We’re excited to bring you all the information you need to know about our festive catch ups.
Starting at the end of November, we’ll be hosting eight events across Sydney - taking in the north shore, inner west, south west, eastern suburbs, west, south, the city and northern beaches.
All Gig Buddies festive feast events are free to attend and run from 6:30 - 8:30pm. In the interest of fairness, we request that buddies attend ONE event only.
As per all venue’s Covid-19 policies, attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination and ‘sign in' upon entry.
To register (and to find out more information about each gathering), load up the links below:
If you have any questions about our festive feast events, or would like more information, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
Two to go
On the subject of up-and-coming events, tickets are still available for our two remaining picnic gatherings.
This forthcoming Saturday (20/11) we venture west, stopping off in Casula while one day later we go north - welcoming buddies from the Central Coast as we head to Palm Beach.
To sign up for any of our remaining picnic gatherings, load up the links below:
If you have any questions about our remaining picnic events, or would like more information, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
Weekend gatherings
And talking of our picnic events, thank you to everyone who joined us in the city and the Shire this past weekend.
Due to inclement weather, we relocated from the park to nearby indoor settings - catching up with buddies at the Aurora on Saturday (13/11) and By The Bay Cafe, Carrs Park on Sunday (14/11).
To see more photos from our picnic outings, click here.
The alternative rock party
Do you know your garage from your grunge?
On Wednesday night we'll be playing rocking tunes from alternative bands from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's and 10’s.
Expect a solid serve of fuzzy guitars, raw vocals, dirty drums and frenetic energy - all topped with a healthy dose of weirdness.
In addition to Wednesday’s event, we also invite buddies to connect with us later today (15/11) 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:
Wednesday 17 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.
Come join the fun
This week 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 quartet of newbies
We’re excited to welcome our four newest pairings to the Gig Buddies community.
It’s a pleasure to introduce Susan and Margaret (top left, L - R), Becki and Daniella (top right, L - R), Harry and Narrayan (bottom left, L - R), and Alice and Bec (bottom right, L - R).
Two we prepped earlier
And on the subject of newbies, say hello to our two newly trained volunteers.
We’re delighted to have Aditi (above) and Tyler (not pictured) start their Gig Buddies’ journey with us.
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.
