"I’ve formed a genuine connection and friendship"
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
It’s the final Monday of the month - time to hand over our newsletter login details to one of our wonderful volunteers.
Today we hear more from Livia (below right), who tells us more about her match with buddy Akanksha (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
I’ve been with Gig Buddies for just over three years now.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
Yes! After completing my degree in Human Sciences and Community Services, I wanted to broaden my experience by connecting with new communities and meeting new people. This led me to Gig Buddies!
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I found Gig Buddies through the Seek Volunteer website. When I read the blurb I immediately discovered that the organisation aligned with my values.
This initially drew me in but now alongside this I’ve stayed with Gig Buddies because I’ve formed a genuine connection with my buddy Akanksha.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
Gig Buddies is so much fun! Akanksha and I go on a new adventure every month and we always have the best time. I’ve formed a genuine connection and friendship with Akanksha, and I truly value the time we spend together.
The wider Gig Buddies community is full of fun, generous and accepting people. I’ve enjoyed myself at every single Gig Buddies function I’ve ever been to and I’m already looking forward to the next event.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
I think a shared highlight for both Akanksha and I would be the two separate times we saw The Wiggles. It was so special to see Akanksha so happy, and we both had so much fun singing and dancing together.
Another highlight was when we went to see the Sydney Kings play. Basketball is Akanksha’s favourite sport and I love any opportunity to experience something new, so we both had a great time.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Gig Buddies is an amazing opportunity. The time I spend with Akanksha is something I look forward to every month, and I have no doubt that it’ll be the same for you.
You might even find that you’ll end up loving The Wiggles…!
"The wider Gig Buddies community is full of fun, generous and accepting people"
We want to take this moment to heap praise on Livia and Akanksha.
They’re a perfect example of who we are and what we do: effectively two strangers who have come together and created a genuine connection.
And we're always on the lookout for more people like Liv. 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
Join us in July
We’re two days out from July, a month that sees us facilitate a total of 11 socials - this first of which starts this Wednesday (1/7).
We’re inviting buddies to join us for pub trivia, comedy, Winterfest, movies, walks, DigiPark, Mexican and arcades, dinners, and two Christmas in July gatherings.
So far, our market gathering in Kirribilli has sold out, while spots are running low for the remaining TEN socials.
To find out more about our socials in Pennant Hills, Coogee, Hawkesbury, Rhodes, Cronulla, Newport, Sydney CBD, Campbelltown, Guildford and Ourimbah, load up the links above.
All go in August
And as for August, we have 12 dates pencilled in the diary.
For the final month of winter we’re inviting buddies to join us in Zetland, Lisarow, Moore Park, Kogarah, Dee Why, Eveleigh, Turrella, Macquarie Park, Bankstown, Thornleigh, North Sydney and Penrith as we catch up for craft, trivia, AFL, NRL, dinners, live dance, paintball, ice hockey, UFC, mini golf, line dancing and the Penrith Show.
To join us at any of our August outings (or to find out more information about each event), jump on the links above.
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
Say hello to our newly matched up duo of buddies.
Jared and Stavros (left, L - R) and Hayden and Peter (right, L - R), welcome to the team! We look forward to hearing more about their forthcoming catch ups.
"Sometimes it’s the simple things….."
Every month we share the news and views of a buddy who’s part of our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
For the month of June we hand over duties to Karen, who tells us more about catching up with her buddy.
"The last couple of weeks with Gig Buddies have honestly been so much fun, and it’s reminded me how important these connections and experiences really are.
My volunteer and I went to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 together, which was such a good day out. We had a great time, lots of laughs, and it was just nice being able to spend quality time together doing something fun.
We also went out for lunch at a beautiful Japanese place in Ettalong Beach. The food was amazing and the whole place had such a lovely atmosphere. It’s always nice finding little local spots and sharing good food and good conversation.
We then headed along to the Gig Buddies social at Davistown RSL. It was so nice catching up with everyone and just spending time together socially. We both got the chicken wings and they were seriously so good! I also caught the ferry over and back from Woy Woy, which made the day even better. The ferry ride was beautiful and honestly just added to the whole experience.
We also recently had our six monthly Soul Fly Buddies in person catch up at a lovely Italian restaurant in Strathfield. It was really special being able to see everyone in person again. We also had the privilege of meeting Kai from Gig Buddies Wales, who also came along to the social event at Davistown. It was really cool hearing about Gig Buddies in Wales and having the chance to chat with him and the rest of the SFB crew.
I’m really grateful for opportunities like these. Sometimes it’s the simple things, movies, meals, ferry rides, laughs with friends, that end up meaning the most. Gig Buddies continues to give me experiences, friendships, and memories that I genuinely value so much.”
- Karen, Soul Fly Buddies
Out of office
Due to annual leave, there will be no newsletter next week.
We’ll be back on Monday 13 July. Be sure to check your inboxes then as we have some exciting news to share on our charity fundraiser.
Tickets, get your tickets!
The team at Carriageworks are offering buddies the chance to see four top shows for cheap.
Kicking off in July, we’re calling on all buddies who have a passion for performance and dance. To find out more about each event, jump on the links.
Dates: Wednesday 8 July - Saturday 11 July
Dates: Wednesday 15 July - Saturday 18 July
Dates: Wednesday 5 August - Saturday 8 August
Dates: Thursday 13 August - Saturday 15 August
How do I get tickets?
We want to take this moment to say "thank you" to the team at Carriageworks. Due to their ongoing support, we’re able to provide buddies with access to discounted tickets to a number of their top shows.
And we’re now calling on our community to take full advantage!
To snap up your cheap ticket and to find out more about each event, load up the following link.
Alternatively, you can get in touch via email and let us know the name of the event and the amount of tickets required. We can be reached via: info@gigbuddiessydney.org.
Add some triumph to your tax return
And lastly, the financial year comes to an end TOMORROW - why not make a tax deductible donation to Gig Buddies before the deadline?
As a reminder, all donations over $2 can be reclaimed from July 1st - hopefully a tempting reason to temporarily part with your hard earned and help us tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
Now is the perfect time to consider a contribution to our cause. To make a contribution, click here.
Please note: a receipt will be issued upon donation, please keep a record for your own tax purposes.
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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