Gig Buddies Sydney and Central Coast stand in unison with the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day - #EmbraceEquity.
Taken from the IWD website, we can all truly embrace equity, for equity means creating an inclusive world.
“When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion.
We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all.
Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there.
Through the process of equity, we can reach equality.”
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
From our point of view, we want to say thank you to the countless number of women who have not only contributed their time to Gig Buddies, but have made a lasting impact on improving social inclusion for people with disabilities.
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
March outings
Limited places are still available for a number of our March gatherings.
Between now and the end of March we offer a movie premiere, live music, tram rides, karaoke and the outdoor cinema.
To find out more about our plans for March (and to book your place), load up the links below:
Movies under the stars
One late addition to our March socials is our planned trip to the outdoor cinema at North Sydney Oval.
Come join us on Friday 17/3 as we settle in for Avatar: The Way of Water.
To sign up (and to find out more information), load up the link below:
And if you have any questions about 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.
Bursting with Pride
On the subject of our socials, we - alongside a reported 50,000 others, were truly honoured to participate in yesterday’s Pride march for WorldPride 2023.
It was a privilege to have buddies represent both Sydney and the Central Coast projects - thank you to everyone who marched with us.
Yesterday’s event closed out two weeks of epic celebrations that have taken place throughout Sydney. To see more photos from the march, click here.
Out and about
And hats off to those who joined us at Central Coast’s Copacabana Beach on Saturday.
It was a great way to spend the afternoon - we had glorious weather for our gathering.
Each and every week we invite buddies to connect with us for our weekly chat.
Our chats take place via Zoom. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
Gigging for one
We’re all for empowering buddies to expand social circles and attend events with others. It’s what we stand for!
However, there are times in life when either no one else is around, your friends may not be able to afford it, or you simply have no one in your social circle who shares a similar passion to you.
Attending a gig by yourself may not be for everyone on the face of it, but a large percentage of people do it. Indeed, a 2022 study showed ‘80 per cent of US music fans enjoy attending live shows alone.’
We recently sat down with buddy Tyler to talk about this very subject. He’s attended attended “three or four mainstream music festivals” by himself. While he’d rather go with someone, the alternative of missing out does not appeal: “If I could find the right person, I would like to go with them. It’s more fun with someone rather than by yourself.”
As we often tell people, a gig can be anything: bush walking, bike riding, attending art galleries or smashing it up in a mosh pit at a rock concert - the list is endless. We also preach about the importance of empowerment; attending an event by yourself is a great example of this.
We fully appreciate this isn’t for everyone, however. As Tyler added: “Going to gigs can be overwhelming. It takes courage and confidence to go by yourself.”
If you’re reading this article and can resonate with Tyler’s words, why not join us at Gig Buddies? We’re looking for new buddies and volunteers, both in Sydney and on the Central Coast.
To find out more about how you can attend events and gigs with someone who has the same passion as you, load up the links above.
One up
Talking about pairings, it’s great to introduce our latest match.
Welcome to the team, Manu and Andrew (above, L - R) - it’s great to have you on board.
“Elise and I are going to have an absolute blast”
Each and every month we bring you updates from members of our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
Today we hear from Joni, who talks about Ed Sheeran, work experience and the movies.
“Wow Wow Wow!!!! February has been such a great month for me filled with many fun memories.
On Tuesday the 21st of February I attended the AFTRS 50th Birthday morning tea celebrations. I attended this as I’m an ambassador for Bus Stop Films and so I went to represent them. This was such a great event where I was able to catch up with my friends and meet and talk to new people.
On this same day my boyfriend and I had our belated Valentine’s Day celebrations and went and saw Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. This film was amazing, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I recommend the movie to those of you who haven’t seen it.
On Wednesday the 22nd of February I did work experience at my grandma’s preschool. My work experience was for 4 hours, and I got to meet all the staff and talk to them and observe what a day in the preschool looks like and the work involved. I had a lot of fun getting to know some of the children, interacting and playing with them and having the opportunity to read a book to them on numbers as they’re learning how to count numbers now. I had an absolute blast and am very much looking forward to going back to do some more work experience.
On Saturday the 25th of February I went to the Ed Sheeran concert at Accor Stadium with my friends Nathan, Natalie, Emma and Rhiannon and their mum Frances. Ed was phenomenal and had such a great energy whilst performing. He performed many of my favourite songs such as Lego House, Overpass Graffiti, Thinking Out Loud, Perfect, Sing, Galway Girl and many many more. This was my second time seeing Ed, I hope to have the chance to see him a third time and if I do my boyfriend and I have said that we’ll go and see him together.
I’m super-duper excited because in less than two weeks my gig buddy Elise and I are going to see Florence + The Machine perform at Qudos Bank Arena. I’m a big fan of hers and have always wanted to see her live. I know that Elise and I are going to have an absolute blast and it will be a night that we’ll never forget.”
- Joni, Soul Fly Buddies
Welcome Yasmin
And on the subject of Soul Fly Buddies, we’re delighted to welcome our newest addition.
In line with establishing our Western Sydney hub, we were specifically after representation from the area. Step forward Yasmin (below), our user-led team’s eighth member.
Upon joining existing members Stavros, Lachy, Jack, Alex, Nalyn, Joni, Karen and Audrey, Yasmin had this to say:
A little bit about me: I'm a 35-year-old woman who lives in Western Sydney, I'm visually impaired, as well as hearing impaired (hearing aid in right ear, and cochlear implant in left ear). I like to meet new people in the community, as well as going out with Gig Buddies.
Why I joined Soul Fly Buddies: I joined Soul Fly Buddies because it's a new experience for me, and I like to meet new people in the community.
Best gig or event I’ve ever been to: That's a tough one, I've been to many gigs, and events with Gig Buddies in the past, but my favourite one is the Gig Buddies 4th birthday party at the Soda Factory, as it was very enjoyable, I met lots of people there, and it had awesome music.
We look forward to sharing more from Yasmin and Soul Fly Buddies.
Human Kind 2023
And finally, the team from AIME & Human Kind 2023 have been in touch.
Generously, they’re offering buddies free VIKP (very important kind person) tickets to this year’s festival!
Taking place between 16 - 18 March at Luna Park, this is your opportunity to experience an amazingly eclectic, star-studded line up of talent. Comedy, music, art installations, keynote addresses, interactive workshops - there’s plenty going on!
For more information about Human Kind 2023, click here.
And if you would like to attend this year’s festival, get in touch: send an email to info@gigbuddiessydney.org. You must include the name of the attendees and best contact email address for each.
Please note, you have to be quick! The offer of free entry ends at 1pm this Wednesday (9/3).
Should you have any questions, get in touch via the email address listed above.
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec, Chelsea and Aylin
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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