Early Childhood Centre - Cook

Job Description

Early Childhood Centre Cook \n

Job Summary: Tradewind are seeking a qualified and experienced centre cook for a warm and welcoming long day care based in Maidstone, Melbourne. This is a part time position working Monday - Friday.

Benefits \n

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• $30-$35 per hour, depending on experience
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• Part‑time hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-2:00pm
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• Excellent work/life balance with daytime hours - no nights or weekends
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• Friendly, supportive and collaborative team environment
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• Opportunity to contribute to the health, wellbeing and development of young children
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• Convenient Maidstone location with good public transport links and onsite parking
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• Full training and ongoing support provided
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About the Role \n

Are you a cook looking for a rewarding new opportunity? Are you passionate about helping young children get the best start in life through healthy, nutritious and culturally inclusive food?

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Tradewind Australia is recruiting a part‑time Centre Cook for a lovely, welcoming, early childhood centre in Maidstone, in Melbourne's West.

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We would love to hear from you if you are a qualified chef with experience working with young children, or a Certificate III qualified Early Childhood Educator looking to transition into a kitchen and food‑focused role.

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You’ll be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks for the children, while ensuring dietary requirements, allergies, food safety and nutritional needs are carefully managed.

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You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive team that works collaboratively and has a strong, family‑oriented culture.

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The ideal start date will be ASAP (but negotiable) following interview and onboarding procedures.

Key duties \n

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• Planning menus and preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children
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• Managing stocktake, food orders and kitchen supplies
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• Catering for dietary requirements, allergies and individual nutritional needs
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• Maintaining a strong understanding of food safety, allergen management and safe food‑handling practices
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• Keeping the kitchen clean, organised and hygienic, including regular cleaning of appliances, equipment and surfaces
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• Developing creative and varied weekly menus that incorporate nutritious foods, different cuisines and cultures
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• Incorporating seasonal produce and food grown in the centre's own garden where possible
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• Supporting special events and celebrations through culturally appropriate and creative food choices
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• Engaging children in conversations and activities around healthy food choices and nutrition
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• Working collaboratively with educators and the wider centre team
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• Ensuring children's health and safety is prioritised at all times
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Skills & Experience \n

As centre cook, you will hold:

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• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualification (or ACECQA approved Early Childhood Qualification)
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• Previous experience working as a centre cook is highly desirable
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• A current Victorian Working with Children Check
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• Food Handling Certificate/Do Food Safely
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• Completed or willing to complete a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
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• Previous experience working as a centre cook highly desirable
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• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Certificates
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• Full working rights - this opportunity will not provided sponsorship
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Why work with Tradewind? \n

Tradewind Australia is a specialist, education recruitment agency and is the preferred supplier of educators for many schools and Early learning Centres across the greater Melbourne / Victoria region. We have a strong reputation of providing high calibre teachers with fantastic contract opportunities and helping to pursue a rewarding career. Our aim is to cultivate an excellent ongoing relationship with you throughout your growing career.

Commitment to Child Safety and Equal Opportunity \n

Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Our Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct ensure a safe environment for all children, including those with a disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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All applicants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including a Working with Children Check, and identity verification. We encourage candidates to highlight any experience working with diverse children and communities.

TRADEWIND AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER. \n

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and those with lived experience.

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