Centre Cook

Government schools; Bendigo; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is seeking a cook/chef to prepare nutritious meals for children at the Shepparton centre, adhering to ELV policy and dietary needs. You will manage ordering and stock while keeping a safe kitchen in line with the Food Safety Act.

Applicants require a Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate, Working with Children Check, and First Aid qualifications. Police checks (including international, if applicable) are required.

Qualifications

• Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
• Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking policy.
• Ensure all food meets dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community.
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required

Skills

Cook experience

Food safety awareness

Communication

Education

Certificate in Food Handling

Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Job description

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is leading the roll-out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of child safety.

ELV is approved for the Commonwealth Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opened in 2026 and co-located with Wilmot Road Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Shepparton is a 130-place centre offering long day care Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

Early Learning Victoria is approved to receive the Commonwealths Worker Retention Grant, which funds a 15% wage increase above modern award rates for eligible employees.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety policy
• Ensure all food is prepared to meet individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required

About You

• Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef, providing high-volume, nutritious meals in a timely manner
• Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and food handling and hygiene requirements
• Ability to cater for a diverse range of dietary, allergy and cultural requirements
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities

Qualifications and Experience

• Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate
• Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Applying and Further Information

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Claire Stewart, Workforce Development Coordinator on ***************@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. OurStaff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions, visit the Department website.