Centre Cook (Early Childhood)

Early Learning Victoria; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria Avoca is hiring a Part-time Centre Cook (0.6FTE) to provide nutritious meals for children in a 57-place centre co-located with Avoca Primary School. You will plan menus, order supplies, and maintain your kitchen to ELV's Food Safety standards.

We value flexibility, reliability and the ability to cater for diverse dietary, allergy and cultural needs. A Working with Children Check and food safety qualifications are preferred, with support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef.
• Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and handling/hygiene requirements.
• Ability to cater for diverse dietary, allergy and cultural requirements.
• Effective communication with staff, children, families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children according to ELV policy.
• Ensure food meets dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate.
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock within budget.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment per Food Safety Act and ELV policies.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment; escalate to centre leadership as required.

Skills

Cook/chef experience

Food safety knowledge

Dietary needs accommodation

Communication skills

Education

Food Handling Certificate

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Working with Children Check

First Aid Certification

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

Opening in 2027 and co-located with Avoca Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Avoca is a 57-place centre and will provide long day care, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

Part-time Centre Cook, (0.6FTE) – family friendly hours available.

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 communityc
• 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

More information about this role can be found HERE.

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 Sue Almond, Centre Director on **********@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 13 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. Our Staff 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