About African Youth Collective

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Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where young people and communities can come together through connection, engagement, and community spirit.

Through the B-MAD Community BBQ, we believe community activities have the power to unite people from different backgrounds, strengthen relationships, and build healthier communities.

The B-MAD Community BBQ aims to:

• Promote unity and peace within African communities
• Support youth mental health and wellbeing
• Raise awareness around Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD)
• Encourage positive lifestyles and community engagement
• Create opportunities for leadership and personal growth
• Strengthen community spirit and cultural pride
• Build respect, discipline, and inclusion among young people

Our goal is to create a space where every young person feels connected, valued, supported, and empowered within their community.

The B-MAD Community BBQ operates under African Youth Collective Inc. (AYC), a community organisation dedicated to supporting African-Australian youth through mental health awareness, Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) prevention, leadership development, sport, education, and community wellbeing programs.

Through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs — AYC works to create safe spaces and positive pathways for young people and families within the community.

Together, we are building stronger communities by promoting unity, hope, wellbeing, opportunity, and positive youth engagement across Australia.

Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where young people and community members can come together through connection, recreation, learning, and community spirit.

Through B-MAD Indoor Gaming Night, we believe indoor games and social activities have the power to bring people from different backgrounds together, strengthen relationships, promote positive wellbeing, and build healthier, more connected communities.

• Promote unity, inclusion, and positive social connections within the community
• Support youth mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Raise awareness around Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD)
• Encourage healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement
• Create opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth
• Strengthen community spirit, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging
• Build respect, discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young people
• Provide a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for recreation and social interaction
• Encourage friendship, communication, and community participation through games and shared activities

Our goal is to create a space where every young person feels connected, valued, supported, and empowered within their community. Through chess, checkers, table tennis, dominoes, card games, and other indoor activities, we strive to build confidence, strengthen relationships, promote wellbeing, and provide positive opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.

B-MAD Indoor Gaming Night:

Whether you are a young person, volunteer, supporter, family member, or community participant, B-MAD Indoor Gaming Night welcomes everyone who believes in unity, respect, connection, and positive change within the community.

Together, we come together through friendly competition, learning, recreation, and meaningful social connections. Through games, conversation, and community engagement, we create opportunities to build friendships, strengthen relationships, develop life skills, and promote positive wellbeing.

B-MAD Indoor Gaming Night is a place where everyone can feel safe, valued, included, and empowered to participate, connect, and grow within their community.

United through connection. Stronger through community.

Proudly powered by African Youth Collective Inc. through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs.

Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where young people, families, and community members can come together through connection, engagement, cultural identity, and community spirit.

Through B-MAD Footscray – African Traditional Foods, we believe that sharing traditional African meals has the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds, strengthen relationships, celebrate culture, and build healthier, safer, and more connected communities.

B-MAD Footscray – African Traditional Foods aims to:

• Promote unity, peace, and social cohesion within the Footscray community.
• Support youth mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Raise awareness around Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).
• Encourage healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement.
• Create opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and personal growth.
• Celebrate African culture through traditional foods and cultural exchange.
• Strengthen community spirit, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging.
• Build respect, inclusion, discipline, and positive social connections among young people.
• Provide a safe, positive, and welcoming space for young people and community members every Wednesday.

Our goal is to create a space where every young person feels connected, valued, supported, and empowered within their community. Through African traditional foods, shared meals, meaningful conversations, mentorship, and positive community engagement, we strive to inspire hope, strengthen relationships, preserve cultural heritage, and provide pathways for young people to reach their full potential.

Held every Wednesday from 2:00 PM in Footscray, B-MAD Footscray – African Traditional Foods is committed to building stronger minds, stronger communities, and stronger futures—one meal, one conversation, one culture, and one connection at a time.

B-MAD Footscray – African Traditional Foods & Community BBQ operates under African Youth Collective Inc. (AYC), a community organisation dedicated to empowering African-Australian youth through mental health awareness, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) prevention, leadership development, cultural engagement, education, sport, and community wellbeing initiatives.

Through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs, AYC creates safe, inclusive, and culturally welcoming spaces where young people, families, and community members can connect, build positive relationships, and celebrate African culture through African Traditional Foods, Community BBQs, and community engagement.

