Craig Shanahan of Blind Chef Cafe wins Blind Australian Employer Choice award

A legally blind chef from western Sydney – who launched his dream cafe last year – has been crowned a winner at the 2022 Blind Australian of the Year Awards.

Craig Shanahan’s service dog Rocco inside his dream cafe.

A legally blind chef from western Sydney – who launched his dream cafe last year – has been crowned a winner and finalist in two categories at the 2022 Blind Australian of the Year Awards.

Craig Shanahan, with his service dog Rocco at his side, was awarded the inaugural Employer Choice Award for his Penrith business The Blind Chef Cafe Dessert Bar. The St Clair resident was also selected as a finalist for the Blind Australian of the Year Award.

Mr Shanahan said he was “blown away” by both his nomination and win.

“I feel incredibly privileged, there are so many vision impaired people out there doing great things and these awards are so important to recognise them,” he said.

Craig receives his award

Craig Shanahan and his service dog Rocco at the awards.

A childhood cancer diagnosis at the age of two meant Mr Shanahan tragically lost the vision in one of his eyes.

Then years later, aged 23, tragedy struck again in the form of a life-threatening brain tumour while he was working as a qualified chef, causing Mr Shanahan to lose the vision in his other eye.

Blind Chef Cafe Penrith

Eggs Benny at The Blind Chef Cafe Penrith

Despite significant hardship so early on in his career Mr Shanahan remained determined to fulfil his dream of opening up his own cafe, a dream he made happen in 2021 when the doors to The Blind Chef Cafe and Dessert Bar first opened.

He now prides his cafe on being an accessible venue with ample space to accommodate for wheelchairs and service dogs.

“Before becoming vision impaired I didn’t realise how tough it could be to get a job, so I want to give other people with disabilities a go, both through employment as well as giving them a place they feel welcome”, he said.

“People are amazed at how much space there is here, we want everyone to feel comfortable.”

The space, which used to be a Thai restaurant has been transformed into a spacious industrial chic style eatery with its own car park.

Starting in 2018, the Blind Australian of the Year Awards recognise Australians with vision impairment who have made exceptional contribution to their communities and inspired excellence in others.