Steve Bates
Firefighter, trainer, award-winning Toastmaster, World Travel Expert
Steve Bates brings more than 36 years of frontline service as a firefighter and Superintendent with the Queensland Fire Department—one of Australia’s busiest emergency services. Throughout his career, he led major operations, managed complex incident command centres, and deployed interstate during large scale disasters.
Recently retired, Steve now channels his extraordinary real‑world experiences into insightful, uplifting presentations. His warm, humorous, and engaging style resonates strongly with audiences, blending memorable storytelling with practical wisdom on resilience, leadership, human behaviour, and navigating life’s unexpected moments. Whether delivering personal reflections, or sharing lessons from high‑pressure situations, Steve creates inspiring, entertaining sessions that leave cruise‑ship guests feeling enriched, energised, and deeply connected.
Recent Experience
Keynote Speaker – Queensland Fire Department Safety Symposium (2025)
Delivered a powerful keynote to interstate and international colleagues on operational learnings and new safety initiatives following a fatal structural fire investigation he led.
Toastmasters International – Award Winning Speaker
Winner of multiple contests, including the 2025 Area 20 Speech Contest with his acclaimed presentation ‘The Self-Worth Folder.’
Master of Ceremonies – Firefighter Memorial Service
Served as MC for the remembrance service honouring fallen firefighter Izzy Nash, demonstrating professionalism, composure, and compassionate leadership.
Resilience: How Ordinary People Cope With Extraordinary Events
A powerful exploration of emotional strength, recovery, and perspective shaped through decades of frontline emergency experience.
Ports of Destiny: How This Region’s History Shaped the World
An engaging journey through the significant events, people, and turning points that shaped each port. Blends storytelling, history, and human behaviour to give guests a deeper appreciation of their destination.
Fire, Fear, and the Human Mind: What Emergencies Teach Us About Ourselves
A fascinating look at human behaviour under stress, revealing what large‑scale emergencies can teach us about decision‑making, courage, and the human brain.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Saviour of Mankind or Villain?
A clear, myth‑busting look at lithium‑ion battery technology—its risks, realities, and the truth behind the headlines—presented by someone who has managed these incidents firsthand.
Speak with Confidence: How Anyone Can Master the Art of Public Speaking
A practical, entertaining session drawing on decades of leadership, training, and Toastmasters success. Guests learn accessible techniques for managing nerves, structuring ideas, and speaking with clarity and impact.
