On Tuesday, Australia paused to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women to preserve our freedoms and way of life.

Ventia's contribution to Anzac Day, from the pristine uniforms and medals worn by participating Defence personnel to immaculately maintained war memorials, was on proud display.

And nowhere was this contribution better demonstrated than on the Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne.

Meticulous preparation

Ventia maintains 11 ANZAC memorials on behalf of the Council, three of which have beautiful annual flower displays that require meticulous preparation in the lead-up to commemorations.

Horticulture Manager Katrina Harrison said this was one of their most important - and proudest - programs.

"Ventia takes great pride in our work to keep the Shire's parks and gardens to a high standard of amenity," Katrina said.

Public gardens and war memorials are not just beautiful spaces for calm reflection, they also serve as a focal point for the community, particularly on Anzac Day. 

Honouring the memory of servicemen and women

"Our role is critical to preserving and honouring the memory of those who have fought, and in some cases died for their country."

Katrina says the program includes maintaining and mulching gardens, hedging and pruning greenery, and cleaning the monuments and sites prior to the event.

"But our most exacting program is preparing beds of blooms that ensure the memorials are a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by our troops," she said.

Our teams begin planting annuals in January and undertake a comprehensive and closely monitored program to ensure they are in full bloom for Anzac Day. 

"The attention to detail and commitment to maintaining these sites to the highest standards is a testament to my team's pride in our role, and more widely to Ventia's approach to managing public spaces."

25-year partnership extended

Ventia's highly successful 25-year partnership with the Shire was recently extended for a further 12 months.

Every year, Ventia mows 624 hectares of grass and delivers 708 hectares of gardening, including pruning 16,900 power line spans for vegetation, inspecting 24,800 trees, planting 11,100 plants as part of the public garden refurbishment program, and maintaining 56 sportsfields.

We are also committed to supporting local businesses, through procurement of goods and services, employing local people, and supporting community organisations.

More information on the contract here.