Centre Cook

Goodstart Early Learning; Pretty Pine; On-site; AUD 40,278 - 57,366; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Childcare discount

Fitness Passport

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Free flu shot

Extra leave

First Nations support

Insurance discounts

Uniform allowance

Referral program

Job summary

Goodstart Deniliquin is seeking a Centre Cook to prepare healthy meals for children, plan menus with the Centre Director, and manage food safety in a welcoming, homely environment. This fixed-term, part‑time position (25 hours per week) is based in Deniliquin, NSW.

Ideal candidates hold a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or have relevant childcare kitchen experience and a NSW Working with Children Check. The role offers competitive pay with benefits and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies.
• Plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director.
• Maintain high standards of food safety by storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks.
• Work a part-time roster of 25 hours per week.

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Tools

Current NSW Working with Children Check

Job description

Role: Centre Cook

Location: Deniliquin, NSW

Centre: Goodstart Deniliquin

Employment Type: Fixed-Term (Until Oct 2026) Part‑Time (25 hours a week – Monday to Friday) - no weekends, evenings, or public holidays! Flexibility with hours if less is preferred or a casual position

Pay: Up to $35.44 per hour (base rate) + super + benefits. Up to $42.88 per hour for casual.

• 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.

About Goodstart Deniliquin

• Our 51-place centre operates from a charming heritage-style building that offers a welcoming, homely atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
• The service’s Centre Director, Candice, brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, with more than 20 of those dedicated to our Deniliquin service – a true reflection of her commitment and quality of care.
• Our vision is to create an environment filled with knowledge, love and support, where every child’s individuality is valued and respected. We aim to be an extension of home, offering a place where children learn and grow through play.
• The centre has three outdoor learning spaces that embrace the natural world, with rocks, water, gardens, riverbeds, wooden bridges and platforms surrounded by nature.

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 25 hours per week

What Goodstart Can Offer You

• We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates
• 50% discount on 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 are included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for an 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 NSW Working with Children Check

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 from our Talent Acquisition Team on 07 3918 2369 or via email [e-mail]

Reconciliation and Inclusion

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 [e-mail]

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer that is proud of an 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.