RUN the Gig bUddies project in your city (Gig Buddies in a Box)
Get a licence to run the project in your city
Help the project
Offer your Services,
Become a Corporate Sponsor
or
Donate to Gig Buddies
Gig Buddies in a Box
(Licence to run the project in your city)
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About Gig Buddies and Licensing
We’re keen to work with organisations who are going to be able to work with us to transform communities through their Gig Buddies project whilst upholding the core fundamentals of what makes Gig Buddies special to us.
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We're looking to work with organisations who:
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Work with people with learning disabilities in an inclusive way, enabling them to be fully involved in decisions about the project.
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Will be able to create a dedicated role for a project coordinator to oversee the project locally.
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Are open to taking an assets based approach to running the project/training, eg. utilising the particular skills of participants in training sessions.
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Are realistically going to be able to get their version of Gig Buddies off the ground within 9 months of expressing an interest (including securing funding)
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Are willing to support the wider work of Gig Buddies Sydney in its attempts to challenge and change institutionalised care systems, that don’t support people after 9pm at night. This may include committing to make changes within your own organisation if you are a support provider.
Self Eligibility Checklist
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1. PASSION
Are you passionate about inclusion and enabling people with learning disabilities to be full and active members of their community?
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2. COMMITMENT
Are you committed to ensuring your Gig Buddies project is as user-led as possible?
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3. SUPPORT & EXPERIENCE
Do you have the backing of your board/management, and experience of running a volunteer project?
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5. EXPERIMENTAL
Are you up for experimenting, trying things out and sharing your experiences?
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CALL US (02) 9419 6951
EMAIL US info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Help the Project
Gig Buddies Sydney is a not-for-profit (NFP) project that provides a service for adults with learning disability to access events, create community connections and develop friendships.
Your support can help the project to achieve these outcomes more effectively.
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Examples of services that may help support the project
- Venues - discounted/free tickets, food/drink discounts
- Bands/Musicians - discounted/free tickets, giveaways
- Video Production - pro bono promotional videos
- Sporting Associations/clubs - discounted/free tickets to matches
- Media - discounted/free advertising and/or promotion
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Promote Gig Buddies in your area
If you or your organisation have community connections in areas where the Gig Buddies project is currently active, you may be able to help by promoting the project to new participants and/or volunteers.
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Donate to Gig Buddies
The Gig Buddies project is a not-for-profit project and a registered charity in Australia. All donations go towards continuing the provision of the service and creating opportunities for adults with mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism to lead active and fulfilling lives.
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Become a Corporate Sponsor
Contact us to find out how your company can sponsor the project, and in return get fantastic publicity through our social networks.
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Links
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DONATE TO GIG BUDDIES SYDNEY PAGE
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OFFER YOUR SERVICES or BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR (Link to Feedback form)
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BECOME A GIG BUDDIES VOLUNTEER (accompany an adult with a learning disability to events)
or
CALL US (02) 9419 6951
EMAIL US info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Job Opportunities
Join the Gig Buddies Sydney team
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Inner West Gig Buddies coordinator (part time, 30.4 hours per fortnight)
Gig Buddies Sydney is an initiative of ACL Disability Services, a registered not for profit organisation committed to promoting the rights of people with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism to live the lifestyle of their choosing.
Going out to see bands or catching up with friends is part of everyday life for many people. However, if you have a learning disability you may need support to do this. We have found many people with learning disabilities are denied their right to lead full and active social lives.
People with learning disabilities should have the right to choose how they live their lives. We stand to tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism by pairing up participants (adults with disabilities) with volunteers - both of whom share mutual interest(s) and attend regularly events together.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Within the Inner West we have a high number of volunteers, the majority of which are unmatched. We’re looking for someone from the area to engage with the disability community, recruit buddies (adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism) and increase the number of pairings.
Working four days a fortnight (30.4 hour per fortnight) and on an initial six month contract (with potential to increase), the Inner West Gig Buddies coordinator will possess excellent knowledge of the local area.
The role provides plenty of variety. The Inner West Gig Buddies coordinator will be responsible for interviewing participants (adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism) and volunteers; assisting with any enquiries (NDIS, volunteer training, buddy and volunteer applications' etc); establishing and maintaining contacts with local disability providers, volunteer organisations and local councils; matching buddies together; attending initial gigs; supporting the team at Gig Buddies Sydney social events; promoting the project.
Full training, provided at the Gig Buddies Sydney head office (McMahons Point), will be provided.
Key responsibilities:
1. To recruit buddies (adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism) and increase the number of matches between a buddy (adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism) and volunteer.
2. To be the point of contact for buddies and volunteers residing within the Inner West, and to provide guidance on matters pertinent to the NDIS, buddy and volunteer applications’, Gig Buddies Sydney social events etc.
3. To increase awareness of the Gig Buddies Sydney project, and build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (including but not limited to: buddies and their support networks; volunteers; disability providers; volunteer organisations; local venues/hotels; local council).
4. To liaise with ACL Disability Services and Gig Buddies Sydney staff members, and to keep records of volunteers and buddies applications’.
5. When required, co-facilitating Gig Buddies Sydney volunteer training sessions and pairing meetings between participants and buddies.
6. Promoting the project to the wider community through a variety of different channels: networking events, social media, printed press, Gig Buddies Sydney social events.
7. Communicating effectively with a range of different stakeholders: NDIS advisors and LACs (Local Area Coordinators); participants and their respective family members, guardians or support workers; engaging with volunteers, donors, politicians, the media, community representatives, disability advocates etc.
8. Organising events such as pairing meetings, volunteer interviews, buddy interviews, NDIS meetings etc.
9. Supporting adults with learning disabilities to access the Gig Buddies project.
10. Undertaking any other tasks or duties that are in keeping with the project’s overall objectives.
About you:
We’re looking for someone who is flexible (days and hours can be worked to your schedule). You’ll be self directed, a confident communicator and will possess sound knowledge of the Inner West (venues/hotels, disability providers, volunteer organisations, local councils etc).
Previous experience in engaging with people with disabilities is desirable but not essential.
We are a not for profit organisation that is expanding rapidly and we’re looking for someone who is hands on, a team player, not afraid to make suggestions and who is passionate about inclusion and empowering adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
You will know your way around Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and - just as importantly - bring a sense of fun to the team.
To apply for the role submit your CV and cover letter to: info@gigbuddiessydney.org using the subject ‘Inner West Gig Buddies coordinator’.
Should you have any questions about the role, please call (02) 9419 6951 and ask for Carol, Gig Buddies Sydney CEO.
Applications open Monday 6 January, closing at 10pm Monday 20 January