It’s mid term report time.
We’ve produced half yearly reports every year since we started in 2015. They outline some of the challenges we face when it comes to pairing up people, focussing on the imbalance of volunteers we have to gig buddies - and the geographical issues Sydney can present.
To better illustrate our point we created a map of Sydney, showcasing where we sit in terms of numbers.
As highlighted by the map, we have an abundance of unmatched volunteers from the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs, along with a large number of unpaired buddies from the Northern Suburbs.
Nothing has changed when it comes to our approach: in addition to pairing people based on mutual interests, we also pay attention to the geographic location of both gig buddy and volunteer; gender and age preferences - along with the ability to travel independently - are also considered.
We are taking steps to address the imbalance - reaching out to service providers, councils and targeting potential participants via social media.
And to those still waiting, we’re trying our level best. However, sometimes it comes down to luck and whether there’s a buddy available within the area who not only happens to share the same interests, but also ticks the boxes in terms of gender, age and location preferences.
Making inroads
Only this Saturday (13/7) we held another volunteer training session - thanks to Laurie, Maddi, Vicky, Jess and Frankie (below, L - R) for attending.
With another session lined up for later in July (29/7) and two more in August, we’ll soon have another 15 buddies matched up.
And the next step…
It’s been a busy week at Gig Buddies Sydney HQ. In addition to Saturday’s training session, we also facilitated four new pairings (below): step forward Nalyn and Sarah (top left, L - R), Nikolai and John (top right, L - R), Belinda and Demetra (bottom left, L - R) and Emilie and Karla (bottom right, L - R).
Welcome to the Gig Buddies Sydney family - we looking forward to hearing about your forthcoming adventures.
Why not join us?
And finally, for those looking for something to do during the winter weeks, tickets are still available for our Christmas in July shindig (27/7) and our trip to the wrestling (2/8).
As a reminder, everyone signed up as a Gig Buddies Sydney participant is welcome to attend our socials - irrespective if you’re paired up or not. Tickets to these two events can be purchased via our online store - click here to reserve your place.
And while you’re browsing our store, we’ve recently taken delivery of another batch of Gig Buddies Sydney socks. Keep your toes warm this winter with our very own pair fashion statement (as modelled below).
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Sydney Community Engagement Coordinator
matt@assistcom.org
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? 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.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
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