Cook

Part-time / Casual Opportunities Available

About Us

John Curtin Aged Care is a community-focused, not-for-profit aged care facility committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care in a warm and supportive environment.

Located in the heart of Creswick, our 65-bed facility includes our Peacock Wing, a specialised 17-bed Memory Care Unit, where we support residents living with dementia with dignity, respect, and understanding.

At John Curtin Aged Care, we recognise the important role food, nutrition, and dining experiences play in supporting the health, wellbeing, comfort, and quality of life of our residents.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking reliable and motivated Cooks to join our Food Services team and support the preparation and delivery of safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals for our residents.

Working alongside the Chef Manager, Chefs, and broader hospitality team, you will contribute to a positive dining experience by preparing meals that meet residents' individual dietary, cultural, and clinical requirements while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.

Whether you're looking for part-time or casual work, this is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive team where your contribution genuinely makes a difference every day.

About the Role

The Cook supports the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals within our residential aged care environment, ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved menus, food safety standards, and residents' individual needs.

This hands-on role is suited to someone who enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, takes pride in producing quality meals, and values creating positive dining experiences that enhance residents' wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Resident Nutrition

- Prepare, cook,



and present meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, and production schedules.

- Prepare meals that meet therapeutic, allergy, cultural, religious, and texture-modified dietary requirements.

- Prepare texture-modified meals and thickened fluids in accordance with the IDDSI Framework.

- Support resident choice wherever possible while maintaining nutritional and clinical requirements.

- Ensure meals are served at the appropriate temperature, consistency, and presentation standard.

Food Safety & Compliance

- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and infection prevention and control.

- Ensure correct storage, labelling, rotation, and handling of food, including allergen management.

- Complete food safety monitoring and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.

- Report food safety, infection control, or equipment concerns promptly.

Resident Experience & Quality

- Support a respectful, welcoming, and person-centred dining experience.

- Work collaboratively with care, clinical, and hospitality staff to ensure residents' dietary needs are met.

- Participate in audits, inspections, training, and continuous improvement activities.

- Maintain resident dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.

Operational & Team Support

- Work collaboratively with the Chef Manager, Chefs, Food Service Attendants, and wider care team.

- Assist with stock rotation, food preparation planning, portion control,



and waste minimisation.

- Support meal services across weekdays, weekends, and public holidays as rostered.

- Provide guidance and support to Food Service Attendants when required.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- Previous experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen environment.

- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (essential).

- Current NDIS Worker Screening Check.

- Current First Aid and CPR certification (desirable).

- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent experience (desirable).

- Experience working in aged care, healthcare, disability, or other regulated environments (desirable).

- Experience preparing special diets and texture-modified meals.

- Knowledge of food safety legislation, infection prevention and control, and safe food handling practices.

- Understanding of the IDDSI Framework and the nutritional needs of older people.

- Strong communication, teamwork, organisational, and time management skills.

- A professional, reliable, and positive approach to work.

- Full working rights in Australia.

Training in infection prevention, manual handling, IDDSI, or aged care nutrition is highly regarded.

What We Offer

- Flexible part-time and casual employment opportunities.

- Salary packaging of up to $15,900 plus additional meals and entertainment benefits.

- Novated leasing options available.

- Staff discounts and delicious barista-made coffee at our onsite Curtin Café.

- Located in Creswick, just 15 minutes from the Ballarat CBD and only 1.5 hours from Melbourne.

- Ongoing career development and training opportunities.

- A welcoming and supportive workplace culture where people genuinely care.

- A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people every day.

📌 Cook (Newington)
🏢 John Curtin Aged Care
📍 Newington