Benny Williams Represents First Nations Youth on the World Stage

From Alice Springs to Osaka: Benny Williams Represents First Nations Youth on the World Stage

Benjamin David Albert Williams, a proud First Nations youth ambassador and emerging culinary talent from Alice Springs, has just returned from a transformative six-week placement at the Osaka 2025 World Expo, where he represented Australia as part of the Global Hospitality Group’s Indigenous Trainee Mission.

Benny was selected as one of six Indigenous trainees to work at the Australian Pavilion, themed 'Chasing the Sun'. The pavilion celebrates Australia’s diversity, creativity, and deep First Nations connection to Country. Benny contributed to the Pavilion’s hospitality operations, including front and back of house service, VIP functions, and bush food-inspired culinary demonstrations.

Since beginning his career with Reality Bites Catering in 2020, Benny has worked across various venues in Alice Springs, including the RFDS Base Café, Coolamon Café, and the Crimson Chat Cocktail and Tapas Lounge. He is currently undertaking his chef apprenticeship through CDU.

Benny’s passion for bush foods and Indigenous culture was nurtured through mentorship from industry leaders like Rayleen Brown (Kungkas Can Cook), Lisa Perry (Reality Bites), and chefs Tanya Healy and Paul Iskov through the Djinda Ngardak Program. His participation in the 2023 World Indigenous Tourism Summit at Crown Perth further cemented his role as a cultural ambassador and culinary innovator.

I aspire to one day open my own café or restaurant and be a role model for other young Indigenous people. This experience has shown me what’s possible

We are proud to have Benny as a Prepare Produce Provide Youth Ambassador.