Why not join our Early Learning Team in 2026 and make a difference in the lives of children!

Columba Cottage is a vibrant Early Learning and Outside School Hours Care education of St Columba Anglican School. Our span of hours is 6.30am to 6.00pm. Maximum places occupied by children are 132/day (Early Childhood) and 75/day (OSHC)

What are the roles on offer………………………….

- Educators
- Casual Employees

Columba Cottage is currently seeking passionate casual educators, for ELC & OSHC, to join our growing and supportive team for 2026 and 2027. We are looking for motivated individuals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care and contributing to an engaging, child-centered educational program. If your seeking the flexibility of casual shifts, we offer a vibrant work environment that values professional growth, teamwork, and pedagogical excellence. If you are a committed educator looking to make a meaningful impact within a community-focused service, we invite you to apply. A little more about Columba Cottage…

Columba Cottage acknowledges the Birpai people on whose land we work, live and play.

We are committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

Columba Cottage works to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Columba Cottage works to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from people from culturally or linguistically diverse background.

Why choose Columba Cottage...

We pride ourselves on offering an unrivaled employment experience,



featuring a remuneration package 25% above the award rate, bolstered by the Worker Retention Payment.

Our commitment to your well-being and professional fulfillment is absolute; we close during the Christmas and Current Year period, alongside a generous professional development budget that provides opportunities for you to attend industry conferences and champion your own career trajectory.

As a valued member of our community, you will enjoy:

- Exclusive Educational Benefits: Substantial fee discounts for your children at our ELC, OSHC, and St Columba Anglican School (SCAS), including priority enrolment.
- A Culture of Agency: The opportunity to influence our service’s future through dedicated committee groups, ensuring your professional voice is heard and enacted.
- Exceptional Resources: Access to elite extracurricular programs and facilities through our partnership with SCAS.

At Columba Cottage, we don’t just offer a job—we offer a platform for growth within a supportive, forward-thinking setting. If you are a motivated educator seeking a role that respects your expertise and rewards your dedication, we look forward to receiving your application. What you need to be a successful candidate……………………

- The capability to engage children through activities and experiences appropriate for age groups / stages of development




- The safety and wellbeing of children are at the heart of everything we do. We maintain a culture where child safety is paramount, and we are seeking an educator who is uncompromising in their commitment to providing a secure, nurturing, and transparent environment for every child
- Skilled in supporting children with diverse needs while fostering an inclusive environment for all developmental abilities
- The ability to communicate effectively with children, families and staff
- A commitment to your own ongoing professional development in early education
- The ability to undertake the physical requirements involved within an early childhood service
- Working with Children Check verification number

If you are seeking a casual position………………

- An approved Cert III, Diploma or Bachelor level qualification for the purposes of the Education and Care services, National Law and Regualtions.

- Approved child protection qualification

- National Child Safety certificate
- Current First Aid Certificate, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training
- Experience in / or interest in additional needs / challenging behaviours (desirable)
- An interest with working with School Aged Children at OSHC (no qualifications necessary).

Next Steps to join our team in 2026: If you are genuinely excited as we are for you to join our team, we look forward to welcoming you!

Follow the Apply Now link on this page and include a cover letter and resume with your application. Applications will be regularly reviewed. Successful candidates will be contacted for interview opportunities.

More information:

Please contact Anne Whelan, Executive Director, at [email protected] for a position description or further information.

📌 Multiple Roles Available - Casual (Port Macquarie)
🏢 Columba Cottage Early Learning and Outside School Hours Care
📍 Port Macquarie