It’s time to reopen our volunteer vault.
To mark the final Monday of each month, we hand over our newsletter to one volunteer. Today, we hear from Leanne (below right) who tells us more about her matching with Vicky (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Five years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
No, it's not my first. When I began with Gig Buddies, I'd already been volunteering with the Red Cross. It was an arrangement where I would visit with a lady in a local nursing home every fortnight and spend time. I enjoyed it very much.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
Initially, it was a desire to give back to society and do my bit to contribute. And since I love live music, I felt it was a good fit for me. Now it's just a part of my life and I couldn't imagine it any other way.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
Excellent! The Gig Buddies’ team are all really personable and approachable. The way things are run is very impressive, with so many group events and outings, bringing people together.
Personally, from the induction session and the initial intro to Vicky, and then continued engagement, it's all been fantastic.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Vicky and I have had so many fun nights out, it's hard to pick!
We've definitely seen some great bands and performances over the years... from cover bands like Queen, to comedy shows, to themed nights like '80s retro! We both love to have a dance, and also get a bit of a kick out of dressing in theme, if it fits the event.
Recently we saw a band made up of previous members of Mental As Anything, and they were awesome!
During Covid times, it was pretty tough (as it was for everyone). Vicky and I stayed in touch via phone, and by attending the online events hosted by Gig Buddies. When restrictions began to ease, live music wasn't yet an option, so we found some other things to get up to, like shopping sprees (retail therapy) and lunches. We had a day outing to the city and went to the Aquarium then lunch, which was really great.
Earlier this year we won the Gig Buddies photo competition, which was pretty cool! We've decided to put the prize towards a stageplay at the Opera House, so we're going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's show 'Sunset Boulevard', starring Sarah Brightman. We're both really excited for this fun event!
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
DO IT!! It's such a rewarding experience!
I've really enjoyed meeting a broad range of people, who I ordinarily might not have had the opportunity to interact with. It's definitely helped to broaden my horizons and also make me a better person. And best of all, I've gained a friend!
"It's such a rewarding experience!"
We want to say thank you to Leanne for taking the time to share her story.
Both her and Vicky have achieved plenty within their five years together. They’re a perfect example of who we are and what we do!
And we’re always on the lookout for more people like Leanne. 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
The September switcheroo
We have a total of 18 face-to-face socials lined up between now and the end of September.
In September Gig Buddies’ staff will be taking to the road and connecting with buddies in the CBD, Coogee, Rhodes, Campbelltown, Cronulla, Avalon Beach, Gosford and Kellyville Ridge.
Our ‘September switcheroo’, where the majority of our gatherings will be hosted by a different Gig Buddies’ hub coordinator, include outings to The Archibald exhibition, a fish and chips catch up, lunch offerings and lots of live music.
To join sign up (and to find out which Gig Buddies’ staff member is hosting), load up the links below.
Roll up, roll up
And this week we kick off our August shindigs. We’ll be saying goodbye to winter by connecting with buddies in Mortdale, Roseville, Erina, North Sydney, Five Dock, Penrith, Auburn and Manly.
To join us for either dinner outings, movie catch ups, an over 40s gathering or our three festivals, jump on the links below:
Please note, our Sunday roast catch up in Paddington and axe throwing in Marrickville have both sold out.
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.
July done right
We rounded off the month of July by connecting with buddies in Emu Plains last Friday.
Over the past 29 days we also caught up with buddies in Parramatta, Gladesville, Miranda, Gosford, the CBD and Surry Hills.
Thank you to everyone for joining us for food outings, live music, movies, seasonal celebrations, NRL and karaoke.
To see more snaps from our July outings, click here.
Each and every month we invite buddies to connect with us for our online chats.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Five up
We’ve had a bumper week on the pairing front.
It’s great to welcome FIVE new matches: Kris and Alex (left, L - R), Noah and Charlotte (top centre, L - R), Nathan and Ben (top right, L - R), Chris and Alex (bottom centre, L - R) and Chris and Josh (bottom right, L - R).
It’s wonderful to have you all on board.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise?
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 text Facebook Messenger.
Join the team
And lastly, our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies, are on the lookout for THREE new members.
For those not in the know, Soul Fly Buddies, formerly known as Soul Fly Band, is the project’s advisory group. Made up of participants from Sydney and the Central Coast, they meet monthly, advising and overseeing the ongoing work of Gig Buddies.
In line with our desire to ensure a fair representation from the areas we cover, we’re looking for the following:
1x member from the Western Sydney area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Blacktown, Parramatta, Fairfield, Cumberland, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Castle Hill (and the Hills Shire area).
1x member from the Southern Sydney area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Sutherland Shire, St George, Georges River, Liverpool or Bayside.
1x member from the Northern Beaches area. This means buddies based in any of the following council areas can apply: Northern Beaches Council.
For those of you wanting to know more about Soul Fly Buddies, check out this brief video containing past and present members.
And if you want to know why you should join our current members (Stavros, Lachy, Jack, Alex, Nalyn, Bevan, Karen and Audrey) for our monthly meetups, the following video may provide you with some answers.
Our user led-team have been around since 2016. They meet on the last Friday of each month for around 1 hour, usually via Zoom. They have an in-person meeting twice a year.
If you would like to join the Soul Fly Buddies, register your interest by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like more information, feel free to get in touch. We can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiesydney.org or text: 0412 145 819.
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: Sydney coordinator (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121)
Sandon: Southern Sydney coordinator (0478 043 996)
Gemma: Northern Beaches coordinator (0466 793 100)
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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