Centre Cook

Role: Centre Cook

Centre: Goodstart Pakenham

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Pay: $31.36 – $35.44 per hour, based on qualification

• Delight little customers with big appetites – provide delicious meals and influence the nutritional outcomes of Australian children
• Competitive pay – at least 5% above award
• Get 50% discount off your childcare gap fees

As a Cook at Goodstart, you'll create delicious, healthy meals that fuel young minds and bodies, becoming a cherished part of our community. Your passion for food and commitment to quality will play a crucial role in shaping the daily experiences of the children in our care.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies
• Use your creativity and organisational skills to plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic
• Work a part time roster of 34 hours per week

About Goodstart Pakenham:

• Join a passionate, highly skilled team at our 91 place Exceeding-rated centre
• Located in the heart of Pakenham’s community precinct, with easy access to shops, schools, health services, and natural spaces like the lake and local parks
• We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the Bunurong Land Council, which helps shape our curriculum, embeds First Nations perspectives and guides our centre’s RAP
• Our longstanding team is committed to professional growth, flexible with shift times, and fair with responsibilities—we work hard, support each other, and celebrate together.
• You’ll be supported by a dedicated and collaborative leadership team, our Centre Director has many years experience working at Goodstart.

What Goodstart can offer you:

• We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates 
• 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
• Paid professional development
• Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance  
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
• Retail discounts on insurance, travel and technology
• Uniform allowance and employee referral program

You’ll need:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting
• Current Vic Working with Children Check
• Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your application.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.

Have a question? Contact Ange Cummings from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 *** or via email *********@goodstart.org.au

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  For further information and support email *************@goodstart.org.au

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check along with Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform.

Posting Notes: PAKENHAM || VIC || Australia (AU) || | SF:LI || No Early Childhood Qualification || Part-Time