Melbourne Salvos 614

Look at these gorgeous hand knitted scarves that were donated this week. All of the love and kindness that went into their creation will be so appreciated by the community members who receive them. There is so much kindness in the world. Thank you to the special donor.

Great to have the 93 year old legend, George Ellis, meet Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt at the launch of the Lighthouse Cafe in Footscray.

Great work by Cody Weightman

Mural x digital art for Footscray community cafe. Worked with the @salvosau to create this space and @portable_julian to execute the projection mapping. Our suburb Footscray is a place where people need the help, this mural is suggests that what we have created is a room where people that need it can come and grow with the support offered. This is symbolised through the plants in this design that grow when fed and watered appropriately which is the plan for helping our local people!

Great to have a couple of Western Bulldogs legends involved in the Lighthouse cafe.

We’re thrilled to share that The Couch International Student Drop-In Centre has received a High Commendation in the national Welcome Cities Award category. The awards ceremony was held in Adelaide this week. This achievement is a testament to the incredible dedication, care, and collaboration of Elle, Nicholas, and our amazing community of Couch volunteers. Together, they are making a real and meaningful difference in the lives of international students across our city. 💙

A heartfelt thank you to Elle and Nicholas for your ongoing commitment to creating such a welcoming and supportive space for everyone who walks through our doors.

👏 Congratulations to all involved- this is something to be truly proud of!

Hooray for all of our volunteers! We appreciate you, each and every one 🤩
This week is National Volunteer Week...
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so
much.” —Helen Keller

We are counting down to the launch of the Salvos 614 'Lighthouse Cafe' in Footscray. The Salvation Army have been operating in Footscray for about 100 years and we have been blown away by the community support for this project. Already we have seen "the Best of the West" as tradies, major companies and everyday passers by have thrown their support behind the project. Our official launch is this Wednesday the 20th of May. Katie Hall MP and Salvos 614's Brendan Nottle would love to see you there!

Something special happens at the Magpie Nest Cafe every Wednesday morning from 10:15am to 12pm. Monash occupational therapy students, guided by an experienced occupational therapist, invite community members to transform their life experiences into creative expression. Some sessions begin with a gentle creative prompt, while others invite participants to create whatever feels right in the moment . Whether it’s painting, sketching with charcoal, or even just observing, everyone is supported to take part in whatever way suits them. The space is sometimes filled with conversation and shared ideas, whilst other times all is quiet and focused. There’s no “right” way to join in.

💬 What participants are saying:
“Sometimes I just want to keep going…”
“That gave my brain a rest from thinking.”
“That’s the first time I have ever drawn anything!”

We believe every person deserves far more than the fulfillment of basic human rights. Joy, creativity, love, purpose, and a true sense of belonging are not luxuries, they are fundamental birthrights. This special program is a part of that.