This is our shout out to Gig Buddies Central Coast participants to join us this Wednesday (9/2) for a pub quiz at the Settler’s Tavern, East Gosford.
We’re calling on the brains trust to come together and show the Central Coast what we got! To join us on Wednesday load up the following link:
- Pub trivia @ The Settler's Tavern, East Gosford: Wednesday 9 February: 6 - 9:30 (quiz starts at 7)
Quiz buddies
Just under two weeks later we then head north for another battle of wits, this time stopping off at The Entrance.
Buddies are also invited to join us on Tuesday 22 February at The Lake’s Hotel.
- Pub trivia @ The Lake's Hotel, The Entrance: Tuesday 22 February: 6:30 - 9:30 (quiz starts at 7:30)
Both catch ups are free to attend, and we’ll be arriving in time to order food at each event. For more information about our quiz outings, including how to sign up, load up the links above.
Gig Buddies is all about expanding social circles and trying new things. Everyone, irrespective of whether that person is matched with a buddy or not, is welcome to attend our events. We’re a friendly, inclusive and growing community - and we encourage as many of you as possible to come along.
If you have any questions about our February catch ups, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or via text or phone call on 0402 708 814.
Prepped and ready to go
We’d like to say a huge thanks to Shannon (below) for logging on last week and joining us for volunteer training.
With the other formalities now underway, we’re looking forward to announcing another Gig Buddies Central Coast pairing in due course.
Work with us
We’re looking for an energetic team player to work in Sydney’s Western suburbs, to help us grow and develop the Gig Buddies project within the region.
The Gig Buddies Western Sydney Hub Coordinator will be the first point of contact for those based in Sydney’s western suburbs. The appointee will work with the Sydney team to connect with existing and potential service users - helping us to increase awareness of who we are and what we do.
For more information about the role, click here to see the job description.
And if this sounds like something you would be interested in, please send your CV to project CEO, Carol Smail at carol@assistcom.org. If you would like more information about the position, call us on 02 9419 6951.
Watch with us
For those of you who missed out in marching with Gig Buddies at this year’s Mardi Gras, you are invited to join us in the stands of the world famous Sydney Cricket Ground.
We have a limited number of tickets to sell. Come join us and show your support for the LGBTQI+ community and help Gig Buddies celebrate diversity.
We’ll be cheering on those who represent Gig Buddies, plus the thousands of others who will make their way around the famous stadium.
As a reminder, the event takes place on Saturday 5 March. For more information, including how to buy your ticket, load up the link below:
If you have any questions about involvement with Sydney Mardi Gras or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on either 0422 061 990 or 0412 145 819.
Out and about with Sydney-siders
And on the subject of Sydney-based catch ups, our friends south of the Hawkesbury invite you to join them at the Art Gallery of NSW to sample the Matisse: Life & Spirit. Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris exhibition.
We have a limited number of tickets available. For more information, including how to sign up, load up the following link:
- Matisse: Life & Spirit: Wednesday 23 February, 6 - 8pm @ Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Please note, this Friday’s outing to the Royal Botanic Gardens for the Garden Social has now sold out.
If you have any questions about our February movements, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or via text or phone call on 0402 708 814.
Zoom trivia is back
In addition to Wednesday’s pub quiz in East Gosford, we’re throwing a midweek battle of wits ourself.
Did you know that Freddie Mercury’s real name is Farrokh Bulsara? Or that Beijing was formerly called Peking?
Kahoot! apps at the ready! For our ‘what’s in a name?’ quiz we’ll ask a number of questions on famous nicknames, plus we’ll quiz you on historical country names and we’ll test your knowledge on sporting teams.
In addition to Thursday’s online trivia, we also invite buddies to connect with us at 4pm tomorrow (Tuesday 8/2) for our weekly chat. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 10/2
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@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
"…. nothing worth having comes easy”
Project CEO, Carol, has made a splash in the latest edition of North Shore Living.
From talking about our humble roots to the current day, Carol also speaks about the Gig Buddies’ parent company, ACL Disability Services.
To see a larger version of the article, load up the following link and jump to page 44.
Article disclaimers:
- “Gig Buddies is now a burgeoning program, with 240 pairs of buddies and volunteers successfully matched”: Gig Buddies has 120 pairings, equalling 240 participants.
- “Myself, I was meeting my buddy on top of the commitments of my full time job”: Carol was meeting with the Gig Buddies’ community (buddies and volunteers) on top of her full time job.
A word from the pros
In light of the ongoing Covid situation, we’re going to continue pushing referral services 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.