Employment Type: Part Time (27.50 hours) / Permanent

Pay: $29.94 - $33.83 per hour based on experience

- 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.
- Work a part‑time roster of 27.50 hours per week – Monday to Friday – 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

About Goodstart Port Macquarie:

- Our 76‑place, exceeding NQS service, is located in the beautiful Lighthouse Beach area of Port Macquarie, close to nature and the coast.
- Join a warm, supportive team led by Centre Director Chloe, who brings over 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.
- Enjoy purpose‑built classrooms and large outdoor play spaces, including creek beds and veggie gardens.
- Our service has a robust connection with the local community and a focus on reconciliation with First Nation peoples,



ensuring this is woven into our culture and purpose.

What Goodstart can offer you:

- 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.
- Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year.
- Free annual flu shot (optional).
- Option to purchase extra leave for an 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.
- Food Safety Supervisor certificate is ideal.

Contact & Inclusion

Have a question? Contact James Brendel from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email .

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 .

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We believe Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Centre Cook (Port Macquarie)
🏢 Goodstart Early Learning
📍 Port Macquarie