The cost of living is having an impact on us all: be it increased rent or mortgage repayments, an uprise in food and petrol prices, utility bills going up or wage stagnation - people are feeling the pinch.
Furthermore, yesterday the Sydney Morning Herald reported about the impacts of “cost of living pressures hitting volunteer organisations as low unemployment rates leave charity programs, op shops and community groups with fewer available helpers.”
We fully appreciate that participants aren’t immune from the financial challenges that we currently experience. And understandably, cost of living pressures can have an impact when it comes to socialising.
We obviously want to ensure buddies continue to catch up - and we’re all for trying to make things easier.
For example, of our seven Gig Buddies’ social gatherings scheduled for April, six are free to attend (continue reading for more information about next month’s catch ups).
Additionally, as of today we’re putting together a list of gig suggestions that cost $10 or less.
We’ve got the ball rolling with a few ideas listed below. We’re now calling on the Gig Buddies’ community to share their thoughts.
- Dendy Newtown $10 Tuesdays // $10 bowling with Zone Bowling // Half price Tuesdays @ Event Cinemas in Sydney and on the Central Coast //
Palace Cinemas cheap Mondays // Free karaoke Thursdays @ Side Bar, Sydney CBD // Free yoga in the Park @ The Rocks // Vintage Market @ Surry Hills // Movie on the Green: Grease @ Croydon Sports Club, Croydon //
In addition to those mentioned above, there are scores of free markets scattered all over Sydney and the Central Coast.
As for live music options, clubs and RSLs frequently host such events. And for those who like the great outdoors, this link has details on some of the best bush walks on the Central Coast, while for Sydney walking options, click here.
Do you have a suggestion for our ‘gigs under a tenner’ segment? Share your ideas and we’ll publish them on our website. You can either click here, email in your thoughts to info@gigbuddiessydney.org; text them to 0402 708 814 or get in touch via Facebook Messenger.
Are you looking to volunteer?
We need volunteers! Click on the image above for current roles on the Central Coast and the graphic below for opportunities in Sydney.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us via Facebook or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
7 up
For those who may have missed the news, last week we dropped our April plans.
Next month you will find us at seven different evens! We’re excited to offer AFL, beer and tunes, art, our first ever ‘over 40s’ event, pub trivia, Timezone arcades and live music.
For more information about each event (and to sign up), load up the links below:
If you have any questions about our forthcoming events, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Four more
Since our last update we’ve facilitated FOUR Gig Buddies’ social events.
Firstly, we caught up with buddies at Universal Pictures Theatre for the movie premiere of Champions. That same week we then headed to the Sydney Tram Museum in Loftus (above).
Then, this weekend just gone we were found at North Sydney’s outdoor cinema for Avatar: Way of the Water, followed by a trip to Macquarie’s Strike Bowling for a spot of karaoke (above).
Thank you to everyone who joined us. To see more photos from our recent gatherings, click here.
Each and every week we invite buddies to connect with us for our weekly chat.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
New to the team
We’re excited to welcome our latest pairing.
Welcome to the team, Jess and Mel (above, L - R). We look forward to hearing more about your forthcoming adventures.
Harmony week
Harmony Week is upon us.
And for those not in the know, tomorrow (Tuesday 21/3) is Harmony Day, a day that “celebrates diversity, aiming to foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society.
We all have something interesting and authentic to bring to the table.”
From a Gig Buddies’ perspective, we’re indebted to the valuable contribution played by everyone who has - and continues to - foster inclusiveness and respect.
We have participants, family members and supporters from all different cultures, and we’re full of gratitude for their role in helping to tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
Mental health awareness
Buddies are invited to UNSW’s Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect’s website launch.
This free event takes place online and is being held on Thursday 23 March, between 10.30 - 11.30am.
The Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect website provides information to assist people with intellectual disability to get the right support for their mental health. During the webinar attendees can find out more about mental health and how the website can support people to access the services and supports they need.
The webinar will be compered by current gig buddy Tahli, and includes expert opinions on the subject.
To find out more, including how to register, load up the following link.
Pssst, save the date
We have some exciting news to share with you next week.
In the meantime, we’re asking you to clear your calendar as your presence is required on the evening of Thursday 11 May.
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.