22 Dec Life’s no rehearsal: Ben’s open call to consider a career in red meat
In another life, Ben Mate might have starred in Hollywood films or walked the halls of parliament.
Instead, the once-aspiring actor and political science student found his stage in an unexpected place – a beef processing plant.
“When I left school, I had absolutely no intention of working in the red meat industry,” Ben said.
“I wanted to be an actor. That was the dream.”
Ten years ago, Ben graduated from Ipswich Grammar School as a fresh-faced 17-year-old and auditioned to study acting at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
He performed in school productions, musicals, community theatre and wrote, directed and starred in short films that won accolades at local festivals.
“After my short-lived acting career, I ended up studying Political Science at the University of Queensland – partially inspired by my great-great-uncle, Sir Arthur Fadden who briefly served as the 13th Prime Minister of Australia,” Ben said.
But when Ben took a casual summer job at Teys Australia’s Rockhampton beef processing plant to make money while studying – his life and career plans took a different turn.
“I worked there part-time while I was studying at university and eventually that experience led to an offer for a full-time role as a management trainee,” Ben said.
“That opportunity changed everything.”
Over the next few years, Ben gained experience across the plant’s operations as well as deeper insights into how the industry operates.
Since then, Ben has worked hard and progressed his career in roles across Quality Assurance, Plant Operations and most recently Workplace Health & Safety.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team of very experienced colleagues at Teys and have also had the opportunity to manage teams across the business, with a strong focus on quality assurance and compliance,” Ben said.
The 27-year-old said although he had not originally planned a career in the red meat industry, it was always in the background of his life.
“My father worked in the red meat industry for more than 30 years, and conversations around the dinner table often revolved around beef,” he said.
“It was part of our daily life — I just didn’t realise at the time how much it would shape my own future.”
Several years ago, Ben attended the ICMJ Northern Conference in Rockhampton where he had the opportunity to further his skills and understanding of the sector.
Since then, Ben’s become so passionate about the opportunities in the red meat industry, he now volunteers as a member of the ICMJ Northern Conference Committee which works to attract, inspire and develop the next generation of global red meat professionals.
“Throughout my time in the industry, I’ve learned a few key lessons and one of the most important is to take every opportunity,” he said.
“Some of the best steps in my career came from simply saying yes – even when I didn’t feel ready – putting my hand up led me to grow in ways I did not expect.”
Ben said he was extremely proud to be building a career in the red meat sector and encouraged others to explore the opportunities the industry offers.
“The red meat industry is dynamic, challenging and can take you to places and roles that you never imagined,” he said.
“There’s a real sense of purpose in contributing to something that feeds millions of people every day and supports Australia’s diverse and vibrant regional communities.”
“Looking back, the path I ended up on wasn’t what I had envisioned when I first left school, but I’m incredibly proud of where I’ve landed and excited to see where the rest of my career takes me.”
For Ben, contributing to an industry that feeds millions and supports regional communities is more than a job – it’s a calling.
Ben will be among a range of presenters sharing industry insights at the 2026 ICMJ Northern Conference in Rockhampton.
Registrations for the event are open now and are expected to sell out again in 2026.
Register here: icmj.com.au/our-events