Koori Kulcha, a First Nations enterprise supporting communities nationwide, launched its new Indigenous-inspired snack, the Croc Dog, this week.
The launch is ongoing at the Sydney Aboriginal Café in Sussex Street, Sydney, with sessions at 12.30pm and 4.30pm.
The Croc Dog is a hotdog made with crocodile meat and native herbs, served in a specially designed bun, and paired with three unique native sauces.
Ingredients are sourced from Aboriginal suppliers and Koori Kulcha's own gardens wherever possible.
The launch also introduces drinks like native teas and a bubble tea called Freshwater Splash, complementing the snack's flavours.
Gomeroi and Dunghutti Founder and director of Koori Kulcha, Marie Barbaric, described the Croc Dog as a step towards celebrating Indigenous culture while building sustainable business ventures.
"Aussies can buy all kinds of multicultural street food, but up until now, none from our rich Indigenous heritage," she said.
"By creating the Croc Dog and our other offerings, we're not just building a business but funding youth programs independently and showcasing self-determination."
The event showcases the Croc Dog and Koori Kulcha's broader street food range, which includes Kangaroo Kofta, Lemon Myrtle Chicken, and the Kids' Snappy Meal.
Free tastings of the Croc Dog and drinks will be offered during the event, alongside photo opportunities and a tour of the café.
Located at 273-279 Sussex Street, the café is a joint venture with the Koori Kulcha Experience and will host Croc Dog sales alongside special food stands in Sydney.
Profits from Koori Kulcha's ventures, including the café, catering services, and mobile food trucks, directly fund community programs like the Job Ready Warriors initiative, which provides employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Ms Barbaric emphasised the program's focus on creating "sustainable pathways through creating sustainable business."
Croc Dogs will soon be sold at various locations around Sydney, with commercial sales to follow.
Additional soft launches are planned in other Sydney spaces over the coming months, supported by Koori Kulcha's mobile catering business.
The Croc Dog's debut is an opportunity to spotlight Indigenous flavours and showcase how culture and business can work together to support community development.