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BREAKING NEWS Patrick O'Brien, legendary Australian chef, tragically dies while overseas Patrick O'Brien died suddenly in Singapore He was awarded Medal of of the Order of Australia in 2023 DO YOU KNOW MORE? EMAIL [email protected] By Antoinette Milienos For Daily Mail Australia Published: 00:35, 23 October 2024 | Updated: 00:47, 23 October 2024 e-mail View comments A beloved Aussie chef who mentored young professionals in the hospitality industry for decades has died in Singapore , with his family hoping to bring his body home. Director of the Australian Culinary Federation Patrick O'Brien, OAM, tragically died in Singapore on October 20 - International Chefs Day.
The Australian Culinary Federation shared a touching tribute to Mr O'Brien, remembering him as a 'cherished mentor and advocate for chefs and young professionals across the country. 'It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick O'Brien OAM, a deeply loved and respected member of the Australian food community,' the federation wrote. 'His impact on the hospitality industry and countless lives will forever be remembered.
'On International Chefs Day, Patrick left us – a fitting final gesture from a man who gave his heart and soul to the industry.' The federation said Mr O'Brien's death had left an 'immeasurable void' in the lives of his wife Rose, their children Ann Maree, Anthony and Martin, their grandchildren, colleagues, friends and chefs. President of the Australian Culinary Federation Karen Doyle described Mr O'Brien as a dear friend who had kindness, wit and an unwavering dedication.
'Patrick was not only a colleague but a dear friend who touched my life in ways words cannot describe,' Ms Doyle said. Patrick O'Brien, pictured right, has tragically passed away 'We shared a love for our Irish heritage and a passion for nurturing young chefs. 'His kindness, wit, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on me and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
I adored him and will forever treasure the memories we shared.' Ms Doyle started a GoFundMe campaign to help Mr O'Brien's family bring his body back from Singapore. The money raised will help with repatriation costs as well as funeral expenses for the 'culinary icon'.
'We are raising funds to help bring Patrick home to Australia and provide the farewell he so deeply deserves,' Ms Doyle wrote. Read More Shock as Aussie charity founder and father-of-two dies suddenly 'Patrick gave his heart and soul to the industry, inspiring chefs across the globe with his kindness, mentorship, and passion. 'Let us now come together to honour him one last time, ensuring his family has the support they need.
' At the time of writing, the fund received 141 donations totalling $28,085, with a goal of raising $50,000. Mr O'Brien studied at St Mary's College of Catering in Ireland and worked at renowned restaurants before relocating to Australia to work at the Sheraton. His desire to nurture the next generation of chef's prompted his move into training and in 1995 he began at the Hospitality Group Training.
In 2006, he moved to the North Metropolitan Tafe where he became the Director of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts leading a staff of 87 professionals for 18 years. The Director of the Australian Culinary Federation was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for his service to the industry Mr O'Brien also guided young chefs at the Culinary Olympics and at international competitions across Germany, India and Thailand, winning more than 20 gold medals. In 2023, Mr O'Brien was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, an honour he was proud to accept.
'I Love what I do because I get to make a difference to young people's lives. Encouraging them to be the best they can possibly be,' Mr O'Brien said at the time. He was also celebrated with numerous awards including the President's Award for Education from the World Association of Chef's Societies in Norway and induction into the Hall of Fame for the Restaurant and Caterers awards Western Australia.
Beyond his professional success, Mr O'Brien was also an active member in community initiatives and was known to personally recruit volunteers to cook and serve at fundraising events such as the Long Table Lunch for Breast Cancer and the Cancer Council J oondalup Fun Run. Singapore Share or comment on this article: Patrick O'Brien, legendary Australian chef, tragically dies while overseas e-mail Add comment.
