way that we do it.” 

Bryon provides on-the-ground insights and advice to governments about First Nations people and employment. 

He also works to support and educate the wider business on the Territory government’s Positive Duty legislation. 

Ventia runs cultural awareness programs for non-Indigenous staff. 

“We talk to them about Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal history, the trauma that our mob suffer,” Byron says. “Most Australians have never met a blackfella, so we work to break down bias and prejudice.” 

Stephen Densmore, Chair of the NT Executive Committee for Ventia, says: “When I arrived in the Territory almost a decade ago our Indigenous employee participation rate and procurement spend with Indigenous businesses was very low. 

“Through the work the TRECCA team have performed, and the relationships they have developed, our Indigenous participation rate in the NT is now a much improved 20 percent and our procurement spend with Indigenous businesses is around 25 percent. 

“The Territory is a place with a significant Indigenous population and as an employer we aim to represent the broader demographic of the communities we operate within. That is our corporate and social licence to operate – which we are committed to.” 

Ventia awards include NTIBN Ally of the Year Award 2024; NT Chamber of Commerce Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2024; and NT Government Defence Veteran Employer of the Year 2024. TQ 

THE TRECCA TEAM WORKS IN LOCATIONS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA