About Studio Schools of Australia Ltd
Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) was established in 2019 to bring about a “system” level change in secondary education for Indigenous students in remote communities across northern Australia. This “system level” reform is based on well-established evidence of what works for Indigenous students, their families and communities, in a scalable, proven work-related model of education introduced at the Yiramalay / Wesley Studio School in the Kimberley, Western Australia, in 2010.
SSA’s mission is to enable Indigenous students to lead their own advancement and to take a valuable and meaningful place in their own communities and within Australia.
SSA is committed to being a child safe environment, and we actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.
Overview
The School Chef/Cook is central to delivering daily nutritious and culturally appropriate meals for 100+ students and staff at one of Yiramalay or Manjali Studio Schools. Beyond cooking, this role ensures safe, efficient kitchen operations in a remote setting, working closely with the Catering Manager to uphold standards while adapting to local needs.
The School Chef / Cook reports to the Catering Manager.
Location
Yiramalay Studio School (Central Kimberley Region, WA)
Key Responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Cooking
· Prepare meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) following seasonal menus.
· Proactively accommodate dietary needs (allergies, cultural restrictions) with documented alternatives.
· Lead by example in food presentation, portion control, and waste reduction practices.
· Incorporate bush foods and traditional cooking methods in consultation with community elders.
Kitchen Operations
· Direct daily kitchen workflow, delegating tasks to assistants during peak service times.
· Manage remote food storage challenges (e.g., power outages, limited refrigeration space).
· Conduct weekly inventory audits and emergency ration planning for delayed deliveries.
· Troubleshoot basic equipment issues (gas stoves, generators) and coordinate repairs.
Food Safety & Compliance
· Maintain HACCP documentation (temperature logs, cleaning checklists) for remote audits.
· Ensure cleaning schedules, temperature logs, and documentation are up to date.
· Train junior staff on hygiene protocols.
· Comply with all relevant health regulations and workplace safety policies.
Teamwork & Support
· Mentor kitchen trainees in professional cookery skills.
· Lead kitchen safety briefings before major school events.
· Participate in training, meetings, and professional development activities.
· Maintain open communication with the Catering Manager, reporting any issues promptly.
Skills & Attributes
· Passion for preparing healthy, hearty meals for young people.
· Strong organisational and time-management skills.
· Ability to work calmly under pressure and adapt to changing needs.
· Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
· Expertise in high-volume batch cooking (50+ servings).
· Resourcefulness in remote settings (improvisation with limited ingredients).
· Cultural awareness and willingness to work respectfully within Indigenous communities.
Qualifications & Experience
· Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (required) or 5+ years equivalent experience.
· Food Handling or Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (WA-specific, mandatory).
· 3+ years in boarding schools, mining camps, or remote hospitality.
· 4WD license (required for emergency supply runs).
· First Aid/CPR certification (preferred).
Employment
Due to Australian immigration regulations, applicants must have Australian work rights. We especially welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Applicants will be required to provide a current WA Working with Children Check (WWCC) and National Police Check (NPC).
All appointments at Studio Schools of Australia are subject to child protection legislation and pre-employment screening.