Children's Centre Cook

Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of over 245,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent and has worked hard to fulfil its community's vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children's Centre Cook to deliver a nutritional menu to all children on a daily basis, incorporating all special dietary requirements and culture needs. You will promote healthy living through an education program that provides a warm and caring environment that enriches and enhances the children's lives and compliments their families' beliefs while introducing new tastes and cooking experiences for the children.

In this role, you will be responsible in preparing the daily menus, organise orders for bulk food buying, maintaining supplies and the food safety program including food audits.

The successful applicant will require:

• Certificate in Food Safety – follow basic food safety practices
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
• Understanding that the education and care environment must be safe for children
• Working with Children Check clearance
• Up to date knowledge of Child Protection Law (or willing to obtain)
• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Certificate as approved by ACECQA (or willing to obtain)
• Proven skills and experience in the following areas:
  
  o Preparation of nutritional meals for children
  
  o Menu planning – plan and evaluate meals and menus to meet recommended dietary and cultural needs
  
  o Customer service
  
  o Communication skills in written and oral format
  
  o Computer operating systems
  
  o Effective time management and organisational skills
  
  o Planning and preparation of meals for over 20 children/adults
• A solid understanding of:

o Work, Health and Safety legislation (WHS)

o Education and Care Services National Regulations

Download the position description here for more information.

About this role:

• 1x permanent part-time position
• Working Monday to Friday, 5 hours per day, 50 hours per fortnight.
• Located at Council's Gumnut Grove Children's Centre with and may be required to work across any of Council's work locations

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

• Grade 5 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $33.01 to $40.43 per hour, plus 12% superannuation
• The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
• Cumberland City Council has successfully been approved for funding under the Commonwealth Government's 'Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Payment Grant. This grant will provide an additional retention allowance to increase their wages in line with the federal Children's Services Award 2010 and applies until 30 November 2026.

The payment of the Worker Retention Payment allowance is not a condition of employment with Council and is subject to the Worker Retention Payment allowance being fully funded by the Commonwealth Government. Should this retention allowance cease to be paid by the Commonwealth Government, Council will also cease payment of the ECEC Worker Retention Payment Grant to staff.

You can find more information about the Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Retention Payment here.

What you'll need to have for this role:

• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position, including attending a physical pre-employment medical examination as required
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council's Health Monitoring Procedure, as required
• Provide evidence of your vaccination status as part of the employment screening process, in accordance with Council's COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure.

• We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave, 15 days personal leave per year, parental leave and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process.

Contact Tracey Hopper on or further information.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Thursday 18 September 2025

HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire. You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.