Mapping out our challenges

Around this time last year we wrote an article asking: “How long is a piece of string…?”

Detailing the challenges we face when it comes to making a match - focussing in particular on the imbalance of volunteers we have to gig buddies and the potential time it takes to pair up people - we’ve created an updated map to showcase where we are one year on.

As evident from the map, we have an abundance of unmatched volunteers in the Inner West, along with a large number of unpaired gig buddies in the Northern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.

Nothing has changed when it comes to our approach: in addition to pairing people based on mutual interest, we also pay attention to the geographic location of both gig buddy and volunteer; gender and age preference, along with the ability to travel independently are also considered.

We’re continuing to get our name out there, starting at the end of this month when we venture to Cronulla for our charity fundraising game between the Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles - tickets to which are still available.

Along with raising much needed funds, we will be appearing on the big screen at the match and partaking in a half time lap of honour of Shark Park. We’re also hosting an information marquee, informing those in attendance (estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators) about Gig Buddies Sydney.

We’re also working on other Gig Buddies Sydney socials, and we’re regularly presenting to local organisations and councils.

We continue to do our level best to try and match everyone, but sometimes it comes down to luck and whether there’s a volunteer available within that area.

We’re also open to suggestions for when it comes to increasing the number of paired number participants: should anyone have any ideas on how we could potentially boost volunteer and gig buddy numbers, we’re only a phone call (02 9419 6951) or email ( info@gigbuddiessydney.org ) away.

Matthew Collins

Gig Buddies Sydney Community Engagement Coordinator

matt@assistcom.org

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Gig Buddies Sydney is an initiative of ACL Disability Services