It’s midyear report time.
Ever since we started in 2015, we’ve produced half yearly reports. They outline some of the challenges we face when it comes to pairing up people, focussing on our imbalance of volunteers to buddies - and the geographical issues Sydney and the Central Coast can present.
To highlight our point, we’ve created data maps of the Sydney and the Central Coast regions, showcasing where we sit in terms of numbers (all information correct as of Tuesday 13 June).
As highlighted by the maps, we have an abundance of unmatched volunteers based within the CBD, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs.
Additionally, the North West, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and Central Coast regions represent the areas with the highest number of unpaired buddies.
Based on the data, within Sydney and the Central Coast regions we have a total of 233 buddies and 440 volunteers on our books. Of those numbers, we CURRENTLY have 172 pairs, while 61 buddies and 268 volunteers are still waiting to be matched.
Conversely, last year’s report indicated we had a total of 227 buddies and 566 volunteers on our database. Of those numbers, 151 were paired up, resulting in a total 76 buddies and 418 volunteers without a match.
What we need
We’re eager to get more buddies and volunteers paired up, and we’re calling on our current crop of participants to recommend our services to either anyone they know who has a mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism, or is keen to give their time to our cause.
Nothing has changed when it comes to our approach: in addition to pairing people based on mutual interests, we also pay attention to the geographic location of both gig buddy and volunteer, while gender and age preferences are also taken into consideration.
To those still waiting, we’re trying our level best. However, sometimes it comes down to luck and whether there’s a buddy available within the area who not only happens to share the same interests, but also ticks the boxes in terms of gender, age and location requirements.
Can you help?
While we may have an abundance of volunteers in certain parts of Sydney and the Central Coast, we’re still looking for more.
When it comes to making a match it’s all about finding the RIGHT volunteer. As mentioned above, we pair people based on mutual interest(s), while age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration.
Changes afoot
If you’re an existing unmatched buddy or volunteer and your personal circumstances have changed, do get in contact.
Please inform us if any of the following applies:
You’ve changed address
You’re willing to travel a bit further in search of a match
Your travel capabilities have changed
You now have more time
You’ve acquired a new passion or hobby
Getting more out of those who are already on our database makes perfect sense. If your situation has changed, get in touch via email and we’ll update your application form: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
I know someone…..
Alternatively, do you know someone who would benefit from joining our community, or could you recommend a potential volunteer? To sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.
And if you would like to know more information about Gig Buddies and how we work, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or phone: 02 9419 6951.
Tell me more…..
And if you want to know more about our existing opportunities, we have a list of buddies based in Sydney and on the Central Coast who are currently looking for suitable volunteers.
By clicking on the ‘volunteers wanted’ images below, you can find out more about our current openings.
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
Happening in July
And we’ve got some news about a late addition to our June offerings, too.
Sign ups for our July social gatherings are pouring in.
As a reminder, we’re bringing you SIX events throughout the month. Across Sydney and the Central Coast we’re offering mini golf, arcades, art, a Sunday roast, the women’s World Cup, and a Christmas in July gathering.
To find out more about our July events (and to sign up), load up the links below.
If you have any questions about our forthcoming gatherings, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Each and every week we invite buddies to connect with us for our weekly chat.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Joining the dots
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stall during last week’s Sydney Disability Connection Expo.
We were at the ICC on Friday and Saturday, informing people about how we tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
It was great to connect with so many across both days.
If you would like to know more about our Sydney or Central Coast projects, or our plans to better engage with those based in the south of the city and people placed in Greater Western Sydney, get in touch.
We’re available for presentations, discussions, Zoom chats or an informal chin wag. Contact us via email, info@gigbuddiessydney.org or phone: 02 9419 6951.
We want to hear from you
And lastly, the team from Kabuku Public Relations have been in touch.
They’re an agency specialising in publicity campaigns for the arts, entertainment and cultural sectors. They have a broad range of connections, and they’re asking the Gig Buddies’ community to share their thoughts on what sort of future socials we’d like to attend.
Types of gigs include:
- Classical Music (eg. Musica Viva Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, The Sydney International Piano Competition)
- Theatre (eg. Griffin Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, Seymour Centre, Riverside Theatres, National Theatre of Paramatta)
- Dance (eg. Bangarra Dance Theatre)
- Comedy (eg. Sydney Comedy Festival, Spiegeltent Wollongong)
- Visual Arts (eg. Artspace Sydney)
Now we want to hear your ideas. Simply load up this link to share your suggestions.
We thank Kabuku for supporting our work.
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec, Chelsea and Aylin
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.
