Brenton known as “Ben” grew up and was educated in country Western Australia. In 1980 Ben joined the Australian Army where he began a journey that would last for 32 years. He developed a passion very early in his career for training and leadership which over his extensive career took him from being a Junior Commander through to senior management level as a Unit Commander.
Among numerous experiences and qualifications Ben specialised as a Bomb Disposal Technician operating in and leading small teams and later up to regimental (600 personnel) size groups. Having moved through the ranks from a Private soldier to a Commissioned Officer Ben’s life and leadership experiences are extensive.
Ben has undertaken training and operational duties in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Tonga, India, Pakistan, United States, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ben is fluent in Pidgin English having also spent two years seconded to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as a Military Adviser.
Ben has been the recipient of several military Commendations including three from the Chief of the Australian Defence Force for meritorious service in the fields of training and leadership. The greatest honour was when Ben received the Order of Australia Medal (Military Division) in the 2009 Australia Day awards.
Leaving the Australian Army in 2011, Ben joined emergency services sector of the Queensland State government where he is currently employed as the Executive Manager, QFES Workforce Development Unit.
Ben is married to Maureen and has one son Matthew. Ben has several hobbies (none of which he is good at) including, fishing, woodworking (ruining perfectly good timber), caravanning and collecting military memorabilia.
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