Uniting through sport: Ventia at the Bennelong Cup

Ventia was proud to be front and centre as Platinum Sponsor of the Bennelong Cup this year, continuing our five-year commitment to this celebration of sport, community, and opportunity alongside Defence and other facilities management businesses.

With 20 teams and over 250 participants, the competition was fierce. Ventia fielded two strong teams, one of them making it to the semi-finals despite the drizzle. The day was filled with energy, teamwork, and some spectacular tries, special mention to Jeff Kennedy for throwing his body across the line!

It was an amazing day to see our teams come together, play hard, and represent Ventia with pride. Scoring the most tries we have in any game in the past five years was a highlight, but the real win is being part of something that makes a difference for Indigenous communities,

said Jeff Kennedy, Project Director for the City of Sydney Contract.

We eventually bowed out to Killara, an Indigenous-owned cleaning company Ventia works with on some of our Defence contracts. Killara were also the reigning champions, who handed over the role to defend the title this year to Penrith PCYC NSW and 12 Indigenous high school students from Western Sydney – tough team to beat!

A Legacy of Connection

Our journey with the Bennelong Cup began five years ago when Greg Hull introduced Ventia to Gaven Sheehan at Bennelong Energy and embraced the vision of using sport as a platform for team bonding and community impact.

Bringing Ventia into the Bennelong Cup was about helping creating more pathways and partnerships that last. Seeing how far this event has come and the opportunities it creates for Indigenous youth is something we’re proud to support,

said Greg Hull, Operations Manager for City of Sydney contract.

Today, the event supports programs like NRL Schools to Work, helping Indigenous students complete their education and transition into meaningful careers through mentoring, leadership, and work experience.

The event also raises funds for the Goanna Academy, Greg Inglis’ Foundation, supporting mental health programs for Indigenous students and suicide prevention, as well as annual contributions to education programs, and partnerships with private and Catholic school foundations continue to make a lasting difference for indigenous children’s education and transition to work.

Beyond the Game

The Bennelong Cup isn’t just about touch football, it’s about giving back. Ventia’s commitment goes beyond the game, we actively support Indigenous communities, businesses, and teammates through employment pathways, partnerships, and cultural engagement. This year, we are offering three new apprenticeships for Indigenous youth we will meet through our participation in the Cup on major contracts, including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Housing NSW, and City of Sydney projects. Our TRECCA and Skout teams were on hand after the footy was over to chat to the kids about these and other career opportunities with Ventia.

Congratulations to all teams, and here’s to continuing this tradition of team spirit, excellence, and impact!