Join AHL and make a real difference

At Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL), we’re all about connection, care and opportunity. The work is real and so is the impact!

We provide culturally safe, affordable accommodation for First Nations people travelling away from home and for over 50 years, we have been helping change lives across Australia.

You’re not just working; you are creating a place where people can feel safe and at home.

AHL is looking for reliable and motivated Weekend Cooks and Weekend Kitchenhands to join our team and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment at our Alice Springs Hostels. This is a great opportunity to be part of important work that supports First Nations peoples across Australia.

If you’re looking for a position in a supportive team where your efforts truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

The key duties of the position include:

They key duties of the position include:

Under the general direction of the Hostel Manager, all hostel worker positions will provide high-quality care and support within a residential setting for First Nations people.

Cooks / Kitchenhands

The Cook / Kitchenhand position will assist with the preparation of meals and day-to-day operation of the kitchen in accordance with food standards and relevant legislation.

Duties include but not limited to:

- Preparing and serving meals for residents.
- Receiving, rotating and storing food and kitchen supplies.
- Assisting with stock management.
- Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
- Preparing and cleaning the dining room for all residents.

Essential Qualifications and Training

Cook / Kitchenhand





- Food Safety Handling Certificate (or ability to obtain in the first six months of employment).

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian Citizens or have already lodged an application for Australian Citizenship.

Prior to engagement the successful applicants will be required to:

- provide an Australian Citizenship document (e.g. birth certificate or passport);
- undergo a satisfactory National Criminal History Check;
- hold and maintain a working with children check in QLD; and
- meet the fitness for duty requirements.

Notes

What We Offer:

- Competitive Pay & Benefits: You’ll receive 15.4% superannuation, and competitive salary to make sure you’re well looked after.
- Job Security & Growth opportunities: Enjoy employment with plenty of opportunities to grow and move up within the organisation.
- Supportive Team Environment: You’ll be part of a friendly, inclusive team where your work is valued.
- Generous shift penalties apply for work after hours, weekends and public holidays.50% penalty rates apply for Saturday, and 100% penalty rates apply for Sunday.
- Regular salary packaging options for vehicles, superannuation and laptops etc PLUS, ability to salary sacrifice $15,900 per FBT year for rent, mortgage or living expenses. This benefit reduces taxable income, increasing fortnightly take-home pay.




- Generous Leave Entitlements: including additional days off when a your RDO falls on a public holiday, 18 days sick/personal leave per annum, cultural and NAIDOC day leave.
- Employee Assistance Program: Employees, their partners, and their dependants/children will have access to a confidential, professional counselling service to assist employees to manage personal and work issues.

How to apply

Upload and complete the application form, available from our website Work with us | Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Email your application form and current resume to ****@ahl.gov.au by 11:59PM AEST, Wednesday 4 November 2026.

Include your name and the job reference (VN-0773844) in the subject of your email.

Getting to know the Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Our purpose is to provide culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access services and economic opportunities. Across our network of hostels, dedicated AHL staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a culturally safe and supportive workplace. We have a strong network of relationships with other organisations, including First Nations organisations. This network both refers residents to AHL and works alongside AHL to support residents to meet their needs. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service, First Nations employees make up over 40% of our workforce. Working with us will provide you with a chance to contribute to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations people.

📌 Weekend Cooks and Kitchenhands (Alice Springs)
🏢 Aboriginal Hostels
📍 Alice Springs