End of Year Party - December 17, 2014

On Wednesday 17 December 2014, The Couch celebrated its End of The Year Party to mark the end of another enjoyable and fun-filled year! Many new and old Couchers from all parts of the world and cultures came to make the event both a successful and a loud one!

Hope's Craft Class - December 10, 2014

On Wednesday, 10th December, Hope held a special crafts class at The Couch. Jane Pang wrote about her experience.

Six interesting things about making a quiz show for community TV - October 16, 2014

On October 16, Hope and Robin represented The Couch on a pilot show for community TV, MQ by Chai Junction. Filmed at the RMIT Studios, it was a fascinating experience for both those who participated, and those who watched. We also learnt lots of cool stuff, like…

Hope for Homeless Youth: A concert with James Morrison - September 26, 2014

Each year, The Salvation Army has contact with approximately 64,000 at risk and homeless young people in the City of Melbourne. Funds are required to finance the vital support these disadvantaged youths’ needs so, on Friday 26th September, a fund raising concert was held at The Salvation Army City Temple. James Morrison, together with the Salvation Army Youth Band, provided a night of great entertainment and music.

The Couch 5 year Overnight Party - August 15, 2014

Last week was a big milestone for The Couch. Over 5 days we celebrated the 5 year anniversary of The Couch. It kicked off with a tea party on Monday and, as everyone knows, concluded on Friday night with our overnight party (with lots of fun and craziness). The suggested dress code was a onesie and, for those who are not so fond of formality like myself, that was awesome!

It was such a popular night, people parked anywhere they could!

5 Year Anniversary Afternoon Tea Party - August 11, 2014

It was 5 years ago, on 3rd August 2009, that The Couch was opened as a joint initiative between the Salvation Army, the City of Melbourne, and AFIS.

Yep, that's The Couch cake!

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome Part 3: Backstage - August 2, 2014

For the first time ever the semi-annual event, the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome, was held at The Couch. The event was so massive, that we need to split it up into three parts by three authors!

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome Part 2: The Main Hall - August 2, 2014

For the first time ever the semi-annual event, the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome, was held at The Couch. The event was so massive, that we need to split it up into three parts by three different authors!

Katumba

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome Part 1: The Couch Stall - August 2, 2014

For the first time ever the semi-annual event, the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome, was held at The Couch. The event was so massive, that we need to split it up into three parts by three authors!

The Hammy: Live Music Space - July 18, 2014

The Salvos have hosted yet another spectacular event. On Friday July 18, guests and volunteers gathered at The Hammy to enjoy free snacks and great musical performances from talented artists.

The amazing Thando Sikwila!

Mexican Party - June 19, 2014

When Grace and Sonia told everyone they wanted to host a Mexican night, we weren't quite sure what to expect. But, when Thursday 19 June came round, we were all amazed and delighted by just how great the night was; all their hard work and preparation became clear!

Red Shield Appeal Thank You Dinner - June 17, 2014

Over two weekends at the end of May, volunteers from The Couch joined many others in the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. Later, on June 17 at 6:00pm before The Couch opened, there was a thank you dinner and presentation up in The Temple.

Essendon Vs Melbourne Footy Match - June 15, 2014

"What a boring game," Leah sighed. It was half time, and her beloved Melbourne Demons team was on 21, half the score of the Essendon Bombers on their comfortable 42. "I have a headache," Leah continued, as her head sunk into her hands. Meanwhile, Leah's friend, and avid Essendon support, Hieu, was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. How did we get here?

Onesie Party for Responsible Gambling Awareness Week - June 11, 2014

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week run is May each year, and this year ran from May 26 to June 1. It was decided to hold an event at The Couch to talk about the issues and problems that irresponsible gambling can cause. One of The Couch volunteers, Mohan, had a very personal experience with the dangers of excessive gambling, and agreed to work with Sharon from The Salvation Army to tell his story. Unfortunately, we were unable to organise the presentation during the Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, but it was deemed important that this message still gets delivered, even if a little late.

500 Facebook Likes - June 4, 2014

When we reached 500 likes on Facebook, we knew we had to make a post to thank all our supporters. When I arrived at The Couch that day, several of the students there were playing with some newly donated goodies. I have no idea what these games were called, but they were quite similar to a tapestry. However, instead of threading you have to place little coloured pieces of plastic in the right place on the grid.

