Role: Centre Cook

Location: Mentone, VIC 3194

Centre: Goodstart Mentone

Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term until October 2026   

Pay: Up to $33.83 p/h (Depending on qualification & experience) + 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
• Prepare meals between 8am – 4:30pm
  
  

About Goodstart Mentone

As our Centre Cook, you’ll do more than prepare meals — you’ll play a meaningful role in each child’s day. From nurturing healthy eating habits to being a familiar and trusted face, you’ll be an important part of our Goodstart Mentone family.

• Purpose‑driven work that supports children’s health and development
• Family‑friendly weekday hours with no late nights
• A valued role within the centre community
• Supportive leadership that respects your expertise
• A well‑resourced kitchen with quality ingredients
• Fixed-term (potential for ongoing employment)

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 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 and childcare 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 VIC 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 Salena from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email svo@goodstart.org.au

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.

#centrecook