Chef- Kitchen & Catering

Organisation Statement

Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation was established by Arrernte Elders and community leaders in 2000, as a place for Arrernte people to practice and celebrate their culture and pass it on to the next generations. Akeyulerre (pronounced A-kee-lu-ra) is often called the ‘healing centre’ in recognition of the important role that culture plays in healing and strengthening the community. Since its establishment, Akeyulerre has been helping Arrernte families grow stronger through culture while at the same time creating jobs through culturally-based social enterprises. Akeyulerre has established a strong track record in sound governance and management that brings together Arrernte and Western law and is underpinned by the strong roots of Arrernte land, culture, ancestors, knowledge, language, healing, kinship relationships, song and stories.

Akeyulerre is a not-for-profit organisation governed and run by Arrernte people. Our membership is made up of Central Australian Aboriginal people who elect a 12-person Board of Directors from their communities.

At Akeyulerre we:

1. Visit, support and honour the Elders
2. Make and distribute traditional healing products
3. Support traditional healers (Angangkere) and healing ceremonies
4. Maintain Arrernte culture, language, law, song, story and dance
5. Organise trips so families can reconnect with country
6. Bring families together and strengthen the community
7. Support 'kin and skin' relationships and traditional ways of helping people
8. Support Elders to teach language and culture to children and young people on country
9. Support Arrernte-run social enterprises enabling Arrernte people to share their culture and achieve economic independence
10. Provide work experience, job opportunities and pathways to employment for Arrernte people.

Purpose of the Position

The Chef coordinates and supports the day-to-day operation of Akeyulerre’s kitchen and catering services. This includes preparing healthy, culturally-appropriate meals; working as part of a small team; and supporting bush trips, community events, and the Akeyulerre Café. The role combines hands-on cooking with leadership, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork – helping grow Akeyulerre’s enterprise work while keeping Elders, families and healing at the heart of everything. The role also contributes to Akeyulerre’s social enterprise goals by delivering reliable catering and café services that create income, support local employment, and build pride in Arrernte-led business. Upholding Akeyulerre’s values, you will deliver high-quality services within the scope of the position and organisational guidelines.

Key Responsibility

1. Planning and designing menus in consultation with management
2. Preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality meals
3. Managing kitchen operations and workflow
4. Monitoring food stock levels and placing orders when required
5. Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
6. Supervising and training kitchen staff
7. Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and safety
8. Minimising food wastage and managing budgets
9. Catering for dietary requirements and cultural preferences
10. Ensuring consistency and quality in food preparation

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience as a Chef
2. At least Diploma of relevant Kitchen Management
3. Strong knowledge of food safety regulations
4. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
5. Excellent organisational and time management skills
6. Team-oriented attitude

Desirable

1. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or similar (or willingness to work towards).
2. Experience working in Aboriginal organisations or with Aboriginal communities.
3. Interest or knowledge in bush foods and traditional cooking methods.
4. NT Driver’s Licence.
5. First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain within agreed timeframe)
6. Current Ochre Card and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary: $80,000 – $85,000 + Super

Stable full-time employment

Supportive and inclusive workplace

Opportunity to make a positive community impact

How to Apply

Please send your Resume and CV to:

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