Join Our Team and Make a Difference
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is looking for a reliable and motivated Cook to join our team and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment at our Durungaling Hostel, Newcastle, NSW. The cook position is for someone who is available to work 60 hours a fortnight. This is a great opportunity to be part of important work that supports First Nations peoples across Australia. If you're looking for a stable job in a supportive team where your efforts truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.
AHL also supports the Australian Government's efforts to improve economic outcomes for First Nations people. By purchasing goods and services from First Nations businesses at every opportunity, we help support a more inclusive economy. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service.
What We Offer:
• Competitive Pay & Benefits: $59,520 - $64,877 per annum (pro-rated for part-time). You'll receive an above-award salary, 15.4% superannuation, and generous leave entitlements to make sure you're well looked after.
• Job Security & Career Growth: Enjoy stable, ongoing employment with plenty of opportunities to grow and move up within the organisation.
• Supportive Team Environment: You'll be part of a friendly, inclusive team where your work is valued.
• Work pattern for the Cook role (60 hours/fortnight) covers 11:30am to 06:30pm shifts, Monday to Friday
• Regular salary packaging options for vehicles, superannuation and laptops etc PLUS, ability to salary sacrifice $15,900 per FBT year for rent, mortgage or living expenses. This benefit reduces taxable income, increasing fortnightly take-home pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Employees, their partners, and their dependants/children will have access to a confidential, professional counselling service to assist employees to manage personal and work issues.
The key duties of the position include:
* Undertake routine kitchen tasks including:
* Prepare meals in accordance with AHL's set menus, Food Safety Standards Australia and other relevant legislation
* Stocktake management – rotate, receive and monitor food and kitchen supplies
* Ensure the kitchen is cleaned to standard
* Prepare and clean the dining rooms for residents.
What We're Looking for in a Cook:
* Experience in meal preparation in an industry-based environment, ensuring the safe production of quality food without compromise to Food Safety Standards Australia.
* Experience in commercial cookery, and the ability to manage stock rotation while ensuring timely service and hygiene of cooking equipment.
* Good understanding of cleanliness and health standards required whilst preparing food at the workstation.
Eligibility
* Be an Australian Citizen
* Undergo a Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (prior to engagement)
* Meet Fitness for Duty requirements (prior to engagement)
* Hold or obtain relevant qualifications
* Maintain or hold a Working with Children's Card NSW
Notes
How to Apply:
• Complete the Application Form on our website Work with us | Aboriginal Hostels Limited )
• Email your current Resume and completed Application Form to by 11:59pm AEST by Sunday 14 September 2025. Please include your name and the job reference (VN in the subject of your email.
• For any questions about the role please contact Carla Wills: or
Getting to know the Aboriginal Hostels Limited
Our purpose is to provide culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access services and economic opportunities.
Across our network of hostels, dedicated AHL staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a culturally safe and supportive environment. We have a strong network of relationships with other organisations, including First Nations organisations. This network both refers residents to AHL and works alongside AHL to support residents to meet their needs. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service, First Nations employees make up over 40% of our workforce. Working with us will provide you with a chance to contribute to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations people.