You're invited to the WDP-VIC & The Couch International Students Center Community Welcome Dinner!
Do you love trying foods from different cultures? Perhaps you are new to Australia and would like to meet more local friends. Or maybe you are a local wanting to help build a welcoming and inclusive community.
Presented by The Welcome Dinner Project and The Couch International Students Center, with the support of the City of Melbourne's Experience Melbourne Program to bring you an amazing Community Welcome Dinner at the Couch on the Melbourne’s CBD! Come together and share our food, culture, stories and fun, to re-awaken the spirit of connection and celebrate the diversity Melbourne is renowned for!
Cook your favourite food or bring a dish from your culture and share it as part of the pot luck-style dinner. Be touched and entertained by stories of life passions and change from the people you meet. Find out just how much our multicultural and multifaith communities have in common. You will be surprised!
In addition to the sharing of food and stories, there will be some prizes!
Entry is FREE and we welcome people of all ages. Places are limited, so register now to book your place!
Please note, the WDP is obliged to adhere to Public Health directives and in line with Victoria’s Roadmap, all guests of the picnic (except children) will be required to show their certificate of COVID-19 vaccination upon entry. If the requirements change before 2nd Dec 2021, we will update this information accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Register online here. No ticket is required. Sign up every member of a family or group of friends individually in your booking. On event day, we will mark your names and assign you a dinner table number.
How do I get there?
The Couch International Students Center - 69 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
What food shall I bring?
Bring a savoury or sweet dish to share with other guests. Please bring food that does not require heating or assembling at the venue as there will not be cooking facilities available on event day. We will contact you before the event to answer any questions.
I have special dietary requirements. Can I attend?
Yes. All guests will introduce their dishes and the ingredients before dinner starts. If you are unsure of what a dish contains, please ask our facilitators at your dinner table and they will be happy to help you. You may bring something you wish to eat yourself. Some guests may also cater to people with special dietary requirements. We advise you to be aware of your own needs and not risk anything you are not sure of.
Will alcohol be served? Can I bring my own wine or beer?
All Welcome Dinner Project events are alcohol-free. We provide water, soft drinks and juice.
Can I attend if I can’t communicate fluently in English?
Yes. We welcome people from all backgrounds and encourage cross-cultural connections. Our facilitators at your dinner table will be happy to assist you.
Can children attend the event?
Yes. We advise all children be supervised by their parents/guardians at all times. Children must be registered under the bookings of their parents/guardians.
Who do I contact if I have other questions?
We will contact all registered participants by phone and email before the event. You may highlight your concerns to our friendly facilitators before the event or on the day of the dinner.
