Role: Centre Cook

Location: Ballina, NSW

Centre: Goodstart Ballina

Employment Type: Permanent / Part Time (32 hour per week)

Pay: $29.94 - $33.83 per hour + super

• 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.

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  
  
  

About Goodstart Ballina:

Goodstart Early Learning Ballina is a welcoming service located on the beautiful NSW North Coast, close to local schools, shops and the stunning beaches and river that make Ballina such a great place to live and work. The centre offers a supportive and community-focused environment for children, families and educators.

This role is based in the centre kitchen, supporting all rooms across the service by preparing fresh, nutritious meals and contributing to a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in the centre.

The centre operates Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 6.30pm, with some flexibility available within these hours to support work–life balance where possible.

Our centre is home to a passionate and diverse team of educators who bring a range of experience and perspectives. We have a strong focus on building meaningful community connections, with regular engagement through local events, excursions and partnerships that help children develop a strong sense of belonging.

What Goodstart can offer you:

• We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates 
• 50% discount off 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 included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for 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 James Brendel from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543.

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 deadlycareers@goodstart.org.au

Supporting our people and protecting our children

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

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/wm50t5tmoZg

#gscook

Posting Notes: BALLINA || NSW || Australia (AU) || | || No Early Childhood Qualification || Part-Time