Wirrigirri Primary School, located at 110 Saltlake Boulevard, Wollert VIC 3750, opened its doors in Term 1, 2025 to serve the growing population in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs. With a current enrolment of 115 students from Prep to Year 6 and expected ongoing growth each year, Wirrigirri is a purpose-built school committed to establishing a learning environment grounded in respect, curiosity, and collaboration.

Our school community is united by a shared belief in the power of relationships, equity, and creativity to shape meaningful learning. We place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, student voice, and inclusive practices that reflect the diverse cultural and social context of our families.

As part of our holistic and innovative approach to education, Wirrigirri Primary School is launching a universal School Meals Program in September 2025. Every student will receive a healthy, freshly cooked lunch daily—designed to support learning, wellbeing, and connection while providing consistency and convenience for families.

We are seeking a passionate Cook or Chef to lead the daily operation of this program. The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking team that is not only delivering excellent education, but also reshaping how schools can support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and nutritionally.

Role:

The Cook / Chef will lead the day-to-day operations of Wirrigirri’s school meals program. This includes preparing nutritious meals for all students, managing kitchen systems, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, and contributing to the culture of the school through inclusive and welcoming food experiences.

Responsibilities:

Plan and prepare daily lunch meals for all students using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Develop rotating, inclusive menus that accommodate diverse dietary needs and cultural backgrounds.

Maintain a clean, efficient, and compliant kitchen in line with food safety regulations.

Manage ordering, inventory, food storage, and waste minimisation practices.

Keep accurate records (e.g. food safety logs, invoices, allergy management).

Supervise and support any kitchen volunteers, support staff or casual workers.

Collaborate with staff to promote a positive and respectful mealtime environment.

Support integration of food education experiences where relevant (e.g. cooking, sustainability).

Engage in training and school initiatives aligned to child safety, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Selection Criteria:

1. Culinary Expertise and Food Safety

Demonstrated experience working in a commercial or community kitchen, with strong understanding of safe food handling, hygiene standards, and allergy management.

Relevant cookery qualifications and/or Food Safety Supervisor certification.

2. Operational and Organisational Skills

Ability to independently manage kitchen operations including stock ordering, food preparation, equipment maintenance, and record-keeping.

Experience preparing meals at scale in a time-sensitive setting.

3. Interpersonal and Collaborative Approach

Warm and inclusive communication style, with the ability to work respectfully with students, families, and staff.

Willingness to contribute to a collaborative school culture and support the integration of food education.

4. Alignment with School and Department Values

Commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion, and community.

Alignment with Wirrigirri’s school values of Respect, Curiosity, and Collaboration, and the Department of Education’s values and policies.