Four down, four to go - thanks to everyone who joined us last weekend for our re-jigged picnic events.
Due to the forecasted rain, we decided to head indoors: on Saturday (6/11) we caught up with buddies at Bondi’s The Nelson Hotel, while one day later we gathered at The Burwood Hotel.
To see more photos from our weekend gatherings, click here.
Four to go
And on the subject of our gatherings, tickets are still available for our remaining picnic events - starting this forthcoming weekend when we head to the city’s Hyde Park (Saturday 13/11), followed by a trip to Carss Park on the Sunday.
We conclude our spring picnics one week later, visiting Casula Powerhouse Park on Saturday 20 November, followed by a trip to Palm Beach one day later.
To sign up for any of our remaining picnic gatherings, load up the links below:
If you have any questions about our remaining picnic events, or would like more information, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
All will be revealed….
Last week we announced the ‘save the dates’ for our Christmas parties.
We’ve been busy making table reservations, and next Monday (15/11) buddies will be able to reserve their place via our ‘what’s on’ page.
Volunteers (still) wanted
We may be a little biased here at Gig Buddies HQ, but we think volunteering with us is a wonderful opportunity.
If you're still unsure, here are five good reasons why we think you should sign up:
The Gig Buddies’ team takes great care in matching participants with volunteers who share similar interests, live near each other, and are of similar age.
We need more volunteers as we have a number participants who we haven't been able to pair up.
So, if you or someone you know would make an excellent volunteer, it's time to join Gig Buddies. Click here to take the leap!
Let’s get POPpy!
What makes a good pop song? Catchy lyrics? Great melody? Amusing video? All of the above? Well, we won't be asking any of these tough questions on Thursday night, we'll just be playing all your favourite pop tunes from the past four decades.
Get ready to sing and dance with Bec, Tony and who ever else decides to get in on the act. Come and get POPpy with us!
In addition to Thursday’s event, we also invite buddies to connect with us on Tuesday (9/11) for our weekly chat. This takes place at 4pm. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 11 November
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Winners are grinners
Thanks to everyone who entered our Art-ober competition. As expected, there were so many fantastic entries, making it impossible for everyone to agree on a winner. So, as promised, we put all entries into a hat, and picked out three winners randomly.
Congratulations to Ranya who wins a $25 voucher for coming third; Marlowe is our runner up and lands herself $50; while Beth takes home first prize, a $100 gift card.
We’ll be in touch with our top three to talk prizes.
Thanks again to all our wonderful arty buddies who have given us some great images to add to the Gig Buddies 2022 calendar.
Vax to the max
Two weeks ago we shared news about how the NSW Government has mandated COVID-19 vaccination for all disability workers, including volunteers.
We appreciate it’s a busy time of the year, and that some volunteers may still be waiting for their second jab. However, we encourage all paired up (or soon to be paired up) volunteers to send us proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Volunteers can share their vaccination certificate by texting us a screenshot (0422 061 990 - Gig Buddies Sydney or 0402 708 814 - Gig Buddies Central Coast). Via Facebook Messenger or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org.
Additionally, should you have questions about mandatory vaccinations for Gig Buddies’ volunteers, please get in touch by contacting us via one of the methods listed above.
Four more to the team
Here’s us revealing our four newest pairings.
We’re delighted to welcome Audrey and Amy (top left, L - R), Nathan and Dylyn (top right, L - R), Laura and Gina (bottom left, L - R) and John and Nick (bottom right, L - R) to the Gig Buddies community.
Doubling up
On the subject of welcomes, say hello to Himani (top) and Mathieu (bottom) - our latest trained volunteers.
We want to thank them both for joining us on Zoom last Wednesday, and we’re looking forward to introducing them to their respective buddies.
A word from the pros
We continue to enjoy greater freedoms, but we’re going to carry on publishing information for those who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ‘look after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisis’ list of ideas.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney) or 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
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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