Gold Coast to recruit 500 new chefs as hospitality sector booms
Gold Coast hospitality leaders are joining forces this month to tackle a looming chef shortage, with more than 250 jobs up for grabs as government projections show the city will need 500 additional chefs by 2028.
Twenty of the Gold Coast's largest hospitality operators will come together for Experience Gold Coast's Hospitality and Tourism Recruitment Event on August 20, aiming to fill the growing gap in skilled kitchen roles. The free event, open to both domestic and international students, will be held at Home of the Arts (HOTA).
Participating operators include Andaz Gold Coast, Mondrian, Miami Marketta, YOT Club and Langham, all seeking staff as the city's hotel, restaurant and visitor economy continues to expand.
The Star Gold Coast Director of Culinary, Daniel Fox, said demand for skilled kitchen staff had reached critical levels.
"Chefs and kitchenhands are absolutely critical to our business because they are at the heart of every guest experience we create," Fox said. "[The event] will help showcase hospitality as a profession, not just a job."
Experience Gold Coast Head of Education Matt Boyd said building a reliable talent pipeline was key to sustaining the region's tourism growth.
"Domestic and international students are an important part of the Gold Coast's tourism and hospitality workforce, helping businesses deliver exceptional visitor experiences while building valuable skills and careers of their own," Boyd said.
Boyd described the event as a "fantastic opportunity" for students to connect directly with employers and explore potential career paths within the industry.
Jonathan Jackson, 12th August 2026
