On Saturday Gig Buddies Sydney hosted their first face-to-face gathering since the 4th of June.
We had a fantastic turnout at Wollundry Park in Pennant Hills on Saturday, followed by a second picnic on Sunday at Cremorne Point.
Everyone was super happy to finally catch up and hang out after so long.
Check out the Gig Buddies Sydney photo gallery to see some happy snaps from the weekend.
For Central Coasties we still have places remaining for Palm Beach picnic on the 21st of November. Matthew, the Gig Buddies Central Coast Coordinator, will be catching the ferry down to Palm Beach, and would love you to join him.
Click here for more details:
If you’ve never been to a Gig Buddies event before, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people and have a chat some fellow gig buddies in your neighbourhood. The Gig Buddies team will be there to make sure you have an awesome time!
One hit... wonderful!
Do you ever ask yourself, "what ever happened to Vanilla Ice?" or "what was Aqua's follow-up single after Barbie Girl?". Well, the answer is, "they were both One-Hit-Wonders with a capital O."
They are in good company though. Some of the most iconic songs of the last 50 years have been from bands never to be heard from again. Imagine life without The Macarena or Gangnam Style? OK, bad example, but you get my point.
Join us online via Zoom on Wednesday night as we dive into the wonderful world of one hit wonders, where we will blast out tunes from A-Ha, Wheetus, Soft Cell, The Buggles and Chumbawumba. And don't worry if you've never heard of these bands before... you're not alone. click here to sign up
Things might get silly.
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Ready-to-go volunteers
We're still putting the call out for more people to join Gig Buddies on the Central Coast.
If you, or someone you know, can tick the boxes below, we would love to hear from you. Or you can go directly to our sign-up page here .
Gig Buddies tackles social isolation, and we have volunteers based throughout the region who are waiting and ready to go! The benefits of joining our growing community include:
Meet new people! Try new things! Expand your circle of friends! Go out with someone who’s not a family member or support worker!
We match adults with disabilities with volunteers, both of whom share a mutual passion(s). Age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration - and once paired up, ‘matched buddies’ attend gigs and events of their choosing. These can range from music concerts, sporting matches, bushwalking or catching up for a coffee – the possibilities are endless, and are all determined on someone’s personal interests.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, now is the perfect time to join the fun.
If you (or someone you know) would benefit from joining us at Gig Buddies Central Coast, feel free to send a text or call us on 0402 708 814. Alternatively, head to our website, www.gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or get in touch via Facebook Messenger.
Art-ober is over
Thanks to everyone who sent in photos of their artwork for Art-ober. There's so much talent in the Gig Buddies community! Our next step is to pick three winners out of a hat, and then create the Gig Buddies 2022 calendar with the artwork.
To check out the talent, or send us a picture to be included in the calendar (we will take late entries for the calendar), go to www.gigbuddiessydney.org/fun.
A word from the pros
While New South Wales continues to enjoy greater freedoms, we’re going to continue with our push for those who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ‘look after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisis’ list of ideas.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast) or 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Central Coast coordinator
Would you like more information about Gig Buddies Central Coast? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.