Early Childhood Centre Cook/Chef

YWCA Canberra; Murrumbateman; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

ECEC Retention Payments

Salary packaging

Extra leave days (Xmas–New Year)

Childcare discount (50%)

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

YWCA Canberra in Murrumbateman NSW is seeking a part-time Cook to support the Fairley Early Childhood Service with nutritious, high-quality meals. This fixed-term contract runs until June 2027, at 30 hours per week, helping sustain children’s health, wellbeing and learning through well-balanced menus.

The role requires strong food safety knowledge, ability to manage dietary needs and allergies, and a collaborative approach with educators and families to create a warm, well-organised kitchen

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or relevant practical experience.
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Experience planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines for children.
• Confidence accommodating allergy-related and dietary requirements.
• Experience maintaining a safe, hygienic kitchen and working within compliance frameworks.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
• A positive, flexible attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and Police Check, or willingness to obtain.
• First aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training, or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for children in line with nutritional guidelines.
• Plan and adapt menus to meet dietary needs and allergies.
• Maintain a safe, hygienic kitchen and comply with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with educators and families to support children's health and wellbeing.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Menu planning

Dietary/allergy accommodation

Kitchen hygiene

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Independence

Education

Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Job description

YWCA Canberra is seeking an experienced and dedicated part-time Cook to join our Fairley Early Childhood Service in Murrumbateman, NSW.

This is a fixed-term contract until June 2027, working 30 hours per week. The role plays an important part in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and learning through nutritious, high-quality meals.

We are looking for a passionate Cook who brings strong food safety knowledge, confidence in managing dietary and allergy requirements, and a collaborative approach to working with educators and families. You will help create a warm, inclusive and well-organised kitchen environment where children’s needs are understood and supported.

What you will bring

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery, or relevant practical experience
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate, or willingness to obtain
• Experience planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines for children
• Confidence accommodating allergy-related and dietary requirements
• Experience maintaining a safe, hygienic kitchen and working within compliance frameworks
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently
• A positive, flexible attitude and strong interpersonal skills
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and Police Check, or willingness to obtain
• First aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training, or willingness to obtain

Why join YWCA Canberra?

At YWCA Canberra, you will be part of a values-driven and supportive organisation committed to strengthening communities across the ACT and surrounding region. You will join a collaborative, inclusive workplace where your skills, ideas and initiative are encouraged, respected and valued.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, including approval to pay the Australian Government ECEC Worker Retention Payments
• Salary packaging that can increase your take-home pay by up to $5,000 annually
• Three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Year
• 50% gap fee discount on childcare fees at any YWCA Canberra service
• Excellent professional development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling, plus annual flu vaccinations
• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace

Join Canberra’s only Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as recognised by WGEA, and make your mark in shaping children’s futures.

About YWCA Canberra

YWCA Canberra is a long-standing not-for-profit organisation providing essential services to women, children and families across the ACT. As a values-based organisation, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive and empowering environments for our staff and the communities we serve.

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.

YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character‑checking procedures.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.