We’re excited to bring you news of the first social event for 2022.
Join us on Friday 14 January at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), as we check out internationally renowned artist Doug Aitken's groundbreaking exhibition - New Era.
Running from 6 - 9pm, on the night buddies will see "vast immersive multi-screen environments that will envelop you within a kaleidoscope of moving imagery and sound”.
We’ll also be frequenting the picturesque balcony, overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, for food and drinks.
We have a limited number of discounted tickets available. Usually priced at $28 for adult and $22 for concessions, buddies will be able to experience Doug Aitken’s work for $15.
To find out more about the night (and to buy your ticket), click here.
Christmas cheer
As for our current crop of face-to-face social gigs, thanks to the 63 of you who caught up with us last week at our festive feast events.
It was great to catch up with buddies in Clovelly, Parramatta and Kirrawee. To see more photos from our three most recent outings, click here.
No room at the inn
With regards to our remaining festive feast events - tonight’s outing in the city and tomorrow’s catch up in Narrabeen - both are fully booked.
Act for the camera
As for this week’s online offering, we invite buddies to join us on Zoom for a game of charades.
Drama and acting skills at the ready, we’re guessing words against the clock.
To join us on Wednesday click on the link listed below.
Wednesday 15/12
- 4pm: Gig Buddies charades
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.
Get them while you can
This is your last opportunity to buy a Gig Buddies calendar and have it delivered in time for Christmas.
Featuring some fabulous art pieces, our 2022 calendar is designed entirely by Sydney and Central Coast buddies.
Gig Buddies’ calendars are available in wall and desktop size, and they make the perfect Christmas stocking filler. To order yours, click here.
Another pair
We’re delighted to welcome our newest match to the family.
Here’s us introducing Kelsey and Jenna (above, L - R). We look forward to hearing about their forthcoming adventures.
Another one prepped
And starting her Gig Buddies’ journey with us is Keeley (below).
Thanks for logging on last Monday for volunteer training. We’re looking forward to the next step and introducing Keeley to her buddy.
"People have made lifelong friendships….”
Our CEO, Carol, has featured in the State of the Disability Sector Report 2021 - sharing thoughts on our parent company, ACL Disability Services and both the Gig Buddies Sydney and Gig Buddies Central Coast projects.
To read the full article, either click on the image above or load up the following link and jump to page 54.
We want to hear from you
Suggestions continue to roll in for our ‘think big’ campaign.
As a reminder, we’re a user-led project - and we’re calling on both buddies and volunteers to help shape us moving forward.
During lockdown, buddies were invaluable when it came to sharing their Zoom suggestions. Now things are slowly returning back to normal, we’re looking for guidance on what you think we should do next.
We’re looking for suggestions on how we can improve the service, or any tweaks or changes to the project that you think would be beneficial to everyone involved.
Are we missing something when it comes to engagement or the recruitment of buddies and volunteers? Could volunteer training be improved?
Or, are there any major events coming up that you feel we should be part of? Or, are there any sporting spectacles you feel we need to be in the crowd for?
We encourage you to be bold and to think big. The possibilities are endless…. Nothing is off limits, no idea will be dismissed.
You can share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions via our website by loading up the following link.
New you for 2022
Is it too early to be thinking about new year’s resolutions?
If you’re after something new for 2022, why not try volunteering?
We happen to be looking for newbies throughout Sydney; if you’re looking for reasons why you (or someone you know) should give their time with us, keep reading....
We match adults with disabilities with volunteers, both of whom share a mutual passion(s). Age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration - and once paired up, ‘matched buddies’ attend gigs and events of their choosing. These can range from music concerts, sporting matches, bushwalking or catching up for a coffee – the possibilities are endless, and are all determined on someone’s personal interests.
We’re appealing for more volunteers as we have a number participants who we haven't been able to pair up.
If you or someone you know would make an excellent volunteer, it's time to join Gig Buddies. Click here to take the leap!
A word from the pros
We continue to enjoy greater freedoms, but we’re going to carry on publishing information for those who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ‘look after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisis’ list of ideas.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney) or 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? 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.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
