Introducing the 'Group Social Support'
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Calling all volunteers, we’ve a new opportunity to tell you about.
As many would know, each and every month we host around 8 - 12 Gig Buddies’ socials, connecting with buddies throughout Sydney and the Central Coast. In line with demand, the majority of our events often sell out - leaving us with a number of participants who miss out.
In our attempts to ensure as many buddies as possible can attend our gatherings, we’re reaching out to our network of volunteers.
Beginning in 2026, we’re introducing the Group Social Support (GSS).
Essentially, we’re looking for volunteers who want to give their time but may be unable to commit to catching up with a buddy once a month. As an alternative, these volunteers can assist Gig Buddies’ staff at our socials - enabling us to increase attendance rates at our catch ups.
Duties at our events could include supporting participants in ordering food, assisting attendees with meeting points or simply striking up a conversation to help with engagement levels. You may act as the ‘go to person’ at one of our events, in addition to ensuring attendees arrive and get home safely.
Those who sign up to become a GSS will be welcome to attend any social event that matches their availability, or is in line with their interests. All GSS’s will undergo specific training and will complete all necessary compliance.
Our GSS role is aimed specifically at volunteers who ONLY want to give their time at our socials. As we want to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, volunteers who are currently matched (or in the process of being paired with a buddy) will not be considered for the role. Volunteers who have previously had a buddy are welcome to apply.
In addition to the satisfaction of giving back to the community, the increased responsibility within this role means that a GSS will receive free entry to the event they’re attending, along with a meal allowance in line with award (currently $16.62).
Towards the start of 2026 a link will be created, enabling volunteers to specifically sign up as a GSS, while those already on our database who may be interested can simply contact the team to express their interest.
But for now we’re encouraging our community refer to our FAQ page and to share their feedback: if you have thoughts or suggestions, get in touch via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, call us at the office (02 9419 6951) or contact us via text on 0412 145 819.
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 are live and places are starting to book up.
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 remaining November outings.
We’re inviting buddies to join us for Mexican and margaritas, dinners out, arcade games and Ashes cricket!
To join us in Collaroy, Edmondson Park, Zetland or Woy Woy, jump on the links below.
Please note, our karaoke catchup in North Sydney is fully booked.
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.
Out and about in October
And if you would like to know what goes on at our Gig Buddies’ socials, look no further.
During the month of October we connected with buddies in Ambarvale, Newtown, Cremorne, Liverpool, Warriewood, Ettalong, Wahroonga, Eastwood, Bondi, Caringbah and the CBD.
Thanks to everyone who joined us at one of our 11 outings. We had a blast attending pub trivia, dinners, comedy, the movies, beach strolls and banger rolls, three live music offerings and a festival.
To see more snaps from our October outings, click here.
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.
Four more
We’ve a quad of new buddy matches to shout about.
It’s wonderful to welcome the following four: Beth and Sarah (top left, L - R), Kyle and Adam (top right, L - R), Jessica and Emma (bottom left, L - R) and Brian and Tahlia (bottom right, L - R).
Behind the mask
And finally, we want to share details of a forthcoming event for "young adults with hidden disabilities".
In their own words, the team from Behind the mask are hosting a "a social event specially designed for young adults with hidden disabilities! Join us at the West Pymble Bicentennial Bowling Club for a night of connection and fun with or without bowling! This event is a safe space for individuals with hidden disabilities to come together, socialise and be themselves.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend and connect with each other. Buddies are welcome too!"
The free gathering takes place this Saturday (8/11) in West Pymble. For more information, click here.
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (inc. Hornsby Shire and Ku-ring-gai): 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 (inc. Willoughby, Mosman, North Sydney and Lane Cove): 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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