Who we are and what we stand for
We recently challenged our user-led group, Soul Fly Band, to characterise our culture.
Aside from wanting to improve our communication on the issue, we had two main reasons for doing this: firstly, for those new to the project or unaware of our values, it’s good to have these documented.
Secondly, we have witnessed - from time to time - boundaries between buddies and volunteers have been crossed, or an incident has occurred that warrants actions.
For these reasons alone we felt it’s good to remind buddies, volunteers, families, supporters, donors and followers about who we are and what we stand for. Therefore, in the words of the Soul Fly Band, here are our values:
Gig Buddies culture
What is our culture?
We’re inclusive - all eligible buddies and volunteers are involved and no one is left out. Everyone has a voice and we respect people’s backgrounds and cultures. Diversity is our friend.
What do we stand for?
We’re a community built on acceptance. We bring people together and stand to have fun! We’re about making new friends, changing lives for the better and helping people connect with others.
What are our values?
We’re respectful of everyone’s differences. We’re an accepting community where everyone feels welcome. Like any family we’re caring, supportive and we value our people.
How do we demonstrate our values?
Buddies and volunteers are role models. They lead by example, inspiring others to get involved. They demonstrate positive behaviour that helps create a welcoming environment - all with the aim of tackling social isolation.
A copy of our culture has been added to our website.
Lights, camera, action
One week on from Sydney’s Mardi Gras and we’re still buzzing!
We continue to work our way through reels and reels of footage, but in the meantime we can reveal more snaps and clips - including the planned piece that SBS had intended to run, but due to time constraints on the night, were unable to do so (below).
We’ll post more pictures and videos throughout the week, but for now - to see everything we have so far - click here.
Art with a view
Last Friday (12/3) we undertook the second of our March social events - MCA Late @ the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Attendees took in paintings, sculptures and installations - all topped off with a bite to eat overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
It was great to catch up with so many buddies - thanks to everyone who joined us. To see more photos from Friday’s gathering at the MCA, click here.
One down, two to go
On the subject of our March outings, we’ve four tickets left for next Saturday’s brunch event in Watsons Bay, and there is one spot available for the gathering taking place a week later in Alexandria.
If you’d like to join us at either, load up the links below:
- Saturday 20/3: Gig Buddies Sydney brunch in the park @ Robertson Park, Watsons Bay: 11am - 1pm
- Saturday 27/3: Gig Buddies Sydney brunch in the park @ Sydney Park, Alexandria: 11am - 1pm
The gigs listed above are limited to 25 people per event. All are free to attend and, in the interest of fairness and to ensure we connect with as many of you as possible, we ask that buddies attend one event only.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our March events, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on 0422 061 990.
Act up for the camera
For this week’s online offering we invite buddies to join us for a round of charades.
Drama and acting skills at the ready, we’re guessing words against the clock.
To join us on Thursday, click on the link listed below.
Thursday 18/3
- 4pm: Gig Buddies Sydney charades
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, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on either 0422 061 990 or 0412 145 819.
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.
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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.
