Industry Inspired.
Industry Integrated.
NICI offers elite training and experience for aspiring indigenous Chefs who will be trained and mentored by Australia’s top Chefs at host restaurants from Rockpool Bar and Grill, Margaret, Catalina, Aria, The European, Movida, The Dolphin Hotel, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and more in Sydney, Melbourne and South East Queensland .
Helping create Indigenous chefs since 2012.
NICI was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit partnership committed to finding and training the next generation of culinary leaders, and is not the leading Indigenous chef training program in Australia.
As a hospitality training program, we aim high, working with the top chefs and restauranteurs to provide exceptional career opportunities. We want our graduates to make major contributions to the Australian hospitality industry through their skills and leadership. We want to see more Indigenous chefs with their own restaurants and food businesses, with their own chef’s hat awards, and with their own success stories.
Partnered with Giants
NICI is proud to be partnered with leading hospitality companies along with top Australian and global brands







Our Patrons
We acknowledge and appreciate the contribution and support from our Patrons.
Board of Directors
Sally Walker
Director
Bill Sweeney
Chairman
Jill Dupliex
Director
Katie Lahey AM
Director
Michael Ingrey
Director
Gary Green
Director
Jarred Hodges
Director
Nathan Lovett
CEO
Get in touch
If you or your company wish to invest in the education and skilled employment of indigenous Australians, please contact us.
nathan@nici.org.au
0414 696 025
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waters upon which we work, cook, and bring people together