Job Description
Early Childhood Centre Cook
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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.
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Benefits
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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
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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.
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Key duties




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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 solid 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
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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?
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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.
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Commitment to Child Safety and Equal Opportunity
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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.
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TRADEWIND AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
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We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and those with lived experience.

📌 Early Childhood Centre - Cook (Victoria)
🏢 Tradewind Recruitment Australia
📍 Victoria