Welcome back, one and all. Happy new year!
To kick 2022 off we’re facilitating two January events. This month we’ll be at the markets in Avoca and sampling some live music in Woy Woy.
Avoca Beachside Markets boasts 90+ stalls, serving up waterfront vibes, live music, water rides, fresh produce areas and international food offerings.
As for the live music in Woy Woy, we’re heading to the Link and Pin - and we can’t wait to experience the buzz of being at a gig. In the words of the establishment: "We love music! Check out our leafy, chilled beer garden, which we fondly call Gabba Gabba Hey.
We are a small venue dedicated to both the artist and the punter — enjoy our rotating tapas menu, juicy burgers and handpicked beer, wine and spirits, plus the best original artists on the Central Coast and beyond.”
Both events are free to attend. To reserve your place for our January outings (and to find out more information about each gig), click on the links below.
- Hack The Mainframe and Apprehension Avenue @ Link and Pin, Woy Woy: Saturday 29 January, 7pm onwards
If you have any questions about our plans, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or via text or phone call on 0402 708 814.
What about Covid?
With regards to the Link and Pin’s Covid policy, they’re adhering to the NSW Health guidelines. As a live music venue they’ve put an emphasis on the following: "THE (seated, no singing, no dancing) SHOW MUST GO ON!"
Avoca Beachside Markets, in response to Covid, have restricted the event to 90 stalls.
For more information on current NSW Health Covid guidelines, click here.
Drawing against the clock ✏️
To mark our first online social event for 2022, we invite buddies to join us on Zoom for a game of Pictionary.
Pens and paper at the ready, we’re drawing objects against the clock. If you’d like to join us on Thursday, click on the link listed below:
Thursday 13/1
- 4pm: Gig Buddies Pictionary
The Sunday session
And this forthcoming Sunday (16/1) we’ll be streaming live from the Gig Buddies Sydney Facebook page - bringing house music vibes from midday.
Get ready to crank the speakers for a daytime mix. To register, jump on the link below:
Sunday 16/1
Our Pictionary event 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.
The Sunday DJ doof will be live streamed via the Gig Buddies Sydney Facebook page. For information on how to access the gig, load up the event link above.
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.
Chat is back
Our online social chats are back.
The first chat for 2022 takes place at 4pm today. They then rotate; next week’s takes place on Tuesday (18/1) and the following week reverts back to Monday (24/1).
Our chats take place via Zoom and are facilitated by either Bec, Chelsea, Tony, Carol or myself. They run for 30 minutes and always start at 4pm.
Each week we discuss a different topic, and to make things easier we use the same Zoom link for every meeting.
If you would like to chat with your fellow buddies and staff, get in touch. Send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, reach out on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on 0422 061 990.
New year, new NDIS plan dates?
Just a friendly reminder for our buddies that have NDIS plans.
If you have an unscheduled plan review or the dates/details of your plan change for any reason, it’s very important you let us know.
Any changes to an NDIS participants’ plan dates will automatically make your Gig Buddies service agreement void.
We need to be informed of any date changes so we can update your service agreement and ensure you’re still covered by our public liability insurance when out with your volunteer.
If there have been any changes to your plan or if you’re unsure about your current service agreement, please contact Chelsea, our NDIS Coordinator, either via email: chelsea@assistcom.org or phone: 0412 145 819 or 02 9419 6951 (Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
A word from the pros
We had hoped 2022 would be different, but given the rise in Covid numbers 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
And finally….
We want to wish all buddies, family members and supporters a happy new year. We’re looking forward to connecting with our growing community and pairing up more participants in 2022.
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.