2018….. the year that was

As 2018 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the progress we made during the past year.

While we’re all about pairing up buddies, we’re also about increasing social circles and enabling participants the opportunity to partake in their passions. We inform everyone who signs up that they’re part of the Gig Buddies Sydney community and, as such, they’re welcome to attend our social events.

On that note, in 2018 we had 452 buddies attend the 18 social events we organised. In line with our partnership with NRL side Cronulla Sharks, 167 buddies attended six Sharks’ matches and an open training session. And away from the footy, 285 of you joined us at the following: Sydney Festival, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Comedy Festival, Christmas in July, Marrickville Festival, Modus Operandi, The Soda Factory, and Newtown’s Leadbelly for our third birthday.

It was also an eventful year for our user-led team, Soul Fly Band. Back in July Audrey spoke on behalf of the group, crossing the Tasman to present at this year’s ASID (Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability) Conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Speaking in line with the conference theme, ‘Responding to the call: building partnerships that enrich lives’, Audrey informed those in attendance about Gig Buddies Sydney, along with sharing stories about her personal experiences with the service - including trips to the theatre, karaoke and dinner outings with her buddy, Marissa.

Along with selecting appropriate social events for participants to attend, Soul Fly Band also continue to advocate on behalf of the organisation having met with both the NSW Police and a disability provider from Tasmania.

That’s it in terms of the blog for 2018, but we will be back on Monday 7th January - the same day Gig Buddies Sydney HQ reopens (we shut down this Friday, 21/12).

Season’s greetings

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our gig buddies a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for your ongoing support - we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2019.

Matthew Collins

Gig Buddies Sydney Community Engagement Coordinator

matt@assistcom.org

Would you like more information about Gig Buddies Sydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.

Fancy reveling 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.

Gig Buddies Sydney is an initiative of ACL Disability Services