"… it feels less like volunteering…"
Each and every month we hand over our newsletter login details to one of our wonderful volunteers.
As part of our volunteer vault series, we’re proud to platform the efforts of those who make us what we are, and for the month of October we hear from Peter (below right) who tells us more about catch ups with buddy Mikey (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Over three years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
It’s my first role that’s involved a longer term commitment. I have done one-day volunteering before.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
To better understand people living with disability - their behaviours and thoughts - in order to become more understanding.
I believe my ability to offer undivided attention is something a gig buddy would appreciate and benefit from. Further to this, I do it because I love trying fun activities and meeting people with different backgrounds.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
After three years, it feels less like volunteering and more like a developing friendship that grows effortlessly through our regular commitment to each other and shared openness to try new things.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Making Mikey laugh. Mikey starting to ask me questions about my personal life. Mikey suggesting ice hockey as a new gig and having a better time than expected. Having a joke when poking fun at each other's NRL footy teams.
One of the biggest highlights was Mikey inviting my wife and I to his engagement party.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Forget the usual idea of volunteering - think of it as a great way to regularly share new experiences while helping someone develop everyday skills and perspectives that are easy to take for granted yourself.
"….I love trying fun activities and meeting people with different backgrounds"
We want to take this moment to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Peter, not just for taking the time to share his experiences but for also volunteering with us. Both he and Mikey are a perfect example of who we are and what we do: tackling social isolation by matching up two people who share similar interests.
And we're always on the lookout for more people like Peter.
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
Out and about in October
The end of October is almost upon us, but before we wrap things up for the month we have TWO social gatherings to facilitate.
Firstly, this forthcoming Friday we invite buddies to join us in Terrigal for fish and chips and ice cream. To join us on the Central Coast (and to find out more about the event), keep reading.
One day later we head west to get our spook on, catching up in Campbelltown for Fisher's Ghost Parade and Twilight Streets.
Join us as the streets come alive for Halloween. Expect live music, food trucks, street vendors, market stalls, rides, activities and entertainment.
To attend either event, jump on the links below:
Please note, our games night in Summer Hill (29/10) and inclusive rave in Erskineville (30/10) have both sold out, while tomorrow’s intended movie gathering in Hornsby has been cancelled.
Nights out in November
And looking ahead to next month, tickets to our SIX November outings are starting to shift.
We invite buddies to join us in Cammeray, Kingsford, Liverpool, Tuggerah, Concord and Ashfield as we catch up for sushi, live music, dinner, board games, arcades, musical bingo and karaoke.
Load up the links above to come along.
Ding dong, December calls
Our recently announced December gigs are also stirring up interest.
Alongside our already-announced festive get togethers, we will be catching up in Cremorne, St Peters and Gordon for a mix of food, comedy and arcade games.
To join us for the final time in 2026, jump on the links below:
Joy to the world, the parties are on
On the subject of our festive offerings, the countdown is on until our Sydney and Central Coast gatherings.
On Wednesday 2 December we’re taking over Newtown Hotel, and three days later you will find us in Avoca.
Firstly, we’re inviting buddies to join us in Newtown for a night of festive cheer, along with one or two surprises.
Thanks to our recent fundraising efforts and a generous donation from event sponsors, ETP (Eastern Tunnelling Package), we’re able to charge the lowest amount for any of our major get togethers - just $7!
And as for our Central Coast catch up, we’re catching up for lunch at Avoca’s Saltwater Bar & Bistro. Expect an afternoon of good people meeting up for food and drink.
To sign up and find out more about both our festive gatherings, load up the links below.
Ho, ho, go!
Want to know more about our festive gathering in Sydney?
In next week’s newsletter we’ll be dropping details on the entertainment and food options for our party in Newtown.
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.
Two up
Say hello to our newly announced batch of buddies.
Rhiannon and Yuka (left, L - R), and Zoe and Chloe (right, L - R), welcome to the fold. We look forward to hearing more about their forthcoming catch ups.
7 up
And it’s been a profitable week on the training front.
Having hosted two online sessions, we’ve prepped a total of SEVEN new volunteers. We want to thank you to the following for logging on: 1 Cian. 2 Edgar. 3 Jess. 4 John. 5 Stu. 6 Natania. 7 Lavanya.
Virtual insanity
Between now and the end of the year we are set to facilitate 15 in-person outings.
During that timeframe we’re also hosting FOUR online gatherings, the first of which begins in November.
To kick things off, Carol will be live from London taking buddies on a virtual tour of The Bayeux Tapestry, while two weeks later we’re rerunning the fun from our recent trivia fundraiser.
As for December, we’ve lined up an open mic night and we conclude our online offerings with a Christmas carol sing-a-long.
To join us online (and to find out more about each event, including what’s needed to take part), jump on the links below:
Please note, our online socials are open to friends and family. For those not part of the Gig Buddies’ community but would like to join in, you can also sign up from the links listed above.
And if you have questions about any of our forthcoming events, both in person gatherings or our online offerings, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Accessible to all
And finally, we’re always happy to promote venues that spruik the importance of inclusion.
Club 77, located in Darlinghurst, has recently reopened following renovations designed to make it more accessible for patrons and staff with disability.
The changes include a newly fitted ramp and a wheelchair lift, accessible bathrooms have been installed, part of the bar has been lowered, and there is a dedicated sensory area off the dance floor. Haptic vests, which vibrate to the beat of the music, are also available for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
To read more about how Club 77 have upgraded their accessibility click here, and to find out more about their forthcoming gigs, load up this link.
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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