We made a video
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- Jun 15
- 6 min read
The dust has settled our tenth birthday extravaganza - it was wonderful to party with so many of you at the Australian Maritime Museum.
During the celebrations our roaming reporters were on hand, filming footage and recording many a “happy birthday” message.
To see a snippet of what went down when we took over the Maritime Museum, press play on the clip above.
We want to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who not only joined us on the night of our birthday, but who also took the time to jump in front of our camera.
Take two
We also want to express our gratitude to our user-led group, Soul Fly Buddies.
Select members from the team took the time to also pass on their own message of congratulations. Press play on the clip below to hear from Alex, Bevan, Jack Lacy, Nalyn and Stavros.
From the project’s point of view, Soul Fly Buddies were invaluable in helping us put together our 10th birthday. From venue selection, theme curation and having a say on the evening’s entertainment, their feedback was crucial into making the night such a success.
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
Then there were two
Of our final five June socials, three have sold out while the other two are on the verge of doing so.
This week you’ll find us in Pennant Hills and Sydney Olympic Park as we connect with buddies for pub grub, live music and Supernova.
Please note, our gatherings in Lane Cove, Erskineville and Hurstville are sold out.
To sign up for any of our remaining two June outings, load up the links below:
Kicking goals
And tickets are still available to NINE of our TEN July gatherings.
Next month we’re inviting buddies to join us for bowling, food gatherings, rugby league, rugby union, tennis, ping pong, putt putt, drag racing, AFL, along with our usual Christmas in July catch up.
To join us Sylvania, Bondi, Balmain, Manly, Chatswood, Eastern Creek, Sydney Olympic Park or Gosford 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.
Mapping it out
In other news, we’ve made a boundary change to our Sydney hub.
Tony is now the project's hub coordinator for the Inner West, while Bec will continue to support those based in City of Sydney, Randwick, Waverly, Randwick, Woollahra, Canada Bay, Ryde, Sutherland Shire, Georges River, Bayside Council and Kogarah.
If you would like know more about how we tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism, or if you’re interested in volunteering with us, you can get in connect with the following hub coordinators:
Bec: Sydney coordinator (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121)
Tony: Inner West coordinator (0466 388 027)
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (0402 708 814)
Alternatively, we can be reached via email, info@gigbuddiessydney.org, Facebook Messenger or by calling us at the office on: 02 9419 6951.
Welcome, welcome
We’ve welcomed a number of new matches and prepped five ready-to-go volunteers since our last update.
Firstly, our latest pairings - Lauren and Tara (above, L - R) along with Laurette and Tamsin (not pictured) - are all set to go!
Ready to go
Additionally, Matthew (top left), Nan (top right), Sharon (left middle), Joel (right middle) and Frederick (bottom left) are all prepped following volunteer training.
Thank you for joining us on Zoom - we look forward to announcing more matches soon.
"HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY GIG BUDDIES!!"
Every month we hand over the newsletter to a member of our user-led group, Soul Fly Buddies.
For June’s offering we hear from Nalyn (left, bottom left), who tells us more about her netball exploits and recent catch ups with buddy Sarah (right, bottom left).
“We celebrated Gig Buddies’ 10th birthday party at the Australian National Maritime Museum and over 150 buddies were there! It seemed like everyone had a great night and enjoyed the music and dancing. I especially loved hanging out with my buddy and meeting new friends. HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY GIG BUDDIES!!
Other good news I would like to share is that I was selected to represent NSW in the Marie Little Shield team again. The tournament will be on the 5-7th September. I am very excited about playing and have been going to the gym every week and training at the netball courts every second Sunday.
Netball season started in April and I have been helping out with my favourite teams - Swifts and Giants. The highlights have been meeting the players and watching the games live. I have also been volunteering with my local council more this year and connecting with my community which I really enjoy. I really like helping out with the school holiday programs because it’s fun and I love getting to know the children and seeing all their happy faces.”
- Nalyn, Soul Fly Buddies
Add some triumph to your tax return
With the end of the financial year almost upon us, 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.
Buy today
Line up, line up! Our newly stocked range of Gig Buddies merchandise is now available to buy.
First revealed during our 10th birthday, buddies can now order their T-shirts, hoodies, beanies and caps by clicking here.
Lights, camera, action!
And finally, the ABC are on the lookout for storytellers for this year’s International Day of People with Disability.
They’re calling on creators with disability to produce stories covering a range of important topics, with content to be commissioned by the ABC in time for IDPwD on December 3.
The closing date is Tuesday 1 July. To find out more about what they’re looking for, 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: Project officer, Sydney (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121) Charlotte: Northern Beaches coordinator (0403 184 404)
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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