Kokoda Youth Foundation | Kokoda Park, Thornton
Help fuel life-changing experiences for young people
At the Kokoda Youth Foundation, we create powerful outdoor and experiential learning programs that build courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice in young Australians. Our camps and programs are designed to help young people grow in resilience, confidence and purpose.
We are looking for a Casual Camp Cook to join our team at Kokoda Park, Thornton. In this role, you will do far more than prepare meals. You will help create a safe, welcoming and well-run camp environment where young people and staff are supported to perform at their best.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is organised, reliable and confident working in a fast-paced camp setting, with a strong commitment to food safety, teamwork and child-safe practice.
Why this role matters
Food plays a critical part in every camp experience. As Camp Cook, you will ensure staff and participants receive nutritious, high-quality meals that are prepared safely, delivered on time, and responsive to dietary, allergy and cultural requirements. Your work will directly support the wellbeing, energy and overall experience of young people and staff across our programs.
What you'll be doing
You will be responsible for:
* Preparing and cooking meals in line with approved menus and meal plans
* Catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, allergies and cultural needs
* Ensuring meals are delivered on time to support program schedules
* Adapting food preparation to suit camp conditions and available facilities
* Following KYF's food safety requirements and maintaining high hygiene standards
* Monitoring food handling, storage and temperature controls to minimise risk
* Keeping the kitchen clean, organised and safe at all times
* Managing stock, storage and kitchen supplies efficiently
* Supporting food ordering and helping minimise waste
* Maintaining kitchen equipment and facilities in safe working order
* Working collaboratively with program staff to support smooth camp delivery
* Contributing to a respectful, inclusive and positive camp culture
What success looks like
In this role, success means:
* Meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently and on time
* Dietary requirements are consistently met
* The kitchen is clean, compliant and well organised
* You work positively with staff and contribute to a strong team environment
* Child-safe behaviours and reporting obligations are upheld without exception
About you
You are someone who brings calm, capability and reliability to busy environments. You can work independently, follow procedures, and stay organised while supporting the wider team.
You will ideally bring:
* Experience in cooking in a similar role
* A current Food Safety Certificate
* Strong organisation, time management and reliability
* The ability to follow meal plans, instructions and procedures
* Good knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements
* A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to shared camp responsibilities
It would be highly regarded if you also have:
* Experience cooking for large groups or camp environments
* Qualifications in Cookery, Kitchen Operations or a related field
* Experience with outdoor cooking or camp kitchens
* An understanding of logistics in outdoor or remote settings
* Strong planning skills and adaptability under changing conditions
Our values in action
At KYF, our values are not slogans — they shape how we work every day.
In this role, that means:
* Courage — speaking up, acting with integrity, and addressing issues early
* Endurance — being dependable, resilient and committed through demanding program delivery
* Mateship — working respectfully with others, supporting the team, and helping create an inclusive environment
* Sacrifice — putting the needs of young people and the success of the program ahead of personal convenience
Child safety and cultural safety
The Kokoda Youth Foundation is committed to the safety, wellbeing and cultural safety of all children and young people. Child-safe behaviours are a condition of employment.
All staff are expected to:
* Maintain professional boundaries at all times
* Act in the best interests of children and young people in every interaction and decision
* Identify, respond to and report concerns, disclosures, risks and policy breaches immediately
* Follow all child safety policies, procedures, codes of conduct and legal reporting obligations
* Support culturally safe practices, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities
* Contribute to safe environments through proactive risk awareness and risk mitigation
KYF has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, bullying, racism, discrimination, exploitation or any other behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children and young people.
Checks and requirements
To be considered for this role, you will need:
* Current Driver's Licence
* Current Food Safety Certificate
* Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
* National Police Check
* First Aid and CPR
* Remote Area First Aid, where required
Why join us
At KYF, you'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that invests in young people through challenge, connection and character development. You'll join a team that values service, teamwork, inclusion and accountability, and you'll play an important role in helping create safe and meaningful camp experiences.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
Kokoda Youth Foundation strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We are committed to cultural safety, respectful workplaces, and practices that support inclusion, belonging and meaningful contribution.
How to apply
If you are a capable and community-minded cook who thrives in camp environments and wants to support young people through purposeful work, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why this role appeals to you.