"I truly hit the jackpot"
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
We’re handing over the newsletter and reopening the vault.
We’re sharing another testimony from one of our wonderful volunteers, and today we hear from Lauren (below, left) who tells us more about catching up with Brianna (below, right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Just over three years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
No, but it’s certainly one of my favourites!
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I have an autistic brother, so the Gig Buddies community is a lot like the community I grew up around in the US.
When I moved to Australia I was looking for a way to reconnect with this important element of my life, and Gig Buddies has absolutely delivered that and more!
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
I truly hit the jackpot being paired with Bri!
The Gig Buddies team did an incredible job matching us. We’ve become so close that we now think of each other more like best friends, maybe even sisters. While we love going to music gigs together, our connection goes far beyond that. We share a passion for animals, sports, comedy, and musicals, which makes every catch-up feel effortless and fun.
It’s so lovely to spend time with someone who gets you and with whom you can truly be yourself.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
It’s been so much fun supporting Bri as she explores her passions.
Over our time together, she’s sat in on university classes and co-led guided zoo tours when Gig Buddies visited, experiences she’d always been interested in but just needed a little encouragement to try. With support, she’s absolutely amazed everyone!
But it’s not just the big moments that have made our journey special, it’s also the constant cheeky banter, shared laughs, girls’ nights, and getting to know her incredible family that have made it all so rewarding.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
It’s a truly special kind of genuine friendship and community. If you’re not sure where to start or need a bit of guidance, the Gig Buddies team is incredible, they’ll be there to support you and cheer you on.
There’s so much to gain by simply giving it a go!
"….makes every catch-up feel effortless and fun"
We want to take this moment to say a massive "thank you" to Lauren for sharing her story.
She and Bri are a wonderful example of who we are and what we do: two mates catching up regularly, having a good time and trying new experiences.
And we're always on the lookout for more people like Lauren. 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
2025, (almost) over and out
In other news, our final social offerings for 2025 went live last week and places are starting to book up.
As a reminder, in December we’re inviting buddies to join us for dinners, carols, Christmas markets, art sessions, kayaking and movie trivia.
We’ll be kicking off the start of summer with eight offerings, connecting with buddies in Bankstown, West Ryde, Mascot, Blacktown, Erskineville, Narrabeen, Wamberal and Double Bay.
To join us for one last time this year, jump on the links below:
November nights out
And as for the month ahead, limited tickets are still available for our six remaining November outings.
We’re inviting buddies to join us for a Halloween zombie walk, Mexican and margaritas, karaoke, dinners out, arcade games and Ashes cricket!
To join us in the CBD, Collaroy, North Sydney, Edmondson Park, Zetland or Woy Woy, jump on the links below.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The November catch ups listed above are all in addition to our festive party.
As a reminder, we’re asking you to join us at Darlinghurst’s Universal Sydney on Thursday 27 November.
Expect a night of festive cheer and plenty of party classics. Whether you’re based in Sydney or on the Central Coast, we invite you to join us for our Christmas gathering.
Silent night
Back by popular demand, we're going silent for this year's festive shindig!
That's right, we'll be partying to the sounds of a silent disco. With multiple channels on offer, you choose the tunes!
We'll then round the night off with a live DJ set. Expect plenty of bangers and the odd Christmas remix.
And no Gig Buddies' party is complete without our usual door prizes.
Now bring us some figgy pudding!
And in our attempts to keep costs to a minimum, we will not be providing food at this year's party.
Instead, on the night attendees can order and pay for their own food from the venue.
To find out more about our festive party (and to buy your ticket), jump on the link below:
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.
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.
Doubling up
We’ve a pair of new matched up buddies to introduce.
Say hello to Stephanie and Yi Jun (above, L - R), and Graeme and Bob (not pictured). It’s wonderful to have them all on board.
Go Stavros!
And lastly, we want to take this moment to offer a huge congratulations to Stavros, one of the project’s first gig buddy’s and a founder member of our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
Last Thursday, during our parent company’s AGM, he was voted to join the ACL Disability Services' board of members.
Stavros (above left, alongside ACL chair, George Garrop) continues to promote the importance of social inclusion - and his appointment is an acknowledgement of his tireless dedication and commitment to such principles.
Sharing his own experiences only improves that sense of inclusion and being a Gig Buddy ‘OG’, he epitomises everything we, as an organisation, strive to achieve.
On behalf of the Gig Buddies community, we offer our congratulations.
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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