The Central Coast and other parts of New South Wales are under lockdown. For the next 11 days - until midnight on 9 July, stay-at-home orders have been issued.
Understandably, this has an impact on our ability to connect.
While we’ve been in existence for around two months, the Gig Buddies Sydney branch have been operating since 2015. Their participants have felt the impact of lockdown before. And they’ve come out the other side. And in style.
For example, in March of this year they marched at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in front of 35,000+ people at the Sydney Cricket Ground. And back in May they took over Cockatoo Island - joined by more than 130 attendees for their sixth birthday celebrations.
They’ve facilitated regular social events - gigs that bring participants together, enabling attendees to meet others and potentially try new experiences - since their inception.
That’s how they roll. And we want to follow suit. After all, we all need something to look forward to.
While standalone Gig Buddies Central Coast events will commence soon, we’re starting with something a little bit different.
We’ve decided to go ahead and organise a joint-event, open to both Sydney and Central Coast participants. Subject to an increase in Covid restrictions, you’ll find us at:
We invite Central Coast buddies to come meet their Sydney contemporaries as we board the ferry from Ettalong Beach, departing for 4 Pines Public House in Newport, for a Christmas in July roast.
To join us on the Northern Beaches click on the event listed above to reserve your place. The link includes details about ferry and bus times, costs involved and meeting places.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our trip to the 4 Pines Public House, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Virtual insanity
Between now and our outing at the 4 Pines Public House we’ll be stepping up our online offerings.
For those of you not in the know, our online events are available for all Gig Buddies Central Coast buddies and volunteers. They’re facilitated by either myself or staff from the Sydney branch - and they’re a great way to meet new people.
Last Friday (25/7) we did just that - hosting our first ever Zoom disco. Thanks to everyone who logged on (press play on the video below to see what went down).
Remember, our online gatherings are available to all our buddies and volunteers - irrespective if you’re paired up or not.
Staying in, the new (temporary) going out
And this week we bring you three Zoom events.
Starting this Thursday (1/7), we invite you to join us at 8pm for our 'lockdown 2.0 general knowledge quiz’. Kahoot! apps at the ready - we’ll be posing 40 questions on a wide variety of subjects.
And the next day (Friday 2/7) we invite you to join us on Zoom for a talk-the-talk on the subject of soccer.
For those of you who are new to the talk-the-talk concept, attendees are invited to join us on Zoom and share their passion about a particular subject. This week, in honour of the ongoing European Championship and Copa America, we invite you to come show us your colours and tell us about your love for the beautiful game.
You can talk about your favourite team, kit, stadium or player. Or come settle the debate on who’s better: Ronaldo or Messi? You could discuss a particular game you’ve been involved with or that you’ve watched - the options are endless.
We actively encourage attendees to bring along videos, photos, kits, scarfs or anything that brings a smile.
And next Saturday (3/7) at 6pm we invite people to log on for group karaoke.
We load up your song requests and play host to the mother of all group sing-a-longs! Come join your fellow buddies as we belt out your requests.
To join us on Thursday, Friday or Saturday load up the links below to register:
Thursday 1/7
- Gig Buddies: lockdown 2.0 general knowledge quiz @ 8pm
Friday 2/7
- Gig Buddies: talk the talk - soccer @ 4pm
Saturday 3/7
- Gig Buddies: group karaoke @ 6pm
All online games 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.
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.
Add some triumph to your tax return
With the end of the financial year almost upon why not make a tax deductible donation to Gig Buddies?
Have we mentioned that any donation over $2 can be reclaimed from July 1st? That’s this Thursday and hopefully a tempting reason to temporarily part with your hard earned via our PayPal page*.
But what do I get for my donation?
Simply put, all money raised will go towards the ongoing costs associated with running the project: volunteer training, the initial meet-and-greets between matched buddies, facilitating social events; these are some of the examples of where received funding will be allocated.
As a not-for-profit we’re fully appreciative of all donations. All money received will go towards enabling us to deliver on our mission statement of “promoting social inclusion and enabling people with disability to become actively involved with the Central Coast’s live music and events scene”.
*In order to process your return please keep hold of the automated tax receipt you will receive.
Board Members Wanted
And finally, Assisted Community Living Limited, parent company to both ACL Disability Services and Gig Buddies, are currently looking for new board members.
If you would like know more, click here to view the position description.
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.
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