The Couch has been nominated for the CISA Most Active International Student Association Excellence Award. If you have Facebook, and want to support The Couch, please like this photo to vote for them! 

Essendon Football Club Visit – May 29, 2014

On 29 May, there was an exciting buzz at The Couch as representatives from the Essendon Football Club, one of the oldest AFL clubs, were coming to visit us. Upon arriving at The Couch, students were greeted with a very different sight compared to usual. On one side of the room all the tables had been moved to the edge, and on the other side were two handball competition boards. Throughout the whole night, students took turns practicing handballs and trying to outscore each other.

The idea behind these activities is to engage international students with all the excitement of the AFL culture – be it the game, the teams, the players or the interesting conversations one can have about the sport. It’s also about connecting people and empowering communities through sport – Gary Lee, AFL Community Ambassador 2014

Altitude Shift - May 23-24, 2014

Altitude Shift was an exciting event organised to raise funds for Anglicare Victoria - an important charity that delivers programs to help some of the most vulnerable members of society, our children. In particular, Anglicare is heavily involved in providing foster care: arranging safe and supportive homes to children who are temporarily unable to be looked after by their birth parents.

Spice Market Dinner - April 30, 2014

On the last day of April, Spice Market opened their doors to The Couch and invited us inside for a lovely dinner.

A Busy Weekend - April 12-13, 2014

The weekend ending 13 April was an incredibly busy one for International Students - with so many activities on that it was impossible for any one person to be at all events. So, for this entry, I'd like to welcome two guest bloggers, Behrooz and Dan. If you missed out on these activities, get involved, and don't miss the next one!

AFIS International Students Infoday - April 5, 2014

On Saturday 5th April our friends at AFIS, in partnership with the Victorian Government, hosted the International Student Information Day 2014 at the Multicultural Hub. There were many free activities including information sessions, workshops, lunch, stall exhibitions and social networking events. At an event like this, of course The Couch was there!

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - March 30, 2014

The volunteers at The Couch give up their time and energy to help others at The Couch, so we always try to give something back to them when we get the chance. One of those chances happened the day after A Night at the Circus, when Gary from The City of Melbourne suddenly announced he had some tickets available for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which was ending in just two days!

A Night at the Circus - March 27, 2014

As soon as The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome had finished, we needed to start planning for the next big event, A Night at the Circus. Like some of our recent events, A Night at The Circus was organised in close partnership with AFIS and the City of Melbourne. Coming just five days after the Lord Mayor's Student Welcome, and involving many of the same volunteers and performers, it felt almost like a reunion.

Lord Mayor's Student Welcome - March 22, 2014

The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome is a great bi-annual event hosted by The City of Melbourne. With the purpose of welcoming new students to Melbourne, it shouldn't be surprising that The Couch has been there since the beginning. However, this year was a bit different, with Peter and Gary deciding this time to up the cooperation by mixing volunteers from The Couch with Gary's team of student volunteers.

Eureka Skydeck and Eve's Makeover - March 14, 2014

On Friday March 14, ten and a half volunteers from The Couch went on a tour of the Eureka Skydeck.

This photo was taken on a hazy day from St Kilda Beach.
The reflection from the setting sun was remarkably clear, but possibly
not so surprising when you know the glass on the top 10 floors is 24 carat gold plated!

Video Launch: No Worries, Have a Drink - March 6, 2014

On Thursday March 6, The Couch was the venue for the world premiere of "No Worries, Have A Drink". A short film directed by Catherine Simmonds, and filmed and edited by Wilari Tedjosiswoyo. The video was brought to you by AFIS in partnership with Multicultural Centre for Women's Health (MCWH) and Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre,

From the AFIS Website: "Come one, come all, come and see what was created from interviews and acting done by many international students, expressing their views of drinking in Australia"

Carnifest - February 27, 2014

On Thursday February 27, AFIS, in partnership with The Couch, held Carnifest - The Unique Melbournian Carnival Party.

Volunteer Dinner - February 8, 2014

When The Couch reopened on February 2, it was quickly decided there was a need to have a thank you dinner for the volunteers who had helped running The Couch last year. We wanted to hold the dinner as soon as possible and quickly settled on having the dinner the very next Saturday.