Cook

ABOUT US

Located at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, Campus Life has four purpose built early learning centres providing high-quality education to children from six weeks of age. Our play-based educational programs are based around:

• Supporting and encouraging a love for learning that involves curiosity, creativity, and innovation
  

• Connecting with others, oneself, and the environment
  

• Supporting each child's dispositions for learning
  

• Supporting children's wellbeing
  

• Celebrating and sharing the importance of childhood as a unique and valuable time
  

We are committed to our people; we embrace diversity and welcome our people just as they are and prioritise professional development. At Campus Life you will benefit from being part of a dynamic and committed team. The successful candidate will share our organisational values of Courage, Agility, Rigour, Empowerment and Support (CARES) and commit to these being visible in their actions and words.


THE ROLE

We are seeking a Casual Centre Cook to support our four Early Learning Centres at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde.

As our casual Centre Cook, you will be much more than the person preparing meals. You will be a valued member of our centre community, helping to nourish young minds and bodies through healthy, nutritious food and positive mealtime experiences. Working closely with educators and families, you will help children develop healthy eating habits while ensuring all dietary, cultural and allergy requirements are met.

This hands-on role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to children's health and wellbeing while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Key Accountabilities include:

• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, centre requirements and children's dietary needs.
  
• Demonstrated understanding of food safety, allergy management and preparing meals for children with specific dietary, cultural and medical requirements.
  
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic kitchen environment by completing all daily and periodical cleaning tasks, undertaking food safety checks, following food handling and infection control policies and procedures, and maintaining a high standard of personal presentation and hygiene
  
• Manage stock levels and stock rotation, implement appropriate food storage practices and track and minimise food wastage
  
• In consultation with the Centre Manager, cater for centre events such as family evenings, morning/afternoon teas, and other celebrations as required
  
• Build and maintain strong, positive, and ethical relationships with children, families and staff and contribute to a professional and positive work culture

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in cooking for groups of young children aged 0-5 years is desirable
  
• Current Food Safety Supervisor certification, including NSW Food Authority approved units SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement)
  
• Understanding of food safety and preparing meals for children with specific dietary needs
  
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
  
• Ability to establish, build and maintain relationships with colleagues and families
  
• Ability to work independently
  
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia
  
• Current Working with Children Check
  
• Completed or willingness to complete National Child Safety Foundation training National child safety training - Department of Education, Australian Government
  
• Desirable: Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) and/or Certificate in Nutrition and Menu Planning is not essential but will be highly regarded

Child Safe Commitment Statement

Campus Life is committed to the safety, well-being and empowerment of all children and young people engaging in our programs and to protect them from foreseeable harm.

Campus Life treats all allegations and complaints about the safety and wellbeing of children seriously and is committed to ensuring that its staff, volunteers and contractors understand the legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities.

Every Campus Life employee has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the well-being and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do.


HOW TO APPLY

If being part of an inclusive, vibrant organisation is something you are passionate about, we encourage you to apply.

For general enquiries or a copy of the Position Description, please contact Andrea Takoushis Compliance Officer ••••@mq.edu.au

Please submit your resume outlining your relevant experience, qualifications and suitability for the role.


If you need any support or reasonable adjustments through this recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide the support you need.


Equity & Diversity Statement

At Macquarie University, we are committed to providing a working environment where each individual is valued, respected, and supported to progress. Our priority is to ensure culture, policies and processes are truly inclusive and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTIQA+ identities, family and caring responsibilities, age, or religion. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria and shares Macquarie University's values of scholarship, empowerment, and integrity to apply.

Learn more about our progress towards Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/diversity-and-community

Applications Close: Thursday 20th of August 2026 at 11:00PM (AEST)