International Student Social Market

On Friday 9 October 2026 we held our first big event: the International Student Social Market at the Ernie Cropley Pavilion, University of Melbourne Sports Centre, Parkville. We had planned for 300 to 500 people. More than 1,000 booked, and over 800 came through the door — for more than 20 stalls from local traders, makers and community groups, K-pop sets from Bias Dance Crew, a live band, a free lunch at midday, and activity tables built so that anyone who walked in alone left having met someone. Councillor Gladys Liu from the City of Melbourne joined us and said a few words before lunch.

Thank you to our sponsor Glamour Lotus; to the City of Melbourne and The Couch, who helped and supported us from the very beginning; to Rozzi's and Los Rodriguez for feeding the room; and to every stallholder, community group, creator and volunteer who helped along the way. For a community this new, that turnout tells us one thing: people want this. We'll keep reviewing what worked and what didn't, and keep bringing events worth leaving the house for.