We want to hear from you!
Our end of year strategic planning meeting is approaching and we’re calling on buddies, volunteers and all support networks to help shape us moving forward.
What do you want to see in 2023?
We’re a user-led project and we’re looking for suggestions on how we can improve the service, or any tweaks or changes to the project that you think would be beneficial to everyone involved.
Do we need improved representation in a certain part of Sydney or New South Wales? What should we be selling from our merch store?
Are we missing something when it comes to buddy and volunteer engagement? Could the training experience be enhanced, or does the recruitment process need an overhaul?
Are there any major events taking place in 2023 that you feel we should be part of? Or do you have any ideas when it comes to our social gatherings?
Could we better connect and communicate with everyone involved? What about our social media reach?
We encourage you to be bold and to think big. The possibilities are endless…. nothing is off limits, no idea will be dismissed.
Our strategic planning meeting is pencilled in the calendar for Thursday 1 December. Therefore we want to hear your ideas before the end of the month - that’s Wednesday 30 November.
You can share your suggestions via the following link.
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
Xmas in the city
In other news, tickets to our final event of the year - the Gig Buddies festive party - are still available.
On Wednesday 7 December we’ll be taking over the legendary Burdekin Hotel on Oxford Street.
Whether you’re based in Sydney or on the Central Coast, we invite you dust off those dancing shoes and join us for one last time in 2022!
Tickets cost $30 and include food and entertainment.
For more information about our festive party, including how to book your ticket, click here.
Christmas on the Coast
As for our Central Coast plans, we invite buddies to join us at the Balcony Restaurant & Bar @ Shelly Beach Surf Club (near Bateau Bay) for an afternoon of good food, drinks and company. Plus superb views overlooking the ocean!
Taking place on Saturday 3 December, we’ve got a table reservation booked for 1pm. To attend our festive gathering on the Central Coast, and to find out more information on The Balcony’s menu, click here.
This event is open to buddies based in Sydney and on the Central Coast.
If you have any questions about our December outings, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.No room at the inn
On the subject of our socials, please note that our two remaining November outings - dinner and dancing in Parramatta and pub trivia in Waverley - have both sold out.
Party on
On the subject of our socials, it was wonderful to catch up with so many buddies at Parramatta’s Albion Hotel.
We were there on Friday for an evening of dinner and dancing, concluding the night in the venue’s nightclub.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. To see more photos from our party in Parramatta, click here.
Each and every week we invite buddies to connect with us for our weekly chat.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
The last Thursday of the month is approaching - and that means only one thing! Our online social gathering is back.
We invite you to join us on Zoom this Thursday night for our Aus Music Month party.
To celebrate Aus Music Month we'll be spinning Aussie classics, complimented by a quiz on the very topic. Expect to hear Barnsey, INXS and John Farnham, followed by a battle of wits.
Things get going at 8pm. To find out more about this week’s online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Thursday 24/11
All online activities 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.
Doubling up
We bring you news of our two latest matches.
It’s great to welcome Zac and Harry (above, L - R), plus Robert and Tamara (not pictured) to the family.
Prepped and ready to go
On the subject of welcomes, say hello to our newest trained volunteers.
We want to say thanks to Melanie and Bianca (above, L - R) for joining us on Zoom last week.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise?
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 text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
COVID-19 Vaccinations - AN UPDATE
The NSW Chief Health Officer has extended the current exemption that allows workers (and volunteers) who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue to work if they have been assessed as being essential to the operation of the service.
All workers (and volunteers) who have not yet received their booster must also take reasonable steps to get the booster as soon as practical. The exemption has been extended to December 4 2022.
If you have already obtained your booster please send your certificate to info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text/WhatsApp it to 0411 252 228
Similarly, for those who have been granted an exemption from a medical professional, we require a copy of any relevant documentation.
You can access your vaccination certificate through your Medicare or MyGov account. For more information on how to obtain a copy, click here.
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec, Chelsea, Xena and Aylin
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.
