Chef

Palm Lake Resort Pty; Bargara; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Work-life balance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tenure rewards

Inclusive team culture

Career opportunities across Palm Lake

Job summary

Palm Lake Care is seeking an experienced Chef to join our hospitality team in Bargara. You will deliver nutritious meals and ensure high standards of food safety, presentation, and resident satisfaction across our aged care communities.

You will lead kitchen staff, coordinate with the Chef Manager on menus and events, and support dietary requirements in a caring, team-focused environment. This casual role requires commitment to quality and resident well-being.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• Current Food Safety Certificate.
• Knowledge of Aged Care Accreditation Standards and IDDSI texture and fluid guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise kitchen staff and communicate effectively.
• National Police Check.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present high-quality, nutritious meals and mid-meals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and accreditation standards.
• Cater for special diets following guidelines.
• Monitor and record food wastage and manage portions.
• Assist with ordering, deliveries, and stock rotation.
• Supervise Cooks and Food Service Assistants; promote teamwork.
• Liaise with Chef Manager on resident feedback and events.
• Deputise for Chef Manager in their absence.
• Maintain high hygiene in kitchen and cleaning duties.

Skills

3 years' experience as a Chef

Communication & teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Supervisory skills

IDDSI guidelines

Aged Care Standards knowledge

Police check

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Are you a passionate Chef looking to make a real difference in aged care dining?

About Us

At Palm Lake Care, care isn’t just what we do it’s who we are. As a proud, family owned organisation, we’ve built our reputation on values that put people first. Across our seven premium aged care communities, we provide personalised residential, respite, and palliative care in vibrant, welcoming environments where every resident feels truly valued.

Our team is united by a simple promise, I will make a difference for you, right now. That belief drives us to go the extra mile because the little things often matter most. Here, respect is at the heart of every interaction with residents, families, and each other because how we treat people conveys everything about us as a company and you as an individual.

Our Palm Lake Promise to you is that here, you will make a difference.

Palm Lake Care Bargarais seeking an experienced and creative Chef to join our hospitality team on a casualbasis. You’ll play a vital role in delivering nutritious, high-quality meals and an exceptional dining experience for our residents and guests.

Weekend and public holiday shifts available with penalty rates.

Responsibilities

As a Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the kitchen and food services while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, presentation, and resident satisfaction. Your key duties will include:

• Preparing and presenting high-quality, nutritious meals and mid-meals in accordance with approved menus.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, Palm Lake Care systems, and Aged Care Accreditation Standards.
• Catering for special diets, cultural, and religious meal requirements following Dietician and Clinical Manager guidelines.
• Monitoring and recording food wastage, ensuring portion control and minimal waste.
• Assisting with ordering, delivery checks, and stock rotation according to the Food Safety Plan.
• Supervising Cooks and Food Service Assistants and promoting teamwork within the kitchen.
• Liaising with the Chef Manager regarding resident feedback, menu changes, and special events.
• Deputising for the Chef Manager in their absence.
• Ensuring all kitchen and cleaning duties are completed to high hygiene standards.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you will bring a blend of culinary skill, leadership, and a passion for service excellence.

You’ll need:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• Current Food Safety Certificate.
• Knowledge of Aged Care Accreditation Standards and IDDSI texture and fluid guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage kitchen staff.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• National Police Check.

You’ll stand out if you have:

• Previous experience in aged care or healthcare catering.
• Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail.
• A positive attitude, initiative, and the ability to work independently.

Why Join Us?

At Palm Lake Care, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional lifestyle communities and providing our staff with a supportive and rewarding work environment. We offer our team:

• Competitive Remuneration
• Work-life Balance with flexible working hours.
• 24/7 free accessto compassionate, confidential support with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Celebrate Milestones withtenure rewards!
• Supportive team culture– Be part of a vibrant and inclusive community where your contributions are valued
• Career Opportunities -Palm Lake Group spans 4 entities, 27 lifestyle resort communities and 7 aged care facilities across Australia's east coast, from development & construction to resort management & aged care, the career pathways and opportunities with Palm Lake Group are truly endless.

Join a Team That Cares

We believe belonging and connection are fundamental rights of ageing. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact through the joy of food and hospitality, we’d love to hear from you.

As an inclusive and culturally sensitive workplace, we invite individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and all walks of life, to apply.

All applicants must provide a valid national police check and undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

Please note, all Palm Lake Care Communities are smoke-free workplaces.