"Your Year to Volunteer"
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Happy National Volunteer Week, one and all.
To mark the occasion we’ve reached out to a number of buddies, all of whom have taken the time to share 'one word' that sums up their volunteer. Press play on the image below to hear their answers.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jgKeg4WQa6MThe clip above honours the ongoing contributions of our amazing band of volunteers, and it’s our way of simply saying ‘thank you’ to those who give their time into making us what we are.
Currently, we have 169 volunteers across Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and the Central Coast doing just that - an incredible number!
To all our volunteers past and present, thank you for generously giving your time. Happy #NVW2026, one and all.
Thank you
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2026 is: "Your Year to Volunteer". It honours the contributions of volunteers while encouraging more people to make 2026 the year they get involved and create positive community change.
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!
For those who want to make “2026 the year they get involved”, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re eagerly looking for more adults who want to meet new people, expand their social circle and help tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
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?
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
New dates for the diary
Following last week’s newsletter, we’ve made one or four changes to our forthcoming social schedule.
Firstly, in just under two weeks time we’re meeting up in Erina on the Central Coast to check out the newly opened Timezone Arcade.
For more information about the gathering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
The delightful dozen
And looking ahead to the first month of winter, we’ve made a change to our guided tour of the Archibald Portrait Prize exhibition.
Now taking place on Saturday 20 June, we’re inviting all culture vultures to join us at the Art Gallery of NSW.
As for the rest of the month, tickets to our other socials are starting to shift. As a reminder, in June we’re meeting up in Woollahara, Petersham, Lidcombe, Brookvale, Eveleigh, Killara, North Sydney, Darlinghurst, Gosford, Penrith and Surry Hills for singing, bites to eat, rock climbing, live music, NRL, trivia, soccer, mini golf and an over 35s outing.
Click on the links below to join us:
See you on the Northern Beaches
And on the subject of changes, we’ve added two new July dates to our social schedule.
Firstly, on Sunday 12 July we invite you to join us in Newport for a Christmas in July Sunday roast
Then, on Saturday 25th we head to Kirribilli for lunch and a trip to the markets.
The two new events take us to 11 offerings for the month. In addition to our newly announced trips to the Northern Beaches, we’ll also be catching up with buddies in Pennant Hills, Coogee, Hawkesbury, Rhodes, Cronulla, Sydney CBD, Campbelltown, Guildford and Ourimbah.
To join us for pub trivia, comedy, Winterfest, movies, markets, walks, DigiPark, Mexican and arcades, dinners, and Christmas in July gatherings, load up the links below:
And if you have questions about any of our forthcoming events, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Drop the mic
As mentioned above, on Thursday 4 June we’re taking part in a Gig Buddies first: The Daydream Believers Inclusive Choir.
For those not in the know, the Daydream Believers Inclusive Choir brings people together through music in a joyful, welcoming space for everyone - regardless of ability.
With a live pianist, the choir explores everything from rock and roll and musicals to Disney and pop. It’s a place to sing, move, laugh, and connect while building confidence and friendships along the way - and no experience is required.
Buddies Tahli and Simon are both regulars and had the following to say:
“I have been a member since 2011 and I enjoy the Inclusive Choir as I can be myself.
Come along and check it out if you love singing and dancing. This is your one stop shop!” - Tahli
“The Choir is an inclusive place where you can go and sing your own songs or just watch.
I like singing my own songs because it lets me get my voice out.” - Simon
If you would like to join us in Woollahra, load up the link below:
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise? Our new and exclusive range of swag has landed!
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 Facebook Messenger.
Viva value
Our gigs aside, time is running out to take advantage of Carriageworks generous Vivid ticket deal.
As a reminder, they’ve flexed their generosity, offering buddies discounted tickets to SEVEN top shows taking place at the venue.
If you would like to be front and centre for live performances by Lil’ Kim, Ella Mai, Alison Wonderland presents: Wonderland Warehouse Project, The Black Angels, U>N>I>T>E>D, Skin On Skin presents: For Your Safe Keeping, or Porter Robinson (DJ set) & Golden Features (DJ set), keep reading.
Discounted entry? What a steal!
The team at Carriageworks are also offering buddies the chance to see the following four shows for cheap.
Dates: Wednesday 8 July - Saturday 11 July
Dates: Wednesday 15 July - Saturday 18 July
Dates: Wednesday 5 August - Saturday 8 August
Dates: Thursday 13 August - Saturday 15 August
How do I get tickets?
We want to take this moment to say "thank you" to the team at Carriageworks. Due to their ongoing support, we’re able to provide buddies with access to discounted tickets to a number of their top shows.
And we’re now calling on our community to take full advantage!
To snap up your cheap ticket and to find out more about each event, load up the following link.
Alternatively, you can get in touch via email and let us know the name of the event and the amount of tickets required. We can be reached via: info@gigbuddiessydney.org.
Ready to go
Say hello to our newly trained trio of volunteers.
We want to say thanks to Tess (top), Emily (left) and Hayden (right) for joining us on Zoom last week.
Who we are, what we do
This week you will find us at the Central Coast Volunteer Expo.
Taking place this Wednesday (20/5) at Erina Fair between 10am - 1:30pm, this is your chance to find out more about who we are and what we do - and to view our latest volunteering opportunities.
Entry is free. To find out more about the event, click here.
No room at the inn
And finally, ticket sales have ended - the shop to our 11th birthday is shut.
For those who bought tickets, you’ll receive an email prior to Thursday’s big party.
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor, party people.
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (0402 708 814)
Carol: CEO (02 9419 6951)
Chelsea: NDIS coordinator (0412 145 819)
Tony: Funding and sponsorship coordinator (02 9419 6951)
Bec: Project officer, Sydney (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121) Charlotte: Northern Beaches coordinator (0403 184 404)
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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