Centre Cook

The Victorian Government is establishing 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032 as part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms. The centres offer childcare, Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. The centres provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria is part of the Victorian Department of Education. The ELV central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and supports and oversees 4 centres that have recently opened. We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for our employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Early Learning Victoria is committed to Child Safety and the safeguarding of children from harm.

• Be part of a new Victorian government early childhood workforce with strong career pathways and professional development.
• Enjoy a flexible roster, designed to offer flexibility for staff while ensuring continuity of care for children and families.
• Access a range of professional development and training opportunities to support career growth. Each year, staff are eligible for two paid professional development days.
• A relocation incentive of up to $10,000 will be available for those who relocate more than 100km from their current place of residence to take up this role.

Centre Cook- Early Learning Victoria Thookay Yarkeen (Portland South)

Salary band - $53,865 - $71,180

Early Learning Victoria is establishing a government-owned early learning and childcare centre at Portland South Primary School. Opening in 2026, this 57-place centre will provide long day care and Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, eventually transitioning to include Pre-Prep.

The Centre Cook will be responsible for planning and preparing a nutritious rotating menu for all children at the service in line with Early Learning Victoria's (ELV) Eating and Drinking: Health Nutrition and Food safety Policy. They will be responsible for ensuring that food prepared in line with specific dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community. This role will also be responsible for the timely ordering of food supplies and stock management to meet budget requirements.

Experience required will include

• Demonstrated experience as a Cook or Chef in providing high volume nutritious meals in a timely manner.
• Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities

Specific skills/qualifications required

• A certificate in Food Handling
• Food Safety Supervisor certificate
• Valid `Employee' Working with Children Check
• Willingness to consent to a Police Check (to be arranged by Early Learning Victoria)
• International Police Check required if resided outside of Australia for 12 months or more during the last 10 years
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willing to obtain)
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willing to obtain)

Click the Apply button to proceed through the Department of Education's online recruitment platform, where full Key Selection Criteria and Capabilities will be listed.

Please note, applications will only be reviewed after the job ad close date. We will not be contacting applicants before this time.

For more information about the role and Early Learning Victoria please email any queries to Emma Carr at

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 30 November 2025.