🎙️ Courage to Lead Interview Series: The Leadership Journey of Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington
In one of our most inspiring episodes on The Courage to Lead Interview Series yet, I had the honour of interviewing Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington of the NSW Rural Fire Service. Ben Millington’s leadership journey is one of resilience, humility, and sheer determination — beginning on a windswept beach as a 12-year-old sprint team captain, to now overseeing operational coordination for one of the world’s largest volunteer fire services.
From early lessons in responsibility as a nipper to a hard-earned career in law enforcement and emergency management, Ben Millington’s story is a masterclass in embracing challenge. After an early rejection from the police force, he persisted, later serving in high-pressure locations like Bankstown and remote Indigenous communities in Enngonia and Bourke. These frontline roles taught him the value of community, communication, and courageous decision-making.
Ben Millington then made a bold move — crossing into the NSW Rural Fire Service from police ranks, starting unranked for nearly 3 years and earning respect through humility, listening, and deep learning. He went on to manage the State Operations Centre through the devastating 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and played a vital role in the state’s COVID response.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Ben Millington sought out and was given an Emergency Operations Specialist role in what was called the Australian Civilian Corps, working with DFAT, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and was posted to Fiji for 12 months, securing and learning unique skills in an International sense, further enhancing his Emergency Management skills and credentials.
In 2023, Ben Millington was appointed Acting Chief Officer of Queensland’s Rural Fire Service during a major organisational reform — a demanding role that required leadership through complexity, empathy for volunteers, and the courage to make bold decisions.
Throughout the episode, Ben Millington generously shares leadership truths:
- Seek out opportunity – Growth comes from discomfort.
- Empower your team – Trust is the cornerstone of high-performing teams.
- Stay humble – Listen more than you speak and never stop learning.
Ben Millington says: “People might not always agree with your decision, but if they feel heard, they’ll accept it.”
It’s a powerful reminder that the best leaders aren’t born — they’re shaped by experiences, setbacks, and the people they choose to learn from.
🎧 Don’t miss this episode of the Courage to Lead Interview Series — a must-listen for anyone navigating leadership in emergency services, public service, or any high-stakes environment.
➡️ Available now on your favourite podcast platform.
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