The contract represents a transformation in scale and commitment to integrated working, with a service offering providing value for money for the Commonwealth, Defence and Ventia. It encompasses airfield, structural and bushfire response, emergency and rescue services, fire training and Hazmat response.
As Defence adapts to its strategic circumstances, we recognise the importance of a fully trained, world-class firefighting and emergency response team as essential to support the protection of life, assets and the estate.
Ventia has the largest privatised firefighter force in Australia - we have been responding to Defence emergencies since 1999. With the award of the Firefighting Services contract our Firefighting force grows to a team of 370 people, including 309 qualified Firefighters.
With over 20 years operating across Australia, today the team of 380+ firefighters is based at multiple sites, and equipped with a sizable firefighting fleet of aviation, structural and bushfire appliances.
Key to our strategic partnership with Defence is the expertise of those who work with Defence members on the contract, supported by an excellent compliance track record and world-class fleet of firefighting appliances and equipment. We are proud of the way the value of this capability was repeatedly demonstrated during the response to one of Australia’s worst natural disasters, the 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires.
Ventia Group Executive Defence and Social Infrastructure Derek Osborn says we continue to be Defence’s leading industry partner across several portfolios.
From airfield, structural and bushfire management to emergency and rescue services, our sustainable support solution generates real client value by enabling Defence to focus on its strategic objectives
“This contract award is testament to the commitment and value we generate by protecting those that train to protect us.," Derek says. "We are very proud to further strengthen our partnership with Defence with this new contract and retaining our role delivering these services. Our dedicated team are committed to continuing to redefine service excellence for this long-term client.”