Update: Since the release of this story and additional media campaigns, Nate has now found work as a chef in an aged care facility – and he couldn’t be happier!
A qualified Head Chef who has run his own cafe and recently released a cookbook ‘The Hurricane Chef’, Nate Quinell is passionate about cooking – and is very keen to find work again in the industry he loves.
Even though he is blind and wears cochlear implants due to deafness since a child, Nate’s biggest hurdle is convincing industry employers that he can handle the heat in the kitchen. So Nate came to Disability Employment Services provider BUSY Ability, seeking support to find employment. This was a good step as, apart from assistance in finding work, BUSY Ability can assist Nate (and potential employers) with funding for workplace modifications or support that Nate may need in his place of employ.
Then along came Covid-19 which has made it quite a bit harder for the hospitality industry in these past few months. Now that restrictions are lifting, the team at BUSY Ability and Nate are determined to find him employment in a kitchen.
Like everyone, Nate just wants to work in the industry he knows (and loves), where he can make a valuable contribution doing what he does best – cooking.
“I don’t need to be the head chef, although I am qualified as a head chef, I am happy to do anything, prep, kitchen hand – any role in a kitchen that can use my skills. Part time or full time, I will take whatever work is available”, Nate stated.
“I live in Beenleigh region but I’m happy to travel, as I have before, anywhere between Tweed and Brisbane. I have funding for a support person to take me to my shifts, and they can support me in the kitchen if required. If you’re looking for a professional and reliable person on your team, I’m definitely your man!”, he further stated.
In his time, Nate has achieved some celebrity status, appearing in a number of programs such as Guide Dogs Queensland, Jamie’s Kitchen and Fearless Films. Late last year Nate was given the opportunity to appear in a docu-series through Southern Cross University entitled Lived Experiences of Disability.
“Nate is one of those people that can make the rest of us look ordinary and his next employer will be lucky to have him! Not only is Nate an excellent chef, he’s a great person to have on your team. This is our call-out for an inclusive employer to give him a go – you won’t be disappointed!”, Jason Shield, CEO for BUSY Ability stated.
In Summary:
- Nate (the Hurricane Chef) is looking for work!
- He lives in the Beenleigh region but is happy to travel
- Looking for part time or full time work
- BUSY Ability can assist with any workplace support when employing Nate
- If you want to know a little more about Nate, you can watch his video interview with Southern Cross University here: SCU Lived Experiences of Disability – Nate Quinell
- If you would like to purchase a copy of Nate’s cookbook (written with visually impaired persons in mind and with $5 of every purchase going to Guide Dogs Australia), you can do so here http://www.thehurricanechef.com.au/
- If you are interested in interviewing Nate or would like further information, contact BUSY Ability on 1800 761 561 or email info@busyability.org.au
Read more in the Gold Coast Bulletin article
The BUSY Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and their Elders past and present.
