It’s the last Monday in February, which means only one thing: it's time for another volunteer vault entry.
For those not in the know, each month we invite a matched up volunteer to share their Gig Buddies’ story. Today we hear from Lisa (below left), who talks about her pairing with buddy Karen (below right).
They’re the second match from the Central Coast to feature in our volunteer vault series and they recently celebrated their one year anniversary.
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
As of February 10, it has been 1 year since I have been volunteering with Gig Buddies. My buddy Karen and I celebrated on Valentine’s Day with a romcom at the movies.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
Yes, I had always thought about volunteering but nothing I saw ever seemed right for me, until Gig Buddies.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
Initially I started volunteering with Gig Buddies in preparation for returning to work after having a few years off with kids and studying. I have continued volunteering as I have an amazing buddy in Karen, and the team and events at Gig Buddies are so great!
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
I look forward to my catch ups with Karen. We always do things I really want to do but never make time for by myself, such as events, nights out and even getting piercings! I have really enjoyed my experience with Gig Buddies and I'm looking forward to more events in 2023.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
One of my favourite outings with my buddy Karen was when we went to Comic Con. Karen and I brought our kids and we had a great family day out. Another fantastic time out was Karen’s diner, such a fun experience!
Karen and I have a concert planned for next year, we are going to see P!NK. We are so excited!
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Come and join the fun!
“We always do things I really want to do but never make time for…”
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your story.
We hope her words have resonated with our Sydney and Central Coast communities, along with those who are now inspired to volunteer with us.
To read other volunteer vault testimonies click here, and to find out about our latest opportunities, look at the links 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
Out and about
Last week we revealed our social movements for March.
As a reminder, next month we bring you five events: a trip to the beach, a movie premiere, live music, tram rides and karaoke!
To find out more about our plans for March (and to book your place), load up the links below:
Roll up, roll up
And talking of our gatherings, are you at a loose end on Friday 17/3?
We’re returning to the outdoor cinema at North Sydney Oval, this time watching Avatar: The Way of Water.
We recently visited the venue for the Whitney Houston biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Someone’, but the night was washed out. As a result of our failed attempt we have limited tickets on sale for our new date and choice of movie.
To sign up (and to find out more information), load up the link below:
If you have any questions about 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.
March with us
And we've got one more date for the diary.
Are you free this forthcoming Sunday (5/3)? We, alongside thousands of others, will be walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge - partaking in the the Sydney Pride March.
We have one place left to fill. The stroll starts in North Sydney at 8.50am. The total distance is 4km, attendees will be walking for approximately two hours.
For more information on the Sydney WorldPride 2023 Pride March, click here.
A meeting place and time are yet to be confirmed. A total of eight marchers will represent Gig Buddies; to be the final one reach out via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or text/ phone call on 0411 252 228.
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.
Give me five
It’s great to welcome a new batch of trained volunteers.
We want to say thanks to Ben (1), Mel (2), Richard (3), Manuela (4) and Barry (5) for joining us on Zoom last Thursday.
Pottery opportunity
Central Coast Council have been in touch; they’re looking for TWO participants to sign up for an Accessible and Inclusive four week pottery/ceramics program, held in collaboration with Umina Beach’s Centered Ceramics.
They’re looking for people with lived experience of a disability. The aim of the program is to educate local businesses and provide mainstream opportunities for creatives to learn ceramics/pottery. Long term, participants have an opportunity to be on Council’s Launchpad program in the next financial year and learn start up skills, if they have aspirations to sell and exhibit in the future.
For more information, refer to the flyer above. And if you or someone you know is interested, get in touch via email, info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org, and your details will be forwarded.
And finally….
Our friends from Northern Pictures, makers of Love on the Spectrum, Employable Me and ABC’s current docuseries, Better Date Than Never, have been in touch.
For those not in the know, Better Date Than Never is currently showing on Tuesday nights on ABC1. The docuseries follows a diverse group of single love seekers as they take their first step into the dating world.
Producers are now working on a second series - and they’re looking for single people, based anywhere in Australia, who are interested in dating but have never been on a date.
If you or someone you know would like more information, get in touch with the team at Northern Pictures via email: casting@northernpictures.com.au
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.