Mela Kulcha Operations Assistant

ABOUT MELALUECA

Melaleuca Australia (Melaleuca) is a nationally recognised specialist organisation supporting migrants, humanitarian entrants, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds in the Northern Territory (NT). Since 1997, we have been delivering integrated services across settlement, health and wellbeing, and community development. Nationally, we are one of five Humanitarian Settlement Program providers and one of eight organisations supporting survivors of torture and trauma. We also coordinate Migrant and Refugee Health services in the NT.

Beyond service delivery, Melaleuca provides expert advice to government, contributes to national and NT policy, and champions the self-determination of multicultural communities. As Chair of the NT Settlement Services Network, we build the capacity of organisations serving multicultural clients and strengthen collective impact. We also work with the wider community to close systemic gaps and foster belonging through initiatives like our social enterprise, Mela Kulcha.

Our vision is a world where everyone belongs.

Read more about us on our website

THE ROLE

The Mela Kulcha Operations Assistant facilitates the day-to-day running of Melaleuca's café and community kitchen.

The role helps create a welcoming environment where staff, volunteers and community members work together to serve food and coffee, share culture and build skills.

Key responsibilities include supporting baristas and community cooks, facilitating lunch sessions for the public, ensuring appropriate opening and closing procedures are in place, and maintaining a clean, safe and inclusive environment. The role also supports evening pop-ups and ensures Mela Kulcha operates smoothly in line with Melaleuca's values of respect, inclusion and community connection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Hospitality Operations

• Support daily café, kitchen and event service to ensure smooth and consistent operations.

• Facilitate coffee and meal services to the public alongside baristas, volunteers and community cooks.

• Assist with preparation, service and clean-up for both daytime and evening activities.

• Maintain food-safety and hygiene standards in line with regulations.

• Ensure appropriate opening and closing procedures are in place and followed by relevant staff or volunteers.

• Monitor stock levels, maintain inventory and undertake regular stocktakes, assisting with light ordering and supply management.

• Undertake quality checks and gather patron feedback to inform and improve service offerings.

• Handle cash and POS transactions in accordance with organisational policy.

• Liaise with the Community Engagement team to identify community cooks interested in assisting with lunches or events and provide opportunities for their involvement in Mela Kulcha.

• Encourage participation of Melaleuca clients and multicultural community members in hospitality activities, supporting a positive and inclusive learning environment.

2. Workplace and Safety Standards

• Maintain cleanliness and organisation across café, kitchen and storage areas.

• Monitor equipment and report maintenance or safety issues promptly.

• Follow all food-safety, WHS and child-safe procedures.

• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace culture.

3. Communication and Team Support

• Communicate daily needs, stock levels or issues to the CEO or delegate.

• Liaise with the Community Engagement team regarding upcoming activities or opportunities.

• Provide input into the promotion of Mela Kulcha through Melaleuca's approved systems and communication channels.

• Participate in supervision, training and team meetings as required.

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality service and uphold Melaleuca's values.

4. Organisation wide

• Comply with Melaleuca policies, procedures and values, and positively reflect the organisation at all times.
• Comply with Melaleuca's commitment to safeguarding children. Melaleuca is a child safe organisation and is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Melaleuca has zero tolerance for child abuse and will contribute to providing an environment in which all children and young people feel safe, supported and respected.
• Support a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and refrain from engagement in any activities that may be offensive, humiliating, uncomfortable for; or derogatory towards; other staff or the community.
• Develop and maintain professional and respectful working relationships with all staff, stakeholders and clients, using cultural humility.
• Participate in supervision and debriefing as required.
• Participate in essential and non-essential Professional Development (PD) and maintain personal records of all PD to ensure ongoing upskilling. Participate in performance reviews on a regular basis with Manager.
• Attend meetings, training, toolbox, team building and other client related forums that may occur outside of workhours, and as required by the organisation.
• Actively contribute to the continuous quality improvement of the organisation.
• You may be required to work across any other Melaleuca sites in line with your appointed role and/or skills; and undertake other duties as required.

***To be considered for this role, you must address the selection criteria***

SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL

1. Experience in hospitality, café or food-service environments.

2. Knowledge of food-safety and hygiene standards.

3. Ability to ensure correct procedures are followed for venue operations.

4. Good communication and customer-service skills with a welcoming manner.

5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team.

6. Commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural diversity.

DESIRABLE

1. Experience supporting volunteers or community participants.

2. Barista or basic food-preparation skills.

3. Experience with hospitality events or pop-up service.

LICENCES/CLEARANCES

• Current Food Safety Handler Certificate (minimum)

• NT Ochre Card (Working with Children clearance)

• National Police Check

• Right to work in Australia

WHY WORK WITH US?

• We embrace diversity and inclusion and contribute to making a real difference in the lives of our clients and the community we live in.
• Wellbeing activities for employees
• Regular supervision
• Highly supportive and friendly team environment
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Salary packaging

HOW TO APPLY

If this role is of genuine interest, your application must include:

• A copy of your current resume; and
• A cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria outlined above and your relevant experience.

Position Description can be downloaded from our website:

Please email your application to: 

THIS POSITION IS FOR IMMEDIATE START.

Please submit your application as soon as possible as shortlisting for this position and interviews will commence immediately - on a rolling basis.

Applications for this position may be closed earlier than anticipated or extended at the discretion of Melaleuca's Recruitment Team.

EOI from third party job agencies/boards will not be considered.

Unsuccessful applicants may be placed on an eligibility list for future employment. However, if you don't hear from us that means you have not been successful in progressing to the interview stage at this time. We thank you for your application and interest in working with Melaleuca .