To mark the final Monday of the month, we’re opening up our vault and handing the mic to one of our magnificent volunteers.
Today we hear from Maddy (below right), who tells us more about her catch ups with Lauren (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Since August 2019, so 4.5 years now.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
No it's not. Before Gig Buddies I was an advocate for Sydney Cancer Advocate Network (Cancer Council), advocating for policies, programs and funding to support those in need. I did this for a few years.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I volunteered with Gig Buddies because I wanted to make some friends to have fun with and go out with!
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
Amazing! Lauren is one of my closest friends and I am so grateful for our friendship. We have shared some of the best times together and she brings so much joy to my life, and I can't forget to mention all the laughs we've had together as well.
Lauren also makes me a better person, which I am so grateful for. She's also such an inspiration with everything she does in her life, especially with her rowing, cross fit and work.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
All our dinners out together and the Gig Buddies parties - we have so much fun, talking, laughing and dancing!
Lauren also introduced me to one of her best friends Ellie (centre right, above) and her buddy Toyah (right, above) who are now my close friends as well, and the four of us have the best time together either at dinner, at picnics or the Gig Buddies parties!
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Just do it! You won't regret it. You are likely to meet one of your new closest friends, and you guys will have so much fun together!
"I am so grateful for our friendship"
Thank you, Maddy, for taking the time to share your experiences.
We’re always on the lookout for more people like Maddy. If you would like to volunteer with us, look no further: to sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.
And to find out more about our current openings, click on the 'volunteers wanted' images below.
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
All go in August
Last week we revealed our social intentions for the month of August.
A Sunday roast, dinner outings, movie catch ups, axe throwing, an over 40s gathering and three festivals: we’ve plenty going on during the month.
We’re facilitating NINE Gig Buddies’ socials, connecting with buddies in Paddington, Mortdale, Roseville, Marrickville, Erina, North Sydney, Five Dock, Penrith and Auburn.
To join us for any of our August outings, load up the links below.
Join us in July
And tickets to our July outings are selling fast!
As a reminder, we’re inviting buddies to join us in Parramatta, Gladesville, Miranda, Gosford, the CBD, Surry Hills, Emu Plains and Duffys Forest as we serve up food outings, live music, movies, seasonal celebrations, NRL, karaoke and tree planting.
To join us for any of our July offerings, load up the links below:
And if you have questions about any of 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.
Three is the magic number
On the subject of our socials, we rounded out the month by facilitating three such gatherings.
Over the past week we caught up with buddies in Kogarah, Homebush and Terrigal.
It was great to see many of you. Thanks to everyone who joined us for dinner, the Supanova Expo and whale watching.
To see more snaps from our recent gatherings, click here.
1 up
We’ve one new match to tell you about.
It’s wonderful to welcome Ricky and Chris (above, L - R) to the team.
Ready to go
And in the past week we’ve prepped another SIX volunteers.
Thank you Tom (1), Conor (2), Stella (3), Helen (4), Kathy (5) and Catherine (6) for connecting with us via Zoom. We look forward to getting you paired up soon.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise?
Click on the image above to get your fill on Gig Buddies goodies. If we haven’t got the size you’re after, get in touch via text Facebook Messenger.
"I’m glad we all have place to come together...."
Each and every month we bring you the news and views from those who make up our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
This time we hand the mic to Audrey, who tells us more about recent catch ups with her buddy, Kristy.
"Recently Kristy (below right) and I (below left) went to Sydney Zoo with her 1 year old son, Jackson. We had the best day out and it was a lot of fun. Sometimes we catch up coffee or go to the local markets.
In May we celebrated with Gig Buddies for their 9th birthday party. It was a lot of fun to catch up with everyone, have some food, have a dance and also help with picking out a name for the Gig Buddies’ car, now named Gigi.
I’m glad we all have place to come together."
- Audrey
Join the team
On the subject of our user-led team, they’re on the lookout for THREE new members.
For those not in the know, Soul Fly Buddies, formerly known as Soul Fly Band, is the project’s advisory group. Made up of participants from Sydney and the Central Coast, they meet monthly, advising and overseeing the ongoing work of Gig Buddies.
In line with our desire to ensure a fair representation from the areas we cover, we’re looking for the following:
1x member from the Western Sydney area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Blacktown, Parramatta, Fairfield, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Castle Hill (and the Hills Shire area).
1x member from the Southern Sydney area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Sutherland Shire, St George, Georges River, Liverpool or Bayside.
1x member from the Northern Beaches area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Northern Beaches Council.
For those of you wanting to know more about Soul Fly Buddies, check out this brief video containing past and present members.
And if you want to know why you should join our current members (Stavros, Lachy, Jack, Alex, Nalyn, Bevan, Karen and Audrey) for our monthly meetups, the following video may provide you with some answers.
Our user led-team have been around since 2016. They meet on the last Friday of each month for around 1 hour, usually via Zoom. They have an in-person meeting twice a year.
If you would like to join the Soul Fly Buddies, register your interest by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like more information, feel free to get in touch. We can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiesydney.org or text: 0412 145 819.
Buddy benefits
To say ‘thank you’ to everyone who participates with the project, we’ve created a benefit page - promoting generous offers exclusively available to the Gig Buddies’ community.
“Buddy benefits” are special deals donated to the Gig Buddies project. They’re for all active participants and volunteers.
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters, we have a number of offers currently up for grabs. Click here to check out our new page.
This is our way of giving back to our community. Be sure to keep an eye on our buddy benefits page for more exclusive offers.
And if you’re a business owner, event organiser or festival facilitator and would like to promote your services or any special offers, feel free to use the same form to get in contact.
Then we take Berlin
Exciting news. The Gig Buddies brand continues to grow with the news that the project is set to launch in Berlin.
Amazingly, the newest addition in Germany means Gig Buddies will have a presence in EIGHT countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Add some triumph to your tax return
And finally, with this being the last Monday before the end of the financial year, why not consider making a tax deductible donation to Gig Buddies?
Gig Buddies is a ‘deductible gift recipient’ (DGR) organisation, allowing us to receive tax deductible gifts or donations. By making a donation you can help reduce your taxable income while playing a part in tackling social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
Every donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible. A receipt will be issued upon donation; please keep a record for your own tax purposes.
Make a donation by 30 June to claim a deduction on your tax return.
To support Gig Buddies in our ongoing work, click here.
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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