We’re excited to reveal two new additions to the Gig Buddies team.
It’s an honour to welcome Lara, our newly appointed Greater Western Sydney coordinator, and Sandon, the project’s Southern Sydney equivalent.
First point of contact….
As some of you may know, Lara began working with us in late June, while Sandon started his role just last week.
As part of their positions, Lara and Sandon will be the first point of contact for those based within their respective areas, and they’ll help increase awareness of who we are and what we do.
Prior to beginning with Gig Buddies, Lara (below right) had this to say.
“I am very honoured and delighted to step into the role of Greater Western Sydney Gig Buddies coordinator. I am so very excited to be part of the Gig Buddies team, and I look forward to meeting everyone!
Like you, I am a music enthusiast and regular gig-goer! Being part of the Gig Buddies team brings me so much joy as it combines two of my greatest passions: fun gigs and inclusivity!
My favourite bands/artists are Bloc Party, Flume, Alaska, The Chemical Brothers, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, The Cranberries, Kaiser Chiefs, David Bowie, Salt-N-Pepa and Lizzo! The last concert I attended was Lizzo in Perth, only two weeks ago.
I also enjoy art exhibitions, photography, travel, dancing, anything related to RuPaul’s Drag Race, Kath & Kim, Lois Theroux, comedy, making new friends and catching up with old friends.
I have a 12-year-old daughter named Scarlett and a Blue Staffy named George. I live in the Greater Western Sydney community and have done so my entire life.
I was born in Penrith, grew up in the Blue Mountains and I have lived in the Hawkesbury region. I am really looking forward to collaborating with you all so that together we can experience a diverse range of gigs and events in the Greater Western Sydney area.
I will do my very best to include everyone’s variety of interests so please reach out if you have any ideas for upcoming events you would like to attend.
Whether you’re a hip hop fan, listen to rock, like to dance, cosplay, watch footy, movies, bowling or any other hobby or interest you may have, I will do my best to make it happen!
Thank you for welcoming me into the Gig Buddies family – I’m so happy to be a part of it!”
Meanwhile, Sandon (above left) has shared the following words:
“I am thrilled to be starting my journey with Gig Buddies, as the Southern Sydney hub coordinator!
I grew up in Wollongong, but after meeting my wife, have spent a great deal of time in the Shire over the last five years and am now living here.
I have been a support worker for the last four years, and in that time have developed a passion for working alongside those with disabilities to help them form their own meaningful relationships, have interesting and fun experiences, and explore what life means for them!
I’m excited to see the Southern Sydney hub grow, and to expand both our volunteers and participants, so that more people can experience the awesome opportunities Gig Buddies has to offer.
I am a musician myself and have been playing gigs across the Illawarra and Sydney regions (acoustic guitar/singing) for the last six years. As a result, I have a passion for live music and the community that it can bring.
Some of my favourite artists include Matt Corby, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. I have seen Matt Corby three times live, but make sure to ask me about the story of what happened when I went to see Daniel Caesar a few years ago! Aside from music, I love to surf and ski, read, watch movies, and hang out with my friends.
I can’t wait to meet all of you very soon and look forward to getting to know you all!”
Welcome, welcome
We wish Lara and Sandon all the best.
If you’re based in the Greater Western Sydney region and would like to know more about Gig Buddies and our intentions for the area, you can get in contact with Lara via phone (0478 045 121) or email: lara@assistcom.org
Likewise, for those based in Southern Sydney, you can reach Sandon via the following number, 0478 043 996, or by email: sandon@assistcom.org
And if you’d like to know more about our hubs on the Central Coast and in the Western Suburbs, click here.
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
Monday night with the Matildas
The women’s World Cup is well underway and Australia have made the perfect start - beating Ireland in their opening game.
If you’re like us and are experiencing World Cup fever, we invite you to join us next Monday night for the Matilda’s final group match.
We’re down to the final few tickets. To watch Australia vs. Canada with us at York 75 Sports Bar, load up the link below.
All go in August
And if you’re after inspiration for the month ahead, read on.
Limited tickets are still available for our gatherings in Penrith, Hornsby, Eastwood and Forestville, while our catch ups in Bondi and Bankstown have now sold out.
To join us for any of our remaining August social outings, load up the links below:
And if you have any questions about our forthcoming gatherings, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
An outing at the Opera House
And on the subject of social events, our friends from the Sydney Opera House have been in touch.
They’re generously offering buddies the chance to experience a new production called 'Exposed', at a discounted rate.
The production is brought to you by acclaimed company Restless Dance Theatre, “Australia's leading creator of dance theatre by dancers with and without disability. Our artistic voice is loud, strong and original.”
Created by award-winning director and choreographer Michelle Ryan, Exposed is a new contemporary dance that explores vulnerability, uncertainty and risk. Be taken on a mesmerising journey into the depths of vulnerability through expressive dance, design, and music. A superb cast of diverse Restless dancers explore the intimacies that constitute our lives, our actions, our thoughts, our traumas, our desires, our failures.
Sydney Opera House are generously offering $23 tickets (usual standard price $59.90). The whole season of performances are relaxed with quiet space available and social story downloadable from the event page.
To purchase your ticket, click here.
Please note, this is not an official Gig Buddies gathering, meaning no staff will be present. Discounted tickets are available for Gig Buddies’ participants only.
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.
Ho, ho, ho
Thank you to everyone who popped a cracker with us during yesterday’s Christmas in July catch up.
We headed to Gosford’s Railway Hotel, stopping off for a ‘festive’ bite to eat.
Since you last heard from us we’ve facilitated three such social events.
To see more photos from yesterday, along with snaps from our recent trips to TimeZone Villawood and our Sunday roast gathering in Ryde, click here.
Four more
And following our last update, we’ve been busy on the pairing front.
It’s great to welcome Ryan and Alex (left, L - R), Barry and Remy (right, L - R), along with Poonam and Jess, plus James and Jordan (not pictured) to the team.
Six of the best
During the break we also prepped another SIX volunteers.
Thank you to Jordan (top left), Ryan (top right), Tiara (bottom left), Poonam (bottom right), along with Tania and Caitlin (not pictured) for joining us on Zoom.
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (0402 708 814)
Carol: CEO (02 9419 6951)
Chelsea: NDIS coordinator (0412 145 819)
Tony: Funding and sponsorship coordinator (02 9419 6951)
Bec: Sydney coordinator (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121)
Sandon: Southern Sydney coordinator (0478 043 996)
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.
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