Changes within
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
We have news of a number of boundary changes to report.
Firstly, due to Aylin’s forthcoming maternity leave, Lara will begin acting as the go-to person for the majority of Western Sydney. As of Monday 13 March, she will take charge off the following regions:
- Canterbury-Bankstown
- Cumberland
- Parramatta
- Fairfield
- Liverpool
This change is expected to last for one year, during which time Lara will also continue as the Greater Western Sydney hub coordinator. As such, she will begin working four days a week from when the new changes commence (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday).
In other boundary news, our Inner West region has been expanded to now include Strathfield and Burwood. Tony will continue to cover this area.
Should you have any questions about the changes, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or phone on 02 9419 6951.
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
Marching on
Tickets to our TEN March social offerings are selling quick. So far, two have sold out while the other eight are on the verge of doing so.
And we’ve also revealed the plans for this Wednesday’s movie gathering, taking place in Roseville. On the night we’ll be watching the critically acclaimed Hamnet.
To join us at the movies or for dinners, beers and NRL, bowling, live music, pub trivia or musical bingo, load up the links below:
Please note, the Girl Power! tribute show in Lane Cove and inclusive rave in Erskineville have both sold out.
All go in April
And two of our ten April outings are now booked out, while places at the other eight are starting to fill up.
Last week we announced two new outings to our April roster, lunch and a self-guided tour of Q Station Museum and a Friday night BBQ at Lane Cove Bowling Club.
They’re in addition to ten pin bowling, movies, arcades, dinners and trivia. To join us in Wyoming, Manly, Castle Hill, Parramatta, Lane Cove, Kogarah, the Eastern Suburbs or Eastwood, load up the links below:
Please note, our music and dinner gathering in Petersham and karaoke catch up in Darling Harbour are both fully booked.
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.
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.
"…. not the warmest time to travel…"
Carol, our very own CEO, has recently returned from the UK where she spent time with a number of Gig Buddies’ branches, watching football and keeping warm!
"In January I went to visit my family in Sheffield, UK. While there I took the opportunity to catch up with two of the Yorkshire Gig Buddy projects, Bradford and Hull.
Gig Buddies Bradford have a lunch meeting in a cafe in the city centre each month to plan for future events. It was a lively discussion with a lot of interest in what we plan in Sydney and how we promote socials.
There were lots of ideas from Bradford Buddies, including a bike ride from Bradford to Brighton which is 400 kilometres!
Everyone was very interested in how we survive in Australia with so many deadly animals! I was able to explain that we don't encounter snakes, sharks, crocodiles and poisonous spiders on a daily basis.
We had a ‘name in the hat’ raffle to decide the winners of the Sydney Gig Buddies’ t-shirts I took. I also gave Andy, Bradford Coordinator, a Gig Buddies’ beanie.
The following week I travelled to Hull to spend an evening with Emily and her growing team.
Gig Buddies Hull have been awarded a large grant from the UK Lottery Fund, resulting in more staff and increased hours. We spent time discussing ideas around engaging and sourcing suitable venues for events. I was able to share our Sydney experiences with the team.
I have included some photos from our meeting, as well as a photo of the snowman my daughter in law made - complete with his Gig Buddies’ beanie to keep his head warm.
January is not the warmest time to travel to the far north of England, but it was compensated by lots of afternoons in 18th Century pubs with roaring fires.
One highlight was a trip to Sunderland to see my team at the Stadium of Light - and they won (3-0 vs. Burnley)! This really underlined the benefit of going to live sport as many of our buddies and volunteers do.
I also went to see Sheffield Wednesday play Wrexham, made famous by the TV series, at Hillsborough. Wednesday lost again, but brilliant singing from the victorious Welsh supporters.
It's good to be home, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing many of you at the 11th birthday party."
- Carol
Ready to go
We’ve prepped another batch of willing and wonderful volunteers.
Firstly, we want to say thank you to Liana (top), Veronica (right), Stephen (left), plus Bridget and Pari (not pictured) for joining us online last Monday. We’re looking forward to getting another FIVE buddies matched up soon.
More, more, more
Then last Friday, in our quest to get more buddies to our socials, we hosted our second ‘group social support’ training session.
Thanks to Hannah (top), Stephen (right) and Alyssa (left) we’re now able to facilitate bigger social gatherings.
High five….. hundred!
And lastly, thank you to those who have reached out about featuring in the 500th Gig Buddies’ newsletter
This is scheduled to come out in July, and to mark the milestone we’re dedicating the entire edition to the people who make us who we are.
We’re wanting to hear from buddies, volunteers and our supporters - irrespective if you’ve been paired for the entirety of our existence or if you’ve recently met your Gig Buddies’ match. Whether you’ve had one buddy or a number of volunteers, or if you only attend our events - we want to share your sentiments.
If you’re no longer part of Gig Buddies but were at one stage, we want to platform your opinions.
Whether you’re based in Sydney, the Northern Beaches, Western and Greater Western Sydney, the Inner West or on the Central Coast, we would love to hear from you.
We’re looking for buddies, volunteers and our supporters to share stories, selfies, videos, Vox pops, photos, art pieces, testimonies, interviews, commemorative dances - nothing is off limits.
If you would like to be part of our 500th newsletter, get in touch: you can reach us via Facebook Messenger, text or phone call (0402 708 814), or email: matt@assistcom.org
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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