Palooka is a much-loved neighbourhood restaurant in Stratford, Cairns, serving simple, fresh, share-style food to a loyal local community. We're looking for an experienced, reliable cook to join our kitchen team full-time.

About the role

- Prepare and cook dishes to Palooka's recipes and standards across breakfast, lunch and dinner services

- Run your section during busy services, including pizza and grill

- Prep, portioning and stock rotation

- Food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness to HACCP standards

- Work closely with our chefs to deliver consistent, high-quality food

About you

- At least 1 year of full-time experience as a cook in a commercial kitchen

- Robust knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices





- Able to work well under pressure in a busy kitchen

- Reliable, a team player, and takes pride in their work

- Available to work a rotating roster across Wednesday to Sunday, including weekends

- Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery highly regarded

What we offer

- $79,500 per year plus superannuation

- Full-time, 38 hours per week

- A supportive, close-knit team and a strong community following

How to apply: Apply through this listing with your CV. Applications close 28 November 2026.

Pay: $79,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Cook (Stratford)
🏢 Palooka
📍 Stratford