Fanciful: adjective
over-imaginative and unrealistic.
highly ornamental or imaginative in design.
We love fanciful. And we love hearing your ideas.
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 a user-led project - and we’re calling on both buddies and volunteers to help shape us moving forward.
We want to hear from you. Hit us with your fanciful ideas.
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.
Ho, ho, ho
Tickets to our Christmas gatherings have flown out the door.
The Surry Hills, Killara and Stanmore events are now sold out. However, if buddies have missed out and would like to attend one of these functions, we ask you to get in touch. We make no promises, but we will try our best to accommodate such requests.
We can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
Tickets are still available for the following events, too:
If you have any questions about our festive feast events, or would like more information, get in touch using the contact details listed above.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
To celebrate Ausmusic Month we’re throwing an online party.
Join us on Zoom this Thursday as we rock out to the best music made right here in our own backyard.
From John Farnham to Tones and I, we’ll be covering the decades - playing Australian hits only.
In addition to Thursday’s event, we also invite buddies to connect with us tomorrow (Tuesday 23/11) for our weekly chat. This takes place at 4pm. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 25 November
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.
That’s a wrap
Thanks to everyone who braved the elements and joined us in Palm Beach on Sunday (21/11).
While umbrellas were the must-have accessory, it didn’t rain on our parade - and it was wonderful to welcome buddies from the Central Coast project who boarded the ferry for the event at Club Palm Beach RSL.
That’s a wrap for our spring picnic events. Following the NSW state-wide lockdown, it was joyous to meet up in person with so many of you. Of the seven gatherings we facilitated, we caught up with 149 buddies.
To see photos from all our spring picnic gatherings, click here.
Volunteer with us
We continue with our push to recruit more volunteers.
We’re looking for newbies throughout Sydney. And if you’re looking for reasons why you (or someone you know) should volunteer 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!
Vax to the max
We recently shared news about how the NSW Government has mandated COVID-19 vaccination for all disability workers, including volunteers.
We appreciate it’s a busy time of the year, and that some volunteers may still be waiting for their second jab. However, we encourage all paired up (or soon to be paired up) volunteers to send us proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Volunteers can share their vaccination certificate by texting us a screenshot (0422 061 990 - Gig Buddies Sydney or 0402 708 814 - Gig Buddies Central Coast). Via Facebook Messenger or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org.
Additionally, should you have questions about mandatory vaccinations for Gig Buddies’ volunteers, please get in touch by contacting us via one of the methods listed above.
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.
