Happy National Volunteer Week, one and all.
National Volunteer Week is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to those who give their time into making Gig Buddies what it is. Every year we mark the occasion, often handing the microphone to buddies who share their stories and explain what their volunteer means to them.
This year, however, you’re going to hear from the team at Gig Buddies HQ. We want to take this moment to pass on our gratitude for your ongoing efforts in tackling social isolation (press play on the clip below to watch our ‘thank you’ video).
To date - across Sydney and the Central Coast - we have matched up a staggering 509 volunteers; currently there are 166 pairings, with another 20 in the process.
Whether you experience live music, catch up for coffee, partake in bush walks, cheer on your favourite team or anything that involves simply spending time together - we thank the 509 past and present volunteers who have - and continue to - give their time for our cause.
We started the Gig Buddies program eight years ago. To witness the growth of the project and the relationships formed during that time is truly wonderful. To all our volunteers, thank you for giving your time to us.
“the powerful impact volunteers make…”
The theme for #NVW2023 is ‘The Change Makers’, celebrating those who take “action to make the world a better place.”
Taken from Volunteering Australia website, Change Makers are: “The driving force behind social change. Turning their passions into purpose. Giving their time to make a difference”
We couldn’t have summed up our volunteers better ourselves.
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
Happy birthday to us!
And then we turned eight!
We want to say a huge “thank you” to those of you who joined us last Thursday for our birthday bash. We took over the The Barrie, celebrating our milestone with a 1920s themed gathering.
Door prizes, food, live music courtesy of the magnificent Ken Loh and Courtney Egginton, a visit from the project founder, Paul, two birthday cakes, our very own crafted cocktails, and some magnificent costumes - Thursday night had a bit of everything.
And we were so snap happy we’ve created two galleries. To see more photos from our 8th birthday party, click here.
Dates for your diaries
Roll up, roll up - our June social plans have landed.
Next month we’re putting on FIVE gatherings: live theatre, NRL, trivia, music, dinner and karaoke, all taking place across Sydney and the Central Coast.
To find out more about our outings for June (and to sign up), jump on the links below.
The darling gigs of May
But before we arrive in June, we have two remaining gatherings planned for this month.
Firstly, we invite you to connect with us this forthcoming Friday (19/5) in Miranda for a bite to eat at The Bavarian.
Then later in the month (Saturday 27/5) we head to Gosford for Central Coast’s Comicon.
To find out more about our remaining May outings (and to sign up), load up the links below.
If you have any questions about any of 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.
Readers and writers unite
And on the subject of outings, Sydney Writers’ Festival is almost upon us - and organisers have been in touch to offer buddies free tickets to SIX shows.
Buddies are invited to check out the following events for free:
- Admissions: Sunday 28 May, 4pm @ Carriageworks
- André Dao & Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai: Friday 26 May, 2pm @ Carriageworks
- Daniel Lavery: Dear Prudence and more: Friday 26 May, 6pm @ Carriageworks
- In Conversation: Anthony Joseph: Friday 26 May, 10am @ Carriageworks
- Storytelling Gala: Letters to the Future: Thursday 25 May, 8:00pm @ Sydney Town Hall
- The Rhythm of the Word: Friday 26 May 26, 7:30pm @ Carriageworks
For more information about each show, load up the links above. And to secure your free tickets, get in touch with us via email, info@gigbuddiessydney.org, Facebook Messenger or call us at the office on 02 9419 6951.
Bargain tickets!
The chance to snap up discounted tickets to five top Vivid shows ends next Monday.
As a reminder, we’re off to the Opera House for FIVE top events - all for the cost of $20 per ticket!
We invite buddies to join us at Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, as part of Vivid Sydney for the following five events:
Buddies have until Monday 22 May to purchase their discounted tickets.
For more information about each event, including how to reserve your place, load up the links above. Please note, a Gig Buddies staff member will also be in attendance at each gathering.
We thank both Sydney Writers’ Festival, along with Vivid Sydney and Sydney Opera House for their ongoing support and generosity.
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.
Grill’d gathering
Calling all buddies - we’ve been invited to Grill’d, West Gosford for a bite to eat.
For those not in the know, each month Grill’d run a ‘local matters’ initiative, enabling charities to raise money via their customers.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is one of the charities for the month of May, and the branch have invited us along for a feed.
We invite signed up buddies and volunteer to join us on Monday 22 May, arriving for 7pm
It would be wonderful to get as many people as possible together. If you would like to attend please confirm either via email (info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org), text (0402 708 814) or Facebook Messenger.
Grill’d West Gosford is located at Shop 29-31/299 Brisbane Water Dr, West Gosford NSW 2250.
Au revoir
And finally, it would be remiss of us not to say thank you to project founder, Paul, who flew out from the UK to attend our birthday gathering.
Paul is only in town for six days, returning to Brighton tomorrow. Before his departure, we gathered for a brainstorming session at Gig Buddies HQ - discussing everything related to volunteer training.
From starting out in Brighton to overseeing the growth of the Gig Buddies project to other parts of the world (there are now 20 branches across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Australia ), it was - as always - great to get Paul’s insight.
Until next time, Paul. Safe travels home.
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.