"…Gig Buddies is easily my favourite"
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 12 hours ago
- 7 min read
For the first time in 2026 we’re opening our vault and handing over the newsletter to one of our wonderful volunteers.
For February we hear from Sam (below left), who tells us more about his catch ups with Brandon (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
6.5 years and going strong.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
When I was in high school I coached a soccer team for neurodivergent young adults, which was great fun! I’ve done a few other small bits and pieces, but Gig Buddies is easily my favourite.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I first heard about Gig Buddies through a friend who was briefly involved with the program at the time. I thought it sounded like a brilliant initiative because of how important social connection is, but I mostly joined because it sounded like a lot of fun - and it is.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
It’s funny, I feel quite uncomfortable having the label of ‘volunteer', because I don’t think that's a true reflection of the genuine friendship that I have with Brandon, who’s really just another mate at this point.
I know that Brandon would say that he’s gotten a lot out of being a part of Gig Buddies, but I would say the same thing for myself.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
A couple of years ago now I asked Brandon if he had ever been to a brewery and whether that would interest him. He said that he doesn't really drink that much but would love to check one out. We ended up spending an entire afternoon jumping from one brewery to the next on the Inner West Ale Trail, finishing at Grifter playing pool and chatting with some of the regular punters there.
It was brilliant.
Another time we went to the footy and met up with some of my other mates, who all really enjoyed getting to know Brandon and still ask about him to this day. They’ll be stoked to catch-up with him later in the year at my wedding, which he’s of course invited to.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Gig Buddies is truly a one-of-a-kind community, full of energy and heart. If you’re someone with an open mind, who likes to get out and about, then Gig Buddies is a great place for you to be.
And while it’s not a pre-requisite, it helps if you can dance (Gig Buddies’ dance-floors are unmatched).
"….it sounded like a brilliant initiative because of how important social connection is…."
We want to thank Sam for the being the first volunteer to share his story in 2026 - and for his glowing words.
"Gig Buddies is truly a one-of-a-kind community, full of energy and heart. If you’re someone with an open mind, who likes to get out and about, then Gig Buddies is a great place for you to be."
He and Brandon are a perfect example of the power of friendship - and his testimony is full of plenty of examples of how everyone wins when they join Gig Buddies.
And we're always on the lookout for more people like Sam. If you would like to volunteer with us, look no further: to sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.
And to find out more about our current openings, click on the 'volunteers wanted' images below.
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, four have sold out while the other six are on the verge of doing so.
As a reminder, we're connecting with buddies in Roseville, Liverpool, Gosford, Dee Why, Macquarie Park and Campbelltown as we serve up movies, dinners, beers and NRL, bowling and pub trivia.
Please note, the Girl Power! tribute show in Lane Cove, Jellybean Jam event in Five Dock, inclusive rave in Erskineville, and music bingo in Kingsford have all sold out.
Two new
We’ve added TWO socials to our list of April offerings.
Firstly, we’re inviting buddies to join us on Sunday 12 in Manly for lunch and a self-guided tour of Q Station Museum.
Then on the 17th we head to Lane Cove Bowling Club for a Friday night BBQ.
Our new additions take us up to TEN socials for the month. So far one event has sold out, while tickets to our remaining gatherings are selling fast.
To join us in Wyoming, Manly, Castle Hill, Petersham, Parramatta, Lane Cove, Kogarah, the Eastern Suburbs, and Eastwood for ten pin bowling, a museum tour, movies, live music, arcades, dinners and trivia, load up the links below:
Please note, our karaoke and dinner social in Darling Harbour is now fully booked.
And 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.
Save the date
Last week we dropped a not-so-subtle hint on our birthday plans.
For those who may have missed the memo, we’re requesting all buddies cancel any plans they may have made for Thursday 21 May.
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.
In it to win it
The end of the month is neigh and, with it, your last chance to get to Grill’d in West Gosford and support Gig Buddies Central Coast.
We’re one of their nominated Local Matters charities for the month of February.
Be sure to place your cap in our jar as the charity with the most lids at the end of the month pockets $300.
"It was a great start to my year"
Each and every month we share the news and views of those who make up our user led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
For February we hand over the newsletter to Bevan, who tells us more about winning awards for film making.
"Last year I made a film with my friends and entered it in SmartFone Flick Fest. I made the film at my kung fu dojo.
Earlier this year I attended and also worked at the film festival. It was so fun. I loved to meet all the people in the film industry and making friends. I helped with ushering and and setting up. The film festival was on for three days at the Opera House and Chauvel Cinema, Paddington.
It was awesome seeing films in those places and getting to work there. I love to work and help.
I also won the 'SF3 Community Award' for my film 'Kung Fu Debut'. I was so excited and proud. It is my dream to be a director and make films. It was a great start to my year."
- Bevan, Soul Fly Buddies
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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