Aged Care worker walking with food cart into dining area

Cooking with Care: Designing Learning Resources for Culinary Skills in Aged Care Food Service

We’re developing practical learning resources, trainer materials and assessment guidance to support the rollout of new Culinary Skills for Aged Care Food Service Units of Competency, equipping Chefs and Cooks with the specialised skills needed in aged care and similar care settings.

Timeline & Milestones

February - May 2026

Initial Framework Development

February - May 2026

Stakeholder Engagement Activities

June - October 2026

Development and Launch of Resources

Project Overview

Through consultation with industry, government and training providers, we identified that culinary training does not currently equip Cooks and Chefs with the specialised skills required to meet the complex food and nutrition needs of ageing Australians.

To address this gap, we are delivering an Implementation, Promotion and Monitoring (IPM) Activity Project to support the rollout of four new Culinary Skills for Aged Care Food Service Units of Competency.

We are developing practical learning resources, trainer materials and assessment guidance to support training delivery in this area. The Units of Competency will include knowledge and skills related, but not limited to:

  • Interpreting and adapting menus to meet nutrition standards in care settings

  • Communicating dietary requirements within multidisciplinary care teams

  • Applying texture-modification techniques in food preparation

  • Presenting meals that support choice, dignity and positive dining experiences

This project will deliver significant benefits by:


Providing

specialised, job-ready skills for Chefs and Cooks working across aged care and other specialised care settings

Enabling

faster implementation of the new Units of Competency through ready-to-use learning resources, trainer materials and assessment guidance

Enhancing

the quality and consistency of food and nutrition services to align with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and Standard 6 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Aligning

training with industry needs, compliance requirements and clear career progression pathways in aged care

Join the Project Reference Group

SaCSA is seeking expressions of interest to join the Project Reference Group for this project. Members will provide independent, timely and expert input to guide this work. Read the Terms of Reference to learn more about key responsibilities. 

EOIs Close: Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Become a subcontractor

SaCSA is seeking expressions of interests for subcontractors on this project. View our Request for Proposal for details on the scope and submit your expression of interest below.

EOIs Close: Monday, 16 March 2026

 
 

Project Team


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