Patrick O’Brien, legendary Australian chef, tragically dies while overseas

A beloved Australian chef who spent decades mentoring young professionals in the hospitality industry has died in Singapore as his family hoped to take his body home.

Australian Culinary Federation Director Patrick O’Brien, OAM, tragically died in Singapore on October 20, International Chef’s Day.

The Australian Culinary Federation shared a moving tribute to Mr O’Brien, remembering him as a “treasured 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 much-loved and respected member of the Australian food community,” the federation wrote.

“His impact on the hospitality industry and countless lives will be forever remembered.

‘On International Chefs Day Patrick left us. A fitting closing gesture from a man who has given his heart and soul to the industry.’

The federation said O’Brien’s death has left an “immeasurable void” in the lives of his wife Rose, their children Ann Maree, Anthony and Martin, their grandchildren, colleagues, friends and chefs.

Australian Culinary Federation President Karen Doyle described Mr O’Brien as a dear friend with kindness, humor and unwavering dedication.

“Patrick was not only a colleague, but a dear friend who impacted my life in ways that words cannot describe,” Ms. Doyle said.

‘We shared a love of our Irish heritage and a passion for nurturing young chefs.

“His kindness, humor and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on me and on all those fortunate enough to know him. I adored him and will forever cherish the memories we shared.”

Mrs. Doyle started one GoFundMe campaign to help Mr O’Brien’s family bring his body back from Singapore.

The money raised will help with the repatriation costs and funeral costs of the ‘culinary icon’.

“We are raising money to bring Patrick to Australia and give him the send-off he so deeply deserves,” Ms Doyle wrote.

“Patrick gave his heart and soul to the industry and inspired chefs around the world with his kindness, mentorship and passion.

“Now let’s come together to honor him one last time so his family gets the support they need.”

At the time of writing, the fund received 141 donations totaling $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 moving to Australia to work at the Sheraton.

His desire to nurture the next generation of chefs prompted him to pursue training and in 1995 he joined Hospitality Group Training.

In 2006, he moved to North Metropolitan Tafe, where he became Director of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts and led a staff of 87 professionals for 18 years.

The director of the Australian Culinary Federation received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for services to the industry

Mr. O’Brien also mentored young chefs at the Culinary Olympics and at international competitions in Germany, India and Thailand, where he won more than twenty gold medals.

In 2023, Mr O’Brien was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, an honor he received with pride.

‘I love what I do because I can make a difference in the lives of young people. Encouraging them to be the best they can be,” O’Brien said at the time.

He has also been 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.

In addition to his professional success, Mr. O’Brien was also an active member of community initiatives and was known for personally recruiting volunteers to cook and serve at fundraising events such as the Long Table Lunch for Breast Cancer and the Cancer Council J.oondalup nice run.