End Your Week with Community
Thursday BBQ
Every Thursday, AYC brings the community together for a free gathering at Sunshine BBQ, Sunshine — a warm, welcoming space to wind down, share a meal, and connect. Once a fortnight, we partner with Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant to bring authentic African cuisine straight to the community.
What is Thursday BBQ?
Thursday BBQ is part of AYC's Connection & Recreation program. Held every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Sunshine BBQ, Sunshine VIC, it's a free drop-in gathering for African young people and families — a consistent end-of-week touchpoint for community connection and cultural belonging.
Once every fortnight, we take Thursday to the next level by partnering with Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant — an authentic African restaurant right here in Sunshine. Ahadu provides a specially prepared meal for the community, bringing the rich flavours of African cuisine to the gathering and celebrating the food traditions that connect us.
All are welcome — young people, families, elders, and anyone who wants to be part of something. No registration, no cost, no barriers. Just show up.
Event Details
Every Thursday
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunshine BBQ, Sunshine VIC
Free — all welcome
Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant, Sunshine — authentic African cuisine every second Thursday
Fortnightly Special
Ahadu Restaurant Nights
Once every fortnight, AYC partners with Ahadu Restaurant — an authentic African restaurant in Sunshine — to bring a specially prepared meal to the Thursday gathering. It is a celebration of African food culture, a way to support a local African business, and a reminder that community care can taste incredible.
Why Thursday Matters
Thursday BBQ isn't just a meal — it's a deliberate act of community care. By gathering consistently at the end of the week, AYC creates a rhythm of connection that young people can count on.
Rhythm & Routine
Predictable, weekly gatherings give young people a reliable anchor point — something positive to look forward to every week.
Ahadu Restaurant Nights
Once a fortnight, Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant in Sunshine provides an authentic African meal for the community — celebrating culture, supporting a local African business, and making every second Thursday extra special.
Intergenerational Connection
Thursday BBQ brings together young people, parents, and elders — strengthening the bonds across generations that hold communities together.
Wellbeing in Action
Social connection at the end of the week reduces stress, combats isolation, and builds the resilience that carries young people through challenges.
Part of the B-MAD Framework
Thursday BBQ is a core delivery point for AYC's B-MAD prevention framework — Beyond Mental-health Alcohol and Drugs. Every gathering is an opportunity to build belonging, reinforce positive identity, and strengthen the community connections that protect young people's long-term wellbeing.
Learn more about B-MADThursday Highlights
End-of-Week Gathering at Sunvale
Thursday BBQ brings the week to a close with good food and great company. Every fortnight, Ahadu Restaurant joins us to celebrate African cuisine — making Thursday the most anticipated night of the week.
Proudly sponsored by
AHADU
ETHIOPIAN
Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant
Sunshine, VIC
KALDI'S
CAFE & BAR
Our Foods for Thought BBQs are proudly sponsored by Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant (Sunshine) and Kaldi's Cafe & Bar (Footscray) — local businesses investing in African community wellbeing.
More Ways to Connect
Join Us This Thursday
No registration needed — just show up. Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your family. There's always a seat at our table.
Get in Touch