Casual Hostel Workers - Night Attendants, Cooks/Kitchenhands and Housekeepers

Join AHL and make a real difference

At Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL), we’re all about connection, care and opportunity. The work is real and so is the impact!

We provide culturally safe, affordable accommodation for First Nations people travelling away from home and for over 50 years, we have been helping change lives across Australia.

You’re not just working; you are creating a place where people can feel safe and at home.

AHL is looking for reliable and motivated Casual Cooks, Kitchenhands, Housekeepers and Night Attendants to join our team and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment at our Alice Springs Hostels.

This is a great opportunity to be part of important work that supports First Nations peoples across Australia. 

If you’re looking for a position in a supportive team where your efforts truly matter, we would love to hear from you. 

They key duties of the position include: 

Under the general direction of the Hostel Manager, all hostel worker positions will provide high-quality care and support within a residential setting for First Nations people.

Cooks / Kitchenhands

The Cook / Kitchenhand position will assist with the preparation of meals and day-to-day operation of the kitchen in accordance with food standards and relevant legislation. 

Duties include but not limited to:

• Preparing and serving meals for residents.
• Receiving, rotating and storing food and kitchen supplies.
• Assisting with stock management.
• Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Preparing and cleaning the dining room for all residents.

Night Attendants

The Night Attendant position will assist with the monitoring of the night security of the hostel in accordance with AHL’s policies and procedures.

Duties include but not limited to: 

• Monitor premises to preserve order and protect property.
• Oversee and record entry/exit of residents, staff and visitors.
• Report and assist in escalating emergencies following established procedures.

Administrative tasks:

• Enter and maintain data on AHL’s online reservation system.
• Record daily activities and note irregularities, eg. equipment or property damage, theft, unauthorised persons, or unusual occurrences) using established templates.

General domestic duties:

• Carry out cleaning duties to ensure hostel grounds, gardens, windows, and the property are kept tidy.
• Prepare rooms for housekeeping the following day.

Housekeepers

The Housekeeper position will assist with maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for residents and staff in accordance with organisational standards and relevant legislation. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Undertaking daily cleaning tasks throughout the hostel, including resident rooms, common and service areas.
• Ensure cleaning is performed to a high standard and maintaining hygiene requirements.
• Monitoring and maintaining an adequate supply of cleaning products and equipment.
• Inspecting rooms and facilities regularly for maintenance requirements and reporting issues to the Hostel Manager or Assistant Hostel Manager.
• Supporting the hostel team with general housekeeping and ad hoc cleaning tasks as required.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian Citizens or have already lodged an application for Australian Citizenship. 

Prior to engagement the successful applicants will be required to:

• provide an Australian Citizenship document (e.g. birth certificate or passport);
• undergo a satisfactory National Criminal History Check;
• hold and maintain a working with children check in QLD; and
• meet the fitness for duty requirements. 

Essential Qualifications and Training

Night Attendant

• First Aid Certificate 
• Emergency Warden Training (or ability to obtain in the first six months of employment)

Cook / Kitchenhand

• Food Safety Handling Certificate (or ability to obtain in the first six months of employment).

Housekeeper 

• Chemical Handling Training through an AHL’s approved supplier (currently Jaysol) (or ability to complete within the first six months of employment).

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: You’ll receive 15.4% superannuation, and competitive casual rates to make sure you’re well looked after.
• Job Security & Career Growth: Enjoy 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.
• Generous shift penalties apply for work after hours, weekends and public holidays. 50% penalty rates apply for Saturday, and 100% penalty rates apply for Sunday.
• 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.

How to apply

Upload and complete the application form, available from our website Work with us | Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Email your application form and current resume to jobs@ahl.gov.au by 11:59PM AEST, Monday 2 November 2026. 

Include your name and the job reference (VN-0773816) in the subject of your email.