#pexit - So long Peter, and thanks for all the memories - June 30, 2016

On 30 June, 2016, Peter enjoyed his last night at The Couch. As The Couch coordinator for the last 7 years, Peter was instantly recognisable as the face of The Couch to any regulars.

Melbourne Victory vs Gamba Osaka - May 3, 2016

Once again, The City of Melbourne and Melbourne Victory kindly invited international students and volunteers to watch them play another match in the AFC Champions League. This time, they played against Gamba Osaka.

Gülcan Koca came by to greet the Girl's Friendship Club soccer team.

Melbourne Victory vs Shanghai SIPG - February 24, 2016

On Wednesday, 24 February, students and volunteers from The Couch were invited by the City of Melbourne and Melbourne Victory to watch them play against Shanghai SIPG in an exciting game of high class soccer.

Students also had the chance to meet Gulcan Koca before the game!

South American Christmas Party - December 16, 2015

The end of a year, and an era. As people arrived for The Couch End of Year Christmas Party (with a South American Theme), they were all given a small card with an address printed. What some may not have realised was this address had The Couch's new home printed on it. This party would be the last night The Couch would see at Hamodava Cafe, its home for the last five years!

Mid-Autumn Festival - September 24, 2015

Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in China, was celebrated at The Couch on September 24th. The night offered students and volunteers a great opportunity to learn about eastern culture and get connected with each other.

Colombian Party - 20 August 2015

Colombia is a beautiful country in South America and has a population of nearly 50 million people. We were lucky enough to have three of the loveliest ladies from Colombia throw a party for The Couch!

Korean Night - May 25, 2015

On Monday, May 25th, many people gathered at The Couch to take part in another exciting City of Melbourne Cultural Series – this time celebrating Korean Night! 

We were very lucky to have Mr. Hongju Jo, the Korean Consul General for Melbourne,
introduce the evening and welcome the guests.

Bollywood Night - April 2, 2015

Bollywood Night at The Couch was a great success! The place came alive with vibrant dancers, mouth-watering Indian food, catchy music, and a large crowd of international students.

Lord Mayor's Student Welcome - March 28, 2015

The Couch was host to the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome presentation on 28 March 2015. This special event celebrates and embraces the diversity which international students bring to Melbourne. Organised by the City of Melbourne and hosted by The Couch, this year the event exceeded all expectations by providing new activities in which all present could participate.

The amazing models and designs from the LMSW Fashion Show

The Welcome Dinner Project - March 19, 2015

The Welcome Dinner Project aims to connect people both new and old to Australia over a pot luck dinner. When The Welcome Dinner Project decided to have their first exchange of foods and cultures in the Melbourne CBD, The Couch was chosen as the perfect location.

The AFC Asian Cup - January 2015

On January 31st, the national Australian soccer team, the Socceroos, won the Asian Cup 2015 in a nail-biting finish against South Korea. Prior to the final in Sydney, games were played all around Australia, and students and volunteers from The Couch were in attendance at lots of the Melbourne games. Helena wrote up our collective experiences as follows.

Thando 'W.Y.B.M' Single Launch - January 23, 2015

When The Couch reopened on January 8th, Gary from the City of Melbourne came in with some tickets for Thando’s single Launch. We'd previously seen Thando at The Couch last year, when she came in to perform for us all at The Hammy.

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