Territorial Commander drops into The Couch for Thai Night
- deansimpson7
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
BY FAY FOSTER
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas dropped into The Couch recently, where international students were celebrating a Thai-themed night at the home of The Salvation Army’s Project 614 Corps.
Each evening from Monday to Thursday, The Couch at 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne, is filled with international students, talking, laughing, eating, learning and finding company and support.
“What a wonderful night at 614 for The Couch ...Thai Night!” said Miriam. “Over 300 international students – real community, great partnership, a great group of young adults ... inspiring!”
The team at Project 614 started The Couch in 2010 after noticing a growing number of international students who were vulnerable, lonely and isolated. The aim was to create a safe, fun place for students to gather, get practical support and make new friends.
Major Brendan Nottle, Team Leader at 614, explains: “We initially had a meeting with the City of Melbourne and Victoria Police. And we said, we are really concerned about international students that are vulnerable, isolated, I think being targeted in some ways … and we wanted to work with those parties, but also other agencies, to say, collaboratively, what can we do to just help the experience here in Melbourne be a really good one for international students.”
At that time, there were around 131,000 international students in Victoria. In 2025, that number has risen to nearly 224,000.
Connection and learning
“The Couch is a really fun place for students to meet each evening”, said Phoebe, Senior Operations Manager at 614.
“But it is also a really important place for them to access important information during their stay in Melbourne, whether it’s Surf Lifesaving Australia teaching students to swim between the flags, the ATO showing students how to apply for a tax file number, or our really popular salsa dancing classes. It’s an opportunity for people to meet and learn new skills and important information.”
The Couch provides not only a safe space for international students to meet, but also an opportunity to connect with support services and information on a range of issues, including housing, employment, counselling, student services, legal support and representation.
A meal is provided, and social activities help with making friends and cultural exchanges. Activities include salsa and hip-hop dance classes, theatre workshops, art and craft exhibitions, costume parties and dance therapy.
WATCH MORE: The Couch at Project 614
Each month, an event celebrating one of the countries represented by the students is held. They have even sent a billycart team to contest Melbourne’s iconic Queensberry Cup!
For more information on The Couch, check out the Melbourne Couch Facebook page here, phone 0444 111 222, or email thecouch614@gmail.com
