We bring you news of six social events we’re hosting next month.
In August we invite buddies to join us for dinner, dancing, trivia, live music, a 40+ gathering, breakfast with board games, and roller derby.
Load up the links below to sign up for any of our August outings.
- Dinner and trivia @ Hornsby Inn: Monday 7 August - Dinner and dancing @ Hotel Bondi: Friday 11 August
Are you looking to volunteer?
We need volunteers! Click on the image above for current Sydney roles and the graphic below for opportunities on the Central Coast.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us via Facebook or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Give me five
But before we arrive in August we have the small matter of five remaining socials planned for this month - starting on Wednesday with a trip to the Art Gallery of NSW.
Our plans then take us to Villawood, West Ryde, Gosford and the CBD.
Please note, tickets for our trip the Archibald close tomorrow, while the outing to West Ryde is selling fast. We’ve also added additional spots for our Christmas in July gathering.
To find out more about our July events (and to sign up), load up the links below.
And if you have any questions about 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.
Go west
On the subject of our catch ups, we held two such gatherings last week.
First up, we made our way to Canterbury for pub trivia (congratulations to our winners) on Wednesday. We then headed further west on Saturday, stopping off in Campbelltown for a morning of mini golf.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. To see more photos from the both socials, click here.
An outing at the Opera House
Our friends from the Sydney Opera House have been in touch.
They’re generously offering buddies the chance to experience a new production called Exposed at a discounted rate.
The production is brought to you by acclaimed company Restless Dance Theatre, “Australia's leading creator of dance theatre by dancers with and without disability. Our artistic voice is loud, strong and original.”
Created by award-winning director and choreographer Michelle Ryan, Exposed is a new contemporary dance that explores vulnerability, uncertainty and risk. Be taken on a mesmerising journey into the depths of vulnerability through expressive dance, design, and music. A superb cast of diverse Restless dancers explore the intimacies that constitute our lives, our actions, our thoughts, our traumas, our desires, our failures.
Sydney Opera House are generously offering $23 tickets (usual standard price $59.90). The whole season of performances are relaxed with quiet space available and social story downloadable from the event page.
To purchase your ticket, click here.
Please note, this is not an official Gig Buddies gathering, meaning no staff will be present. Discounted tickets are available for Gig Buddies’ participants only.
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.
"….next month will be our 4th anniversary as gig buddies"
Each and every month we bring you the views from those who make up our user-led group, Soul Fly Buddies.
Today we hear from Nalyn, who tells us more about her birthday, resting up after injury, and a date with Tina Turner.
“June is the month of my birthday and I have been very excited about celebrating my 35th birthday.
On my birthday weekend I celebrated with my dancing friends, netball friends, and with the Swifts and Giants (netball) teams and other volunteers. On my birthday, I volunteered at Livvi’s Place Ryde Storytime and we read books, sang and danced, made crafts, and enjoyed cupcakes. I also went out for dinner at the pub with my family and close friends and I felt very spoilt and had lots of fun!
I met Sarah (below left) on Sunday at Chatswood and she had organised a beautiful surprise birthday afternoon tea for me. It was so lovely, I was so excited to see Sarah's sister (below right) as well. We had a really lovely time together. Next month will be our 4th anniversary as gig buddies, we are planning something special for that as well!
I have also been recovering from an injury as I tore my calf muscle a few weeks ago. I have been seeing my physio and doing lots of strengthening exercises. I have been making adjustments to my dance routines, e.g. a sit down version of my dance performance so that I can rest my injured leg.
I am very excited about seeing Tina Turner the musical in July with my dad. We will be catching a ferry to the city and I think it will be a great day out!”
- Nalyn, Soul Fly Buddies
NDIS changes
Last week we updated readers on an email that’s been sent to all exisiting buddies with regards to Service Agreements and the NDIS.
Essentially, from July 1 2023 the administration charge for Gig Buddies will increase for all current participants (aka buddies) who have an active Service Agreement with the project.
For more information on specific line items and the new monthly cost, refer to our NDIS webpage by clicking here.
If you are an existing buddy and did not receive correspondence, or if you would like more information about the forthcoming changes, get in contact with Chelsea, Gig Buddies' NDIS coordinator.
Chelsea can be contacted via email: chelsea@assistcom.org, or by phone on 0412 145 819 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday).
Out of office
Due to annual leave, there will be no newsletter for the next fortnight.
We’ll be back with the latest Gig Buddies news on Monday 24 July.
Radio ga ga
And finally, we invite you to tune in to Able Chat Radio from 7.15pm tonight.
In the first of an ongoing monthly feature, our very own Yasmin and Aylin will be informing listeners all about the project.
They'll be in conversation with host Sandy Barwick. To listen via the wireless head to 89.3f, or tune in via the web by clicking here.
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (0402 708 814)
Carol: CEO (02 9419 6951)
Bec: Sydney coordinator (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121)
Chelsea: NDIS coordinator (0412 145 819)
Tony: Funding and sponsorship coordinator (02 9419 6951)
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.
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