Run a school tuckshop and keen to squeeze some professional development in? Want to meet other convenors from around the Townsville (North Queensland) region to see how they do things in their tuckshop or canteen?
We’re excited to announce that we’re coming to Townsville in Week 4, Term 2, 2026.
While in town, we’ll be running a face-to-face Tuckshop Management Course, a Food Safety for School Tuckshops Course, as well as a Healthier Tuckshops Network Meeting.
We also have some availability for a Tuckshop Tuneup for any schools interested in a full review of their tuckshop service.
Read on to find out more about what’s happening.
Tuckshop Management Course – Tuesday, 12 May (9am – 2pm), Oonoonba State School
Our Tuckshop Management Course covers everything you need to know to run an efficient and profitable tuckshop business.
This is your chance to get in a room with us and other local tuckshop managers as we cover everything from policies and procedures to menu planning, costing, pricing and markup, as well as marketing and working with your school community.
This course isn’t just for new convenors… it’s the perfect chance for you to brush up on your knowledge, develop your management skills and learn how to make your tuckshop thrive.
Note: No assessment is required for the course. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the day.
Venue: Oonoonba State School, Fairfield Waters Drive, Idalia
Healthier Tuckshops Networking Afternoon – Tuesday, 12 May (3.30pm- 5pm) – Oonoonba State School
Join the QAST team (Naomi and Chrissy) for an afternoon of sharing and connecting with other local tuckshop staff and supporters at Oonoonba State School, Fairfield Waters Drive, Idalia.
Come along to:
- Learn practical tips for healthier menus
- Watch another tuckshop in action, including recipe demos
- Network with other local tuckshops
- Ask questions and share your own experiences.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Venue: Oonoonba State School, Fairfield Waters Drive, Idalia
Food Safety for School Tuckshops Course – Wednesday, 13 May (3pm – 6pm) – Townsville State High School
Ensure your school tuckshop is a safe and hygienic place for students with QAST’s Food Safety for School Tuckshops course.
This practical, easy-to-follow program is designed for all tuckshop staff, covering essential food safety principles, hygiene practices, and legal requirements.
Participants will learn how to handle, prepare, store, and serve food safely, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and maintain clean, compliant workspaces.
With a mix of guidance, checklists, and real-world examples, this course empowers your team to confidently protect the health of students and staff while keeping operations smooth and efficient.
Venue: Townsville State High School, 36 Boundary St, Railway Estate
Note: The course content has been specifically designed for those working in school tuckshops and canteens.
Keen to get involved? Let us know what you’re interested in by completing our online Expression of Interest form.
Tuckshop Tuneup
Is your tuckshop truly performing at its full potential… or is there untapped opportunity waiting to be uncovered?
A QAST Tuckshop Tuneup is designed to give you clear, practical answers.
Our Tuneups go beyond a simple review. They’re a hands-on, in-school experience, where our expert team spends the morning working alongside you to understand how your tuckshop operates day-to-day. We take a close look at your systems, workflow, menu, and setup, identifying what’s working well and where small changes could make a big impact.
After the visit, you’ll receive tailored, actionable recommendations to help you:
- Increase sales and improve efficiency with smarter processes
- Strengthen your menu with nutritious, appealing options students will love
- Save valuable time and reduce pressure on staff and volunteers
- Create a more sustainable, profitable tuckshop operation.
Whether you’re aiming to lift profits, refresh your menu, or simply gain a fresh perspective, a Tuneup gives you the confidence and direction to move forward.
Ready to take the next step? Email naomi@qast.org.au or call us on (07) 3324 1511.
