Employment conditions

- Permanent full-time
- 38 hours per week
- Salary: $80,000 per annum + superannuation
- Location: Taste Whitsunday, Whitsunday Coast Airport, Lascelles Avenue, Gunyarra QLD 4800
- Rostered work may include early mornings, weekends and public holidays according to airport and operational requirements.
- Employment conditions will be provided in accordance with the applicable industrial instrument and workplace laws.

About the business

Taste of Whitsundays Pty Ltd trading as Taste Whitsunday operates a busy food and beverage outlet within Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Serving departing and arriving passengers, the business offers a modern and adaptable menu with an emphasis on quality food, efficient service and the use of local and seasonal produce where available.

In addition to its core airport food service operation, the business also undertakes selected high-end external catering for weddings, corporate functions and major tourism events across the Whitsundays. These catering activities are undertaken on an ad hoc basis and involve customised menus, substantial advance preparation and skilled food production for varying guest numbers and service requirements.

Operating within an airport environment means customer demand can change significantly according to airline schedules, passenger movements, delays and operational changes. The kitchen therefore requires strong organisation, flexibility and consistently high standards of food safety, hygiene and food preparation.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Cook to join our kitchen operation at Whitsunday Coast Airport.

This is a hands-on commercial cookery position responsible for preparing, seasoning and cooking food for the business’s daily airport operation, while also assisting with food preparation, cooking and service for selected external catering functions undertaken by the business.





The successful applicant will be required to maintain consistent food quality and presentation, organise preparation requirements, follow high food safety standards and work effectively in an environment where production requirements may vary according to airport demand and scheduled catering commitments.

Key duties and responsibilities

- Prepare, season and cook a range of hot and cold food items for daily airport food service.
- Prepare ingredients, mise en place and food components required for service.
- Operate commercial cooking equipment including ovens, grills, cooktops and fryers.
- Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure food is prepared safely and consistently.
- Check ingredients and prepared food for quality, freshness, taste, texture and presentation.
- Portion, plate and present meals in accordance with established standards.
- Prepare baked and prepared food products including items such as quiches, muffins, scones, biscuits and other prepared products.
- Prepare food in accordance with event-specific guest numbers, dietary requirements, service timelines and menu selections.
- Undertake advance preparation and production for customised event menus.
- Prepare or modify food where required to accommodate dietary and allergen requirements.
- Assist with estimating ingredient and production requirements for daily airport operations and scheduled catering events.
- Monitor food availability during service and adjust production as required.
- Assist with menu development, seasonal variations and practical input regarding ingredients and preparation methods.




- Prepare and cook food for selected external catering functions, including weddings, corporate events and major tourism events.
- Assist with large-scale catering preparation, portioning, plating and food service where required.
- Contribute practical input into event menu preparation and ingredient requirements.
- Maintain appropriate food storage, labelling, date coding and stock rotation procedures.
- Assist with receiving and checking food deliveries and monitoring ingredient stock levels.
- Follow food-safety, hygiene, temperature-control and allergen-management procedures.
- Maintain clean and organised food preparation, cooking and storage areas.
- Work alongside other kitchen employees and provide practical guidance regarding preparation, cooking, portioning and food-safety procedures where required.

Skills, qualifications and experience

- A relevant commercial cookery qualification, or at least 3 years of relevant commercial cookery experience where this substitutes for the formal qualification requirement.
- Demonstrated experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen environment.
- Robust practical food preparation and cooking skills.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, temperature control and safe food storage.
- Ability to organise food preparation and mise en place efficiently.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume food service environment.
- Ability to adapt production requirements according to changing customer demand and service schedules.
- Ability to prepare food to differing menu requirements, guest numbers and service timelines.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Experience in airport, event catering, high-volume or similarly quick-paced food service operations will be highly regarded.
- Food Safety Supervisor certification or equivalent food-safety training will be highly regarded.

📌 Cook (Gunyarra)
🏢 Taste of Whitsundays
📍 Gunyarra