Calling all buddies: this is your last chance to buy tickets to our Christmas social.
Taking place this Saturday (7/12) at the Bristol Arms Hotel, we’re down to the final few tickets.
We have a reservation for 100 buddies and the night starts at 5:30pm. Following food buddies have the chance to continue the party in the upstairs Retro nightclub.
For more information about our final social for 2019, including how to buy your tickets, click here to access our online shop
“Ferris Bueller, you’re my hero”
On the subject of socials, thanks to everyone who joined us last Monday (25/11) at the Newport Arms Hotel.
In what was our penultimate social of the year, we settled in for a bite to eat and the movie Ferris Buller’s Day Off.
It was great to catch up with so many buddies - and even the storms that hit the Northern Beaches didn’t stop us from enjoying the night.
What makes you happy?
Tomorrow (3/12) is International Day of People with Disability, and to mark the occasion our user-led team, Soul Fly Band, are encouraging readers to get creative and share their stories.
Wanting to celebrate all things related to happiness, they’re asking people to tell the world ‘what makes you happy?’
In their own words, this campaign “includes everyone whether you do or don't have a disability”. Soul Fly Band are encouraging people to respond by sharing a sentence, uploading a video or placing a picture on our social media threads that expresses ‘what makes you happy’.
We’re encouraging readers to think about ‘what makes you happy’ and to share those sentiments on our Facebook and Instagram pages tomorrow.
Volunteer for an inclusive future
Two days later, Thursday 5 December, we celebrate International Volunteer Day.
This year’s theme, volunteer for an inclusive future, resonates widely with those who give their time to Gig Buddies Sydney.
Volunteering for an inclusive future is part of the United Nations’ sustainable development goal, with a focus on the pursuit of equality – including inclusion – through volunteerism.
It goes without saying that we’re indebted to the role our magnificent volunteers play. Without you we simply wouldn't achieve our goal of ‘tackling social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism’.
Damian, chairman of the board at ACL Disability Services - our parent company - had this message for our volunteers:
“The board and staff of ACL pay tribute to the volunteers that make a difference in the lives of our gig buddies. Gig Buddies Sydney is all about tackling social inclusion for people living with a disability. We recognise that Gig Buddies volunteers’ give their time to go out with their buddies to see bands, go clubbing, see friends and socialise in many ways.
To all our Gig Buddies Sydney volunteers’, happy International Volunteer Day - thanks for all the hours you have contributed to making a difference in our community and supporting an inclusive future for your gig buddy.”
Audrey on the big screen
In other news, gig buddy and Soul Fly Band member, Audrey, invites buddies to the premiere of Kairos.
Kairos follows Danny, a young man with Down syndrome who abandons his gymnastics achievements to pursue a boxing career in the hope of gaining acceptance and respect. His plans go awry however, after he is involved in a violent mishap with his trainer John. The psychological and emotional fallout from the incident causes Danny to turn inward, forcing him to question the very nature of his identity.
The movie has been voted in the “top 10 audience picks at the Melbourne International Film Festival” and has been selected to appear at cinema events in Mexico, Lebanon, Italy and America.
Audrey, who stars as Ellie, can be seen on the following big screens:
- Event Cinema, Liverpool (Rooftop Level Westfield shopping Centre, Elizabeth Drive, Liverpool 2170) from Thursday 5 December (film running for approximately 2 weeks)
- Dendy, Newtown (261-263 King Street, Newtown 2042) from Saturday 7 December (film running for approximately one week)
Companion cards are accepted at both cinemas and ticket prices vary from $20 for adult to $16 concession. The film is rated as M (for mature audiences) and runs for approximately 93 minutes.
Something for Sunday
And for those looking for something else to do at the weekend, the good people from Lifestart and Sutherland Shire Council are throwing an International Day of People with Disability family fun event.
Happening on Sunday (8/12), our friends from Cronulla Sharks will be in attendance. The event takes place at Miranda’s Centenary Park and is free to attend.
Please note, due to our Christmas party taking place the night before, Gig Buddies Sydney will not be in attendance.
Who wouldn't want socks for Christmas?
And finally, are you still thinking of something to buy your nearest and dearest for Christmas? We have the perfect gift idea for you.
As modelled by the wonderful Harri, our socks are so good you can even wear them with sandals!
You can be the proud owner of our very own fashion statement for the bargain price of $10 ($14 including postage). For more information about our stocking filler, click here.
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Sydney Community Engagement Coordinator
matt@assistcom.org
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.
