Built by community. For community.
A not-for-profit organisation rooted in the lived experience of African Australians in Melbourne's west.
Founded in Melbourne's west by the community, for the community
African Youth Collective Inc. (AYC) was founded in Melbourne, Victoria, by members of the African Australian community who recognised a critical gap in culturally responsive support for young people navigating the challenges of settlement, identity, and belonging.
From the outset, AYC has been driven by lived experience — not theory. Our founders, leaders, and volunteers are part of the communities we serve. We understand the pressures facing African Australian youth because we have lived them, and we build our programs around that understanding.
Today, AYC operates across St Albans, Sunshine, and Brimbank, delivering weekly programs that address alcohol and other drugs (AOD), mental health, physical wellbeing, cultural connection, and social inclusion — all under the B-MAD Framework.
African Youth Collective — St Albans, Victoria
Serving Melbourne's west since our founding
An Australia where every young person of African heritage can thrive
Our Mission
To deliver holistic, culturally responsive programs that address the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of African Australian young people — reducing harm, building resilience, and creating pathways to a positive future.
Our Vision
An Australia where every young person of African heritage is seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Cultural Responsiveness
Every program is designed with and for African Australian communities. Culture is not an afterthought — it is the foundation.
Lived Experience Leadership
Our leaders, staff, and volunteers reflect the communities we serve. Lived experience is our greatest asset.
Holistic Wellbeing
We address the whole person — mental health, physical health, social connection, cultural identity, and economic opportunity.
Community Accountability
We are accountable to our community first. Every decision is guided by the needs and voices of the young people and families we support.
Harm Reduction
We take a non-judgmental, evidence-informed approach to AOD and mental health — meeting young people where they are.
Collaboration
We work alongside government, health services, schools, and community organisations to create integrated pathways for young people.
Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs
The B-MAD Framework is AYC's holistic wellbeing and community engagement model. It recognises that addressing AOD and mental health in African Australian communities requires an integrated approach — one that goes beyond crisis response to build resilience, connection, capability, and opportunity across all aspects of a young person's life.
Beyond Crisis Response
We don't wait for crisis. B-MAD is a prevention-first framework that builds protective factors before harm occurs.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Culturally safe mental health support, MHFA training, and wellbeing programs that reduce stigma and build help-seeking behaviour.
AOD Harm Reduction
Non-judgmental, evidence-informed AOD education and support — grounded in community trust and cultural understanding.
Community & Connection
Sport, food, family, and culture as vehicles for belonging, identity, and social inclusion.
Pathways & Opportunity
Employment, education, NDIS, and civic participation pathways that create long-term positive outcomes.
Grounded in our constitution
AYC operates under a formal constitution that enshrines our commitment to community governance, cultural accountability, and transparent leadership. Our objects (§2.1–§2.3), membership structure (§4.1–§4.2), and branch framework (§15.2.5) reflect our founding values.
Meet our teamName & Identity
African Youth Collective Inc. — a formally incorporated not-for-profit organisation under Victorian law.
Objects of the Association
To promote the wellbeing, education, cultural identity, and social inclusion of African Australian young people and their families.
Membership
Open to all persons who support the objects of AYC, with full voting rights and participation in governance.
Branch Framework
Formally recognised branches — including AAAA and Sisters by Roots — operate under the AYC constitution with their own leadership and accountability structures.
Get involved with AYC
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or support our work — we'd love to hear from you.