Nestlé Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Development Program (AYDP)
About Nestlé AYDP
The Nestlé Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Development Program started in 2010 and today is the flagship program of the Nestlé Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Through our partnership with NASCA, we have supported over 1,500 First Nations youth with nutrition education and with career pathways
Take a look at our program in action below:
Through the AYDP program, we've proudly collaborated with Australian dietitians to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our initiative. Together, we’ve developed culturally focused workshops and resources that celebrate and promote First Nations food practices and traditions.
A key focus is the incorporation of bush foods into culinary recipes. Participants explore a variety of rich and flavourful native ingredients, such as lemon myrtle, saltbush, warrigal greens, and strawberry gum. These foods offer unique tastes and can enhance meals while providing valuable nutritional benefits.
Check out our bushfood swap resources below. Transitioning from Western foods to bush foods is an excellent way to celebrate culture and embrace native ingredients:
Nestlé AYDP initiatives
NASCA Cultural Discovery Event
Several representatives from Nestlé attended the NASCA Cultural Discovery Event at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern in 2024. First Nations students from NASCA took corporate partners on a creative journey, sharing their talent with arts and craft while sharing their experience of NASCA.
NASCA CareerFit Conference
Nestlé has participated in NASCA’s CareerFit Conference since 2022. CareerFit is an opportunity for students to learn about different career opportunities and develop their leadership skills. In 2024, Nestlé hosted 30 + students for a cooking and food styling workshop and speed networking session.
Dreamfest
Focused on connecting with each other and to culture, Nestlé has participated in NASCA’s Dreamfest camp since its inception in 2022. Dreamfest is an opportunity for young people to come together for activities such as Traditional Indigenous Games and Aboriginal art workshops. Nestlé has supported with cooking and cultural workshops over the years.
