Ben is a third generation commercial cattle grazier in the Dalrymple Shire area.
On completing his secondary schooling, he went home to the family cattle properties where he spent the next forty-three years.
During this time he spent thirty years on two municipal councils, Dalrymple Shire and Charters Towers Regional Council. He was the last Mayor of Dalrymple Shire and the first Mayor of Charters Towers Regional Council following amalgamation in 2008.
After being deposed from office at the 2012 local government elections Ben decided to look for work instead of returning to the family grazing business now being managed by his son.
Ben started work with Stocklick Trading in Charters Towers as Sales Representative, covering the North West region of Queensland in August 2012