Ben commenced his real estate career in 1988 and completed both his apprenticeship and full real estate Licence after 3 years of study. He worked as a sales person until 1999 when he decided to open his own agency Ben Bate Real Estate. Since that time he has continued his career with ongoing studies to establish himself as an expert in the local property market. Outside of his work life he has been extensively involved in the community as a current active member of the Narooma Surf Club and former member of rescue agencies VRA, Marine Rescue and Fire & Rescue NSW. He has also been involved in the past with Narooma Chamber of Commerce, The Great Southern Blues Festival and many fundraising events. Having completed his education at Narooma High School he is a strong advocate for public education and was inducted into the school hall of fame in 2014. His other community awards include Narooma and Eurobodalla Citizen of the year in 2010 and most recently the NSW Surf Lifesaving Support Operations Member of the Year in 2023.