B-MAD Footscray – African Traditional Foods & Community BBQ brings people together through the sharing of authentic African cuisine, freshly prepared BBQ meals, meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, music, friendship, and mutual support. The program strengthens community connections, promotes mental wellbeing, encourages healthy lifestyles, and inspires young people to become confident leaders and active contributors within their communities.

Every gathering provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy delicious food, celebrate culture, build friendships, and access a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included.

Together, we are building stronger communities by promoting unity, cultural pride, hope, wellbeing, opportunity, and positive youth engagement—one meal, one BBQ, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

Every second Thursday, Ahadu Restaurant will provide warm, freshly prepared meals for participants attending the AYC B-MAD Community BBQ and youth engagement program.

Through this generous contribution, Ahadu Restaurant is helping to create opportunities for connection, conversation, belonging, and community wellbeing.

Together, we believe that sharing food brings people together, builds relationships, and creates stronger, healthier communities.

African Youth Collective and Ahadu Restaurant are committed to creating opportunities where food becomes more than a meal—it becomes a way to connect, support, encourage, and strengthen our community.

Together, we are investing in the wellbeing of young people by providing not only nourishment but also a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.

The B-MAD Community BBQ operates under African Youth Collective Inc. (AYC), a community organisation dedicated to supporting African-Australian youth through mental health awareness, Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) prevention, leadership development, sport, education, and community wellbeing programs.

Through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs — AYC works to create safe spaces and positive pathways for young people and families within the community.

Together, we are building stronger communities by promoting unity, hope, wellbeing, opportunity, and positive youth engagement across Australia.

B-MAD African Traditional Foods Sunday (Food for Thoughts Sunday)

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where young people, families, and communities can come together through connection, engagement, culture, and community spirit.

Through B-MAD African Traditional Foods Sunday (Food for Thoughts Sunday), we believe community gatherings and shared meals have the power to unite people from different backgrounds, strengthen relationships, celebrate cultural diversity, support wellbeing, and build healthier, safer, and more connected communities.

More than simply sharing food, the program creates opportunities for meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, mutual support, and lasting friendships. We use the power of food, connection, and community engagement to promote positive mental health, social inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging.

 B-MAD African Traditional Foods Sunday aims to:

- Promote unity, peace, and social cohesion within the community.

- Support youth mental health and emotional wellbeing.

- Raise awareness around Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).

- Encourage healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement.

- Create opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and personal growth.

- Strengthen community spirit, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging.

- Build respect, discipline, inclusion, and positive social connections among young people.

- Foster meaningful conversations and strong community support networks.

- Celebrate African culture and diversity through traditional food, storytelling, and shared experiences.

- Create safe and inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected.

Our Goal

Our goal is to create a space where every person feels connected, valued, supported, and empowered within their community. Through sharing a variety of traditional African foods, cultural exchange, meaningful conversations, and community engagement, we strive to strengthen relationships, reduce social isolation, and create positive outcomes for individuals, families, and the wider community.

Prepared with care by dedicated volunteers, including our sister Nashra and supported by chef Mohammed Ahmed, every meal brings people together across cultures and generations. These shared experiences help build understanding, friendship, resilience, and stronger community connections.

B-MAD African Traditional Foods Sunday is more than a meal—it is about bringing people together, building hope, strengthening communities, promoting wellbeing, and creating a lasting sense of belonging for everyone.

Together, we are building stronger minds, stronger communities, and stronger futures—one meal, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

Whether you are a young person, volunteer, supporter, family member, or community participant, B-MAD African Traditional Foods Sunday (Food for Thoughts Sunday) welcomes everyone who believes in unity, respect, connection, and positive change within the community.

Together, we grow through community, support, culture, and shared purpose. By bringing people together through traditional African foods, meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, and community engagement, we create opportunities to build stronger relationships, celebrate diversity, and support the wellbeing of individuals, families, and the wider community.

Every gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, strengthen community bonds, and create a greater sense of belonging for all. Through food, friendship, and positive engagement, we are building healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.

United through connection. Stronger through community.

Proudly powered by African Youth Collective Inc. through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs.