More than preparing meals – help shape children's relationship with food
At Mother Duck Childcare & Kindergarten, we believe food is an important part of children's everyday experience.
We are looking for aCook / Chefto join our Enoggera community for35 hours per weekand take ownership of a kitchen where fresh, nutritious and delicious food is prepared for children each day.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who loves cooking but also wants their work to have purpose.
Our chefs are valued members of our Centre communities.
They know the children they cook for, collaborate with educators and families, contribute ideas and help create positive experiences around food, culture, belonging and wellbeing.
About the role
As our Cook / Chef, you will be responsible for implementing the Mother Duck menu and providing children with a healthy, balanced and varied diet while creating a positive dining experience.
Your role will include:
Preparing fresh, nutritious and appealing meals and snacks for children
Safely managing allergies, dietary requirements and cultural food preferences
Following Mother Duck menus, recipes and food safety systems
Managing stock, ordering and kitchen budgets
Maintaining a clean, organised, safe and compliant kitchen
Minimising food waste and contributing to sustainable practices
Working collaboratively with educators and the Centre Leadership Team
Engaging with feedback and ideas from children and families
Contributing to menu development and continuous improvement
Helping children experience food as something to explore, enjoy and share.
Be part of our Mother Duck Chef Network
One of the things that makes this role different is thatyou won't be working in isolation.




Our chefs come together through theMother Duck Chef Network– a professional learning community where chefs share knowledge, develop menus, explore new ideas and reflect together on nutrition, children's agency, cultural safety, sustainability, food safety and contemporary practice.
We see our chefs as professionals with valuable knowledge, creativity and relationships with children.
Our menus continue to evolve through the voices ofchildren, families, chefs and educators, reflecting the cultures, identities and communities of our Centres.
About you
We are looking for someone who is:
Passionate about preparing fresh, nutritious and tasty food
Highly organised and able to confidently manage a busy kitchen
Knowledgeable about food safety, allergies and dietary requirements
Warm and approachable and enjoys being part of a community
Interested in children's perspectives and experiences with food
Open to learning, sharing ideas and continually improving
Committed to high standards of hygiene, safety and compliance
Comfortable working collaboratively rather than simply working "behind the scenes".
Experience cooking in an early childhood setting would be highly regarded.
You will also need to hold, or be willing and eligible to obtain, the relevant clearances and training required for the role, including acurrent Blue Card.
Why Mother Duck?
Mother Duck has been caring for and educating children in Brisbane for generations.
While providing beautiful, nutritious food is important to us, we believe the role of our chefs goes much further.
Food creates opportunities for connection.
It can reflect children's families and cultures, introduce current experiences, build independence and agency, and create moments of belonging around the table.
If you are looking for a cooking role where yourideas, professionalism and contribution will be valued, we'd love to hear from you.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Cook / Chef – Early Childhood Education (Brisbane)
🏢 Mother Duck
📍 Brisbane