Out of the kitchen with Starlight Ambassador Benjamin Cooper
For Benjamin Cooper, the world of economics could not compete with the thrill of life in a commercial kitchen.
After taking time out from his studies in economics to do a culinary apprenticeship, Benjamin quickly fell in love with the world of cooking and decided to pursue a career as a chef.
From that moment his career has skyrocketed, and he has worked alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs including Neil Perry and Kylie Kwong. He has a passion for fresh and fiery authentic flavours and has been Executive Chef at beloved South-East Asian restaurant Chin Chin for the past 13 years. His work has redefined Southeast Asian cuisine in Australia and has turned Chin Chin to an iconic dining destination.
Alongside the demands of his many roles in the culinary world, Benjamin has dedicated his time and effort supporting many charity initiatives and has been a long-time supporter of Starlight.
Benjamin has been an integral part of our Starlight Five Chefs Dinners over many years dedicating his time to raise vital funds to bring happiness to seriously ill children. Notably, he has generously shared his time and expertise as an event chef as well as donating numerous major auction prizes for exclusive private dining functions – which are hotly contended.
Always a popular figure at the events, Benjamin surprises and delights guests by coming out from the kitchen to hand deliver dishes and even steals the photographer’s camera to capture his own happy snaps with guests.
As proud dad to Kanaida, Daisy, and Felix, Benjamin understands the importance of happiness in childhood. In his role as a Starlight Ambassador he is a frequent visitor to the Starlight Express Rooms at Monash Children’s Hospital and recently brought smiles to kids’ faces making homemade gingerbread at Christmas time.
“Seeing Starlight’s impact first-hand is such a motivation for me. The Starlight Express Room is such a vibrant, happy place, you almost forget you’re in hospital. To be able to play a small part and help kids have some fun during really tough times, is so rewarding” he said.
