Mar 16, 20203 min read

Gig Buddies Sydney and Covid-19

Following updated advice from federal government, we have decided to temporarily cease organising all Gig Buddies Sydney social events, until further notice.

Over the weekend a number of high profile Australian events were cancelled, namely the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Grand Prix and Dark Mofo, while closer to home both the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Vivid Festival were called off.

The health and safety of Gig Buddies Sydney participants’, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance to us. We acknowledge that things are constantly changing and once authorities announce the situation is under control, we will commence organising our facilitated group social events.

In the meantime we have decided to postpone our forthcoming facilitated gigs at Manly Bowling Club and the Taco Tuesday event at Bondi Rumba.*

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch: we can be reached via email, info@gigbuddiessydney.org, on Facebook Messenger or you can call us at the office (02 9419 6951).

*Both events will take place later in the year. We will be in contact with those who have purchased tickets.

What about catching up with my buddy?

While meeting up with your buddy may be difficult, we have published a few tips on how you could continue to catch up.

- Shaking hands is out. Minimise physical contact.

- Avoid large public gatherings if they’re not essential.

- Older people and those with underlying health conditions should avoid catching up with their buddy.

- If you are feeling ill and/or display the symptoms of a cold, please stay at home.

- Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitiser. Good hand hygiene is vital in reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

As mentioned, the health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance to us. Please look out for each other.

The situation is regularly changing and we will update our guidance accordingly. If you’re unable to catch up with your buddy, drop him or her a text or give them a call. If buddies experience increased isolation, please let us know: we’re here to chat.

Well bowled, well rolled

Our response to coronavirus aside, it’s been a busy week at Gig Buddies Sydney HQ.

Firstly, we facilitated two social events last week - the delayed Waverley lawn bowls event on Thursday (12/3) and the Sydney FC vs. Perth Glory football match on Saturday (14/3).

The weather was thankfully kinder to us this week than last - thanks to everyone who joined us in the Eastern Suburbs for our first ever lawn bowls event.

Meanwhile, in Kogarah the rain and a 0-0 scoreline did not stop buddies having a good time on Saturday. Hats off to everyone who attended our first football social.

To see more photos from our lawn bowls and football events, click here.

All trained up….

To kick off the week, we held our latest volunteer training session on Monday (9/3).

Thanks to Isabella, Steph, Kieran, Jesse and Caitlin (above, L - R) for coming in. We’re looking forward to getting you matched up soon.

All the fun of the fair

One day later (Tuesday 10/3), Tony and Bec were on representing duties at the University of Sydney’s Volunteer Fair (below).

Here’s us saying hello to our newly signed up subscribers - all 62 of you! Welcome to our weekly newsletter - we hope you like what you see and that you consider submitting a volunteer application (click here to load up our online form).