🌈 Calling our LGBTQIA+ community and allies 🌈
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 60 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Last year we proudly launched our LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gig Buddies group social events.
We’re all about creating a space for connection, visibility and inclusivity. We welcomed allies to join us too and the love has been real!
After hosting two amazing events with more planned for this year, we’re excited to build on our successes.
Firstly, we’re launching a private Facebook group just for our LGBTQIA+ community.
This is our very own safe space where buddies can:
Connect with each other
Share Rainbow Gig Buddies group social events
Share other LGBTQIA+ community events
Share resources and supports
If you’d like to stay connected between Rainbow Gig Buddies events and be part of a supportive online community, we’d love for you to join us.
And while we have your attention, here’s a reminder of our next Rainbow Gig Buddies event.
Meeting at Darlinghurst’s Kinselas Hotel, we’re inviting buddies to join us for a pre Mardi Gras party!
To join us on Friday 27 February, jump on the link below.
And if you like to join our very own private LGBTQIA+ Facebook group, get in touch with Bec via text (0411 252 228) or email: rebecca@assistcom.org
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
Strike!
We’ve added an additional social to our list of March gatherings.
On Tuesday 17 March we invite buddies to join us in Dee Why for an evening of bowling and dinner.
During the month of March we’re also connecting with buddies in Roseville, Liverpool, Gosford, Lane Cove, Five Dock, Erskineville, Macquarie Park, Campbelltown and Kingsford as we serve up movies, dinners, beers and NRL, bingo, trivia, a tribute show, live music and a rave.
To join us for any of our TEN March meet ups, jump on the links above.
Perfect 10
As for February, we’ve already completed two and we’re set to host another EIGTH.
This month’s social gatherings will see us connect with buddies in Collaroy, Chester Hill, Hornsby, Penrith, the CBD, and Warnervale and Darlinghurst.
To join us for dinners, arcade games, American football, crazy shakes and our LGBTQIA+ gathering, load up the links below.
Please note, tonight’s dinner in Collaroy and our 35+ event in Summer Hill have both sold out, while we’ve now locked in a venue for our Super Bowl offering.
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.
All go in April
Would you like to know our plans for the month of April?
Come back to us in seven days time and all your questions may be answered.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise? Our new and exclusive range of swag has landed!
Click on the image above to get your fill on Gig Buddies goodies. If we haven’t got the size you’re after, get in touch via Facebook Messenger.
7 up
It’s been a busy time on the pairing and training front.
Since our last update we’ve managed to match up a whopping SEVEN new pairings, while we’ve also completed our first round of ‘group social support’ volunteer training.
Firstly, it’s wonderful to welcome our newly announced septet of matches: Matthew and Nick (top left, L - R), Ellie and Taylor (top right, L - R), Katie and Chinari (left, L - R), Caz and Tina (centre, L - R), Shai and Cathal (right, L - R), Joel and Thom (bottom left, L - R), and Rin and James (bottom right, L - R).
Up and running
As for volunteer training, late last year we began to promote our 'group social support' opportunity.
As a reminder, in our attempts to ensure as many buddies as possible can attend our social get togethers, we require additional support. Therefore, we put out an appeal to our existing batch of signed up volunteers, asking them to give their time solely at our gatherings.
As such, we’re delighted to welcome the first group of trained ‘group social support’ volunteers.
Demand to attend our gatherings only continues to increase. By giving up their time, Lama (top left), Amy (right) and Sam (bottom left) have made things that much easier when it comes to helping us get more and more people to our events.
In it to win it!
If you’re in the West Gosford area and fancy a bite to eat, may we recommend popping by Grill’d?
They’ve nominated us, Gig Buddies Central Coast, as one of their monthly Local Matters charities.
Be sure to place your cap in the Gig Buddies Central Coast jar as the charity with the most lids at the end of the month pockets $300.
Start spreading the news……
And lastly, as some of you may have seen, we recently made a splash on the ABC.
Buddies Lauren and Brianna, Lex and PJ took the time to share their stories, detailing what Gig Buddies means to them and why they’re so involved.
Well, their wonderful words have reached the other side of the world - resonating in particular with the founder of Gig Buddies, Paul Richards.
Many of us in Australia also know Paul for his attendances at our major parties. Upon reading the article, he had this to say:
"This makes my heart sing!
In 2013 I bumped into Carol at a conference in Birmingham. We just hit it off, and I excitedly told her about a new project I’d just started in Brighton & Hove called Gig Buddies.
She said, “We need that in Australia!”
When I started Gig Buddies, I had no idea it would ever be shared. Now there are 26 projects in eight countries, with hundreds — maybe thousands — of people with learning disabilities living rich social lives and forming real friendships.
At the heart of Gig Buddies is a vision of inclusion. Not special events for people with learning disabilities, but unleashing the power of community so any event can be inclusive — whatever your gig is.
It’s about creating the conditions for people to flourish: rooted in friendship, agency, and dignity. Living the life you choose. Being fully yourself.
This ABC article is full of stories that could never have been predicted — all emerging because the conditions exist for people to flourish, live with real dignity, and have a great time. Serious outcomes, with a great dollop of happiness. Serious fun!"
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 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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