Kenton Polume, branch manager of Kennards Hire Cleveland, has a passion for helping local schools and communities thrive. With 10 years of experience at Kennards Hire, Kenton leads a team dedicated to providing the right tools and equipment for a variety of local projects.
Recently, Kennards Hire has joined forces with Rock 'N' Soil as a sponsor for the Brisbane’s Most Beautiful Schools Competition, a community-focused initiative celebrating the hard work of school groundskeepers.
In this interview, Kenton shares his thoughts on the competition, his role at Kennards Hire, and the importance of beautifying school grounds.
A Commitment to Community
Kenton’s journey with Kennards Hire began a decade ago, and during his time with the company, he’s seen firsthand how important it is to support the community. "I’m the branch manager here at Kennards, and I've been with the company for 10 years," Kenton explains. "It’s a great company to work for—a family business that’s privately owned. They really take care of the staff here, and we’re encouraged to engage with the local community."
Kennards Hire has long supported schools, sporting clubs, and community initiatives across Brisbane and the Redlands area. For Kenton and his team, this competition is a natural extension of their commitment to assisting local schools with their groundskeeping and beautification efforts.
Why Kennards Hire Is Supporting the Brisbane's Most Beautiful Schools Competition
When asked why Kennards Hire chose to sponsor the Brisbane's Most Beautiful Schools Competition, Kenton emphasizes the company’s strong connection to schools and groundskeepers. "We’re behind anything that helps the community and supports groundsmen," Kenton says. "We work with many schools and know their groundskeepers. We’ve been able to assist with equipment for some of their larger projects, and we’re always there when they need extra help."
Kennards Hire’s involvement in the competition is part of their broader initiative to support local schools and provide resources for important projects. "Kennards has initiatives that assist disadvantaged youths and help young people get into the workforce," Kenton adds. "Supporting these types of projects allows us to give back to the community while also making a tangible difference in the lives of students and groundskeepers."
The Impact of Beautiful School Grounds
Beautifying school grounds is more than just an aesthetic improvement—it has a profound impact on the students, staff, and the wider community. Kenton believes that well-maintained school grounds can contribute to a positive environment for everyone involved. "You’ve got to have nice grounds. It just makes the school look good, and it’s better for the students," he says.
When schools invest in the appearance of their outdoor spaces, it not only boosts the morale of students but also enhances the overall sense of pride within the community. "A well-maintained school is an important asset to the community. It creates a sense of pride for everyone who visits, and it can make a big difference in how people perceive the school.
Helping Schools with Equipment and Support
Kennards Hire is a trusted partner for schools in need of equipment and support. "We work with schools all the time, whether it’s for large projects like basketball courts, fence panels, or events hire," he explains. "We also provide chairs for events and help with last-minute requirements. Schools know that we’re reliable, and they can count on us."
Kennards Hire plays a crucial role in supporting local schools with the equipment and tools they need to maintain and enhance their facilities.
Involvement in Other Community Projects
Beyond the Brisbane's Most Beautiful Schools Competition, Kennards Hire is also deeply involved in other community initiatives. Kenton highlights the company's ongoing support for projects like the Redlands Community Garden, where Kennards provided assistance with construction efforts. "We were very involved in helping out at the Redlands Community Garden and supporting some of the construction there," he says. "We’re also involved in events like the Raby Bay Christmas initiatives and various sporting events. It’s great to see the impact we can have, and we love being part of these local projects."
The Most Rewarding Part of the Job
For Kenton, the most rewarding aspect of participating in initiatives like the Brisbane's Most Beautiful Schools Competition is seeing the finished product. "Seeing the end result is what I like the most," Kenton says. "Seeing that final result for the community and knowing that my team and Kennards Hire as a whole helped to bring that vision to life is incredibly fulfilling. We just love to help people; that’s a big part of what we do here at Kennards."
Supporting Groundskeepers Through the Competition
While the Brisbane's Most Beautiful Schools Competition focuses on recognizing the best school grounds, Kenton stresses that the real heroes are the groundskeepers who work tirelessly to maintain these spaces. "Even though the competition is about the most beautiful school, it’s really a prize for the groundskeepers. They’re the ones who work hard to keep the school looking great, and we want to make their jobs easier," Kenton explains.
As a sponsor of the competition's "Most Needy School Oval" category, Kennards Hire is helping to ensure that groundskeepers have access to the equipment they need to keep the school grounds in top condition. The prize includes the hire of a spreader for a day, along with USGA-certified top dressing to improve the quality of the oval. "We want to support the groundskeepers and make their jobs as easy as possible," Kenton says.
The Brisbane’s Most Beautiful Schools Competition runs from October to December 15th, and is open to all schools in Brisbane and the Redlands area. Kennards Hire’s involvement is a testament to their ongoing commitment to supporting local schools, groundskeepers, and the broader community.