About Us

Janice (Jan) and Vernon (Vern) Ferguson, Mum and Dad or Nanna and Pop incorporated Vernice Pty Ltd back in 1972. Before being incorporated, Vern and cousin Gavin Donegan started a small earthmoving business predominantly working on farms, doing jobs like clearing, firebreaks and dams. After purchasing a few more machines, the demand began to grow. Gavin decided to part ways with the business and the company then eventuated to Vernice Pty Ltd. Combining the founder’s names, VERN(ON)-(JAN)ICE, created a unique business name that has now become a legacy of hard work, honesty, knowledge, and adaptability. Vern and Jan have always mentioned that they are super proud of their children, grandchildren, and loyal employees and what they have done to grow the business into what it is today. They are both confident Vernice will continue to grow well into the future.

Eldest son of Vernon and Janice Ferguson, Michael or Mick, entered the family business in 1976 at the age of 16. Michael left the business to travel Australia in a large bus with his late wife Jenny, and came back to work with his brothers and father. Keeping the seat filled in the workshop office, he is the go-to man to schedule works and quote the right price for all project and jobs. However, he doesn’t like to sit in the chair for too long, he loves nothing more than getting out and into the truck!

Second eldest son of Vernon and Janice Ferguson, Stephen entered the family business in 1978 at the age of 16. Stephen loves to get on the machines and get the jobs done at a top quality level. Family means everything to Stephen and having them be a part of Vernice makes him a happy and proud Dad. He didn't force them though! Stephen started out in the dozers and quickly learnt the grader and the GPS! We don't think Stephen knows the word ‘No’ because his answers are always “Yes we can make it work!’

In 1995 Liz took over the books and rode the wave of the digital era. From a complete paper-based ledger to online banking and emails, Liz was there to see it all transform and develop. Liz has many hats and is truly the glue to the business. She cooks, cleans, pays the bills, and ensures everyone is ready and safe to get the jobs done. 

Dean Lee, or Deano, is the longest standing Vernice employee. Starting in 1995, after quitting his cabinetmaking apprenticeship, he walked into the Vernice office and asked Michael for a job. Dean started off driving the old Mack Truck and eventually began to operate other machines like the front-end loaders, dozers and scrapers. Stephen and Mick can always trust that Deano will get the job done on time and with no problems, arguments, or complaints. Deano's ideal work day is driving in the truck either shifting machinery or shifting dirt!

Coming straight out of school into full-time operating, Josh was the first of the 3rd generation to enter the business. Since 2006 Josh ventured north to the mines and eventually came back to join the family business. Josh is one of our Grader operators, being a wiz on the GPS and is starting to learn how the quoting system works. 

After helping with the transition and shift of technology, Taylor gained a degree in Marketing and Logistics. Taylor went on to complete a graduate role at Linfox for 2 years. After gaining some knowledge in the transport and warehousing industries, Taylor decided to enter the business and carved a role in Marketing. Taylor also filled the role of Quality and Safety Manager and is continually learning and finding ways to optimise and streamline operations.

During the school holidays, Samuel developed several skills and gained a ton of experience in all heavy machinery. Since leaving school Samuel has worked full-time with Vernice and has several roles and skills, from operating scrapers, loaders, nailing the GPS on the graders and dozers, achieving his MC license and acquiring the skills to lead a team to final completion. 

Olivia is always available to help whenever we need an extra pair of hands. Olivia is completing a teaching degree, but always finds time to help the family business. From cooking cakes when the crew head away to work, to helping in the office and heading to site to drive the roller or dumpy, Olivia never fails to be there when we all need it. 

Thomas began operating during the school holidays and started full-time with Vernice since the day he left school. Thomas can operate all plant and machinery and has fine tuned his skills in the loader, dozer, and scraper, just to name a few! Thomas is a quiet fella that gets the job done, no matter how big or small or how easy or difficult!