For the final time in 2025 we’re handing over the newsletter to one of our wonderful volunteers. For November’s volunteer vault entry we hear from Christine (below, right), who tells us more about her pairing with Stavros (below, left). - How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies? Eight years. - Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role? No, I used to volunteer in my younger years with St Vinnies. - Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies? I saw the 7.30 Report bac

The Gig Buddies team did an incredible job matching us. We’ve become so close that we now think of each other more like best friends, maybe even sisters.

I’ve done a couple of more short-term volunteering roles in the past. However, volunteering with Gig Buddies has definitely been the most rewarding role!

Tim and I have met lots of great friends through the program, and it's wonderful community to be a part of.

It’s been a hoot, I can't recall any bad experiences we have had together (and I hope Aaron thinks the same.…) I’ve learnt so much from Aaron and others in the organisation. I now have a better understanding of neurodivergence and its ongoing evolution and understanding in society, and how I can contribute to sharing positive narratives and destigmatising things I hear or see in my life.

I really believe in the amazing work that Gig Buddies does as an organisation and it feels like a very easy, fun and impactful way to make a contribution to someone’s life (and to mine!)

I just love what Gig Buddies represents, breaking down barriers for those who are not always included. 

If you have some spare time, why not give back?

I don't really see myself as Rod's "gig buddy" anymore - he is one of my good friends now and we both enjoy hanging out together. 

The Gig Buddies team are awesome - it's been nothing short of amazing

They are all highlights really! Every gig, event and place we have gone to is different! I’ve gone to places I didn’t even know existed and

We've definitely seen some great bands and performances over the years... from cover bands like Queen, to comedy shows, to themed nights...

Lauren also makes me a better person, which I am so grateful for. She's also such an inspiration with everything she does in her life.

John and I are great mates and we have met some awesome people and made friends with heaps of other volunteers and participants alike.

If you’re looking for volunteering work that doesn’t feel like volunteering work, then sign up! It really is, as I said, fun and rewarding.

It’s hard to keep this one short, but it’s been an absolute joy. Kade is just a legend, he loves a laugh, he’s up for anything...

It is not a chore, we actually like hanging out together. You can make such a difference to someone's life as well as yours.

Being able to have a positive impact on someone's life - is there anything better? ... you literally just get to have fun with a friend.

... but it’s great also being able to just get to a music gig together, or just chill out and play xBox or watch movies.

We tend to get quite competitive when it comes to air hockey, shooting games and virtual reality experiences...

This has been a life changing experience that I will treasure forever...

Hand on heart it's been amazing. From meeting my buddy Harry who is an absolute legend...

We have become good friends over the last two years. We also learn from each other.

Will and I have attended a wide range of events; including musicals, heavy metal concerts, indie bands, dance DJs, comedy nights...

We always do things I really want to do but never make time for by myself, such as events, nights out and even getting piercings!

And watching your buddy enjoy something, makes it very meaningful and worthwhile – there are just so many benefits...

Honestly, I forget that Gig Buddies is a volunteering role. Lachy and I are great friends who enjoy each other’s company and doing fun t....

Nothing compares, however, to the heavy metal concerts we've been to. Stavros is a metalhead! He introduced me to local bands...

We go to sports games and comedy shows, which is always fun. It’s a really nice way to volunteer…

It's a great organisation with a great community. The connections you build will easily last a life time.

The Gig Buddies community is extremely warm and welcoming, and it has been a pleasure to volunteer with them over the past three years.