Community Engagement & Impact
AYC in the Community
African Youth Collective is active across Melbourne and beyond — building relationships with government, community leaders, partner organisations, and the young people we serve. Here is a glimpse of our work in action.
Prison Visit — Supporting Youth Behind Bars
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr visits incarcerated African youth, providing support, mentorship, and a reminder that their community has not forgotten them.
Respecting the Elders of Australia
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr with an Aboriginal elder during Ethiopian New Year celebrations — honouring the First Nations people of this land and building bridges across cultures.
WOW General Trading Store Partnership
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr and the Owner of WOW General Trading Store formalise their partnership — creating real employment and training pathways for African youth in Footscray.
Meeting with Mayor Mohamed Semra
Maribyrnong City Council Mayor Mohamed Semra meets with AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr — strengthening the relationship between local government and Melbourne's African community.
AYC at the Medical Dr Event
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr represents the organisation at a medical and health sector event, advocating for culturally responsive health services for African youth.
The AYC Team
The African Youth Collective team at the AYC office — united in purpose, delivering AOD and mental health services to the African community across Melbourne's west.
AYC & the Security Company
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr meets with a security company at the AYC office — exploring employment and training opportunities for African youth in the security sector.
AYC at South Sudanese Community Leaders at Melbourne University
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr alongside a South Sudanese community leader at an event at Melbourne University — connecting community voices with academic and civic institutions.
Meeting with Hon Dr Daniel Mulino — Assistant Treasurer of Australia
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr meets with Australia's Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Dr Daniel Mulino — advocating for African youth at the highest levels of government.
Ethiopian New Year 2025 — MP Katie Hall & Dr Tesfaye Yigzawe
AYC CEO & Founder Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr alongside Maribyrnong MP Katie Hall and Ethiopian Community leader Dr Tesfaye Yigzawe at the Ethiopian New Year celebrations, September 2025 — strengthening ties between government, community leaders, and African youth.
Partnership with The Tinshed — Tamara Carr
AYC Founder/CEO Mr Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr with Tamara Carr, Manager of The Tinshed at St Albans Community Youth Club — building partnerships that expand safe spaces and opportunities for African youth across Melbourne's west.
Community United — Justice for Abdifatah Ahmed
The Footscray community gathers in solidarity at the rally for Abdifatah Ahmed, shot on 17 April 2025. AYC was present to support the family, amplify community voices, and advocate for justice.
Want to Get Involved?
AYC is always looking for passionate people to join our community — as volunteers, partners, or supporters.