Cook/Food Service Attendant

• Permanent Part Time Contract – 30hrs per week M-F 1pm to 7pm
• $35.40ph to $36.51ph + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications
• Location:  Stuart Lodge, Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose. 

Your Opportunity 

Stuart Lodge is a welcoming crisis accommodation service in Alice Springs, providing safe, supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Lodge offers much more than just a place to stay, it’s a place of stability, care, and connection. With 33 rooms and up to 74 beds, we support a diverse community of residents, including people visiting from remote areas while receiving treatment at Alice Springs Hospital.

We are seeking a caring and motivated Cook/Food Service Attendant to help make a real difference through nutritious, comforting meals. This is an on-site position, working Monday to Friday, 1pm to 7pm. In this role, you will prepare and serve healthy, affordable dinners for up to 35 residents, creating meals that bring people together and contribute to their journey toward independence and wellbeing.

Your Key Responsibilities 

• Work closely with the Program Manager to create balanced, affordable menus that meet the needs of residents.
• Prepare, cook, and serve dinner for up to 35 people (dinner service 5pm–6pm) featuring simple, wholesome one-pan meals.
• Keep the kitchen and serving areas clean, safe, and welcoming after each meal service.
• Plan and prepare meals ahead for weekends to ensure continuous, reliable service.
• Manage stock rotation, food storage, and organisation of the cold room and freezer.
• Conduct regular stock takes to maintain supplies and minimise waste.
• Uphold food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring a safe and supportive kitchen environment.

Requirements for Success 

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or other relevant qualification or training in food preparation, nutrition, or food safety.
• Experience in food preparation and cooking, ideally in a commercial or community kitchen setting.
• A sound understanding of food safety, hygiene, and the Food Safety Act.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Creativity and care in preparing simple, nourishing meals for groups.
• A team-oriented approach and genuine passion for helping others.
• Personal alignment with Mission Australia’s values and commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
• First Aid certificate is desired but not essential.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities  
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.
• Remote location allowances include:
  • Additional $350 each year to help with cost of living in a remote area
  • Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year

Our Culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.    

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click ‘apply’ and send your application today! 

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.  Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you