Volunteer Vault #32

Gig Buddies Sydney
2 days ago
3 min read

For Volunteer Vault #32 we hear from Sam (below left), who tells us more about his catch ups with Brandon (below right).

- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?

6.5 years and going strong.

- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?

When I was in high school I coached a soccer team for neurodivergent young adults, which was great fun! I’ve done a few other small bits and pieces, but Gig Buddies is easily my favourite.

- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?

I first heard about Gig Buddies through a friend who was briefly involved with the program at the time. I thought it sounded like a brilliant initiative because of how important social connection is, but I mostly joined because it sounded like a lot of fun - and it is.

- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?

It’s funny, I feel quite uncomfortable having the label of ‘volunteer', because I don’t think that's a true reflection of the genuine friendship that I have with Brandon, who’s really just another mate at this point.

I know that Brandon would say that he’s gotten a lot out of being a part of Gig Buddies, but I would say the same thing for myself.

- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?

A couple of years ago now I asked Brandon if he had ever been to a brewery and whether that would interest him. He said that he doesn't really drink that much but would love to check one out. We ended up spending an entire afternoon jumping from one brewery to the next on the Inner West Ale Trail, finishing at Grifter playing pool and chatting with some of the regular punters there.

It was brilliant.

Another time we went to the footy and met up with some of my other mates, who all really enjoyed getting to know Brandon and still ask about him to this day. They’ll be stoked to catch-up with him later in the year at my wedding, which he’s of course invited to.

- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?

Gig Buddies is truly a one-of-a-kind community, full of energy and heart. If you’re someone with an open mind, who likes to get out and about, then Gig Buddies is a great place for you to be.

And while it’s not a pre-requisite, it helps if you can dance (Gig Buddies’ dance-floors are unmatched).

"….it sounded like a brilliant initiative because of how important social connection is…."

We want to thank Sam for the being the first volunteer to share his story in 2026 - and for his glowing words.

"Gig Buddies is truly a one-of-a-kind community, full of energy and heart. If you’re someone with an open mind, who likes to get out and about, then Gig Buddies is a great place for you to be."

He and Brandon are a perfect example of the power of friendship - and his testimony is full of plenty of examples of how everyone wins when they join Gig Buddies.

And we're always on the lookout for more people like Sam. 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?