Audrey, Fraser, Myra, Jack, Stavros and Lachie
Soul Fly Band....
Who are we?... We are an advisory group of participants set up to oversee and advise the Gig Buddies Sydney project. We catch up monthly and help shape Gig Buddies Sydney going forward.
Gig Buddies Sydney prides itself on being a truly user led organisation. If you think we can make Gig Buddies better... we want to hear from you.
Monthly Meetings
We meet once a month for 2 hours to talk about the Gig Buddies project.
Click below for notes from these meetings.
Audrey, Fraser, Myra, Jack, Stavros and Lachie (and Bec, Chelsea and Matthew from Gig Buddies)
Get to know us...
Audrey
A little bit about me: I study film making with Bus Stop Films and advocate for people with learning disabilities. I’m also an ambassador for Don’t DisMyAbility.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: It gives me the opportunity to represent others with a learning disability and it’s important to show inclusion by having a say.
Best event I’ve ever been to: I love going out with my buddy. We went to the Soda Factory for our Christmas party.
Lachie
A little bit about me: I love sci-fi, music, reading and dogs.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: To help Gig buddies Sydney keep moving forward
The best event I’ve been to: Hair the musical.
Stavros
A little bit about me: I like going to to listening to lots of heavy metal, with my buddy Jess. I go to a regular Metal Group, with my friend Lindsay. I work in customer service in the city doing administration.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: To make the program better and more accessible for people with a disability. To help people feel less lonely and depression by finding a gig buddy to go to gigs with.
Best event I’ve ever been to: Iron Maiden, in Homebush, with Jess (my Gig Buddy). I also went to Jess’ wedding because we have a really good friendship.
Jack
A little bit about me: I have Cerebral Palsy in the right side of my body, I’m a swimmer and I love going to the movies, to the point where it is almost an obsession for me
Favourite Music: Rock, Electronica, Pop, Film Soundtracks.
Favourite Artist: Eagles, Billy Joel, John Farnham, CHVRCHES, Jon Stevens, Cold Chisel, James Reyne James Newton Howard, Bruce Springsteen.
First Live Event: John Farnham in Canberra.
Best Live Event: Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden.
Fraser
A little bit about me: I love cooking, basketball, photography, going to the beach and watching sport.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: To advocate for and enhance the social lives of people with autism and learning disabilities.
Best event I’ve ever been to: The NRL 2019 Grand Final. The Roosters won back to back premierships that night!
Joni
A little about me: My name is Joni. I’m a passionate film maker and ambassador. I love to sing, play the ukulele, cook and I also enjoy going to concerts, musicals, travelling and spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: I joined as I love organising and planning events. I love working in a team where everyone has a voice and can speak their ideas and aren’t judged. I’m also wanting to take this opportunity to give people with disabilities the chance to do things that they’ve always dreamed of doing but haven’t had the chance to do them yet.
Best event I’ve ever been to: I would have to say the 2019 Halloween cruise. I don’t normally celebrate Halloween but when this event was advertised I thought ‘why not go, it sounds like a lot of fun and I’ll get to meet new people’. I enjoyed dressing up, dancing, having a drink and having a fun night out. One of my best friends Natalie also went which helped me feel comfortable as I was a bit nervous with it being my second Gig Buddies outing. I loved how everyone dressed up and were enjoying themselves. It was one of the best nights of my life and I’ll remember it forever.
Nalyn
A little bit about me: I enjoy netball and represented NSW in the Marie Little OAM Shield, Special Olympics, and I have also volunteered as a sports coach. During the week I work with young kids reading stories, singing/dancing and making craft. I also love my cats, cooking and hanging out with my friends.
Why I joined Soul Fly Band: I joined Soul Fly Band to help with new ideas and to be part of the team.
Best gig I’ve ever been to: The best event I’ve ever been to was the Silent Disco with my gig buddy.
Soul Fly Band Mission Statement:
"We meet new people, we get out more, but most importantly we have fun and become friends.
We are the Soul Fly Band. We help people with disabilities get out more and do different things.
We help shape the Gig Buddies Sydney project by coming together once a month."
mental health
Tips from the Soul Fly Band and service users about looking after your mental health and being happy.
"My Companion card"
Fraser from the Soul Fly Band explains the NSW Companion Card and how you can benefit from free tickets for your buddy or companion.
Join the Soul Fly Band
If you would like to work with the Soul Fly Band and help the Gig Buddies project, please click the button below to fill out an application form.