Australia
Spreading Smiles Beyond the Kitchen: Chef Benjamin Cooper and CoachHire’s Commitment to Starlight
Chef Benjamin Cooper may be renowned for his culinary artistry, but his passion goes far beyond the kitchen.
Over the years, Benjamin has been an invaluable Starlight Ambassador, leveraging his talent and heart to
brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. In supporting this vision, CoachHire.com.au
proudly partners with Starlight by providing free bus and mini bus transport services to bring memorable
experiences to life.
Benjamin's journey into the culinary world began with a leap of faith. Leaving his economics studies to pursue a
culinary apprenticeship, he quickly fell in love with cooking and decided to make it his career. This led to
several remarkable achievements, including a role as Executive Chef at the iconic Chin Chin in Melbourne. Over
13 years, Benjamin’s Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine has redefined the Australian dining scene and made Chin
Chin a must-visit destination.
Beyond his culinary success, Benjamin has continually devoted time and energy to Starlight’s mission. As a
long-standing supporter, he has been an integral part of the Starlight Five Chefs Dinners, an event series to
raise vital funds to bring joy to kids and their families. From working in the kitchen to mingling with guests,
Benjamin often goes above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences. His auction items for private dining
experiences have sparked fierce bidding wars, generating essential funds for Starlight.
CoachHire Joins the Journey
Benjamin isn’t alone in his mission to make a difference. At CoachHire, we are honoured to support Starlight
with complimentary transport for their events and initiatives. Transport is vital to these gatherings, ensuring
supporters can come together quickly, especially those with limited travel options. Whether it's a Starlight
Express Room visit or one of the many charity events, CoachHire is proud to play a part in making these moments
possible.
CoachHire’s involvement doesn’t stop with providing a bus hire service —it’s about creating an experience that
mirrors the warmth and joy that Starlight aims to bring to every child. Our partnership with Starlight allows us
to contribute meaningfully, helping to deliver smiles on wheels to each event.
A Dad with a Big Heart
As a father to three children—Kanaida, Daisy, and Felix—Benjamin understands the value of happiness and laughter
in childhood. This empathy shines through in his visits to Starlight Express Rooms, where he’s brought joy
through cooking demos, gingerbread decorating sessions, and simply spending time with kids during the festive
season. His enthusiasm for Starlight’s mission is palpable, as he regularly brings smiles to children undergoing
challenging medical journeys.
Benjamin best captures this commitment: “Seeing Starlight’s impact first-hand is such a motivation for me. The
Starlight Express Room is a vibrant, happy place; you almost forget you’re in a hospital. To play a small part
and help kids have some fun during tough times is so rewarding.”
The Heart of Starlight’s Mission, Delivered by CoachHire
CoachHire is proud to stand alongside ambassadors like Benjamin, who go beyond their professional roles to give
back to the community. Together, we’re honoured to bring families together, support joyous events, and make
transport less worry for families.
Benjamin Cooper’s unwavering support and CoachHire’s transportation services enable Starlight to continue
delivering life-changing experiences to those who need them most. And as long as there are smiles to be shared,
CoachHire will help bring everyone together, creating journeys filled with joy, resilience, and hope.
Want to support Starlight? Find out more about our ongoing work and how you can help brighten the lives of
children and families at Starlight’s
website.
