To mark the final Monday of the month, we’re opening up our vault and sharing the thoughts of one of our volunteers.
Today we hear from Grant (below left), who tells us more about his match with Barrie (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Barrie and I were first paired on a hot and sunny day in January 2021. Little did we know, of course, that Covid lockdowns would hit only several months later… but we were fortunate enough to get a couple of trips to the pub in before that.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
I’m a lawyer by trade – and not a young one at that (!) – and have enjoyed providing all sorts of pro bono legal advice over the years. That has included ArtsLaw, an organisation providing (among other things) legal advice to all kinds of artists and creators, as well as the Homeless Legal Clinic in Adelaide.
But my first non-legal volunteering role is Gig Buddies, and I have no regrets. It’s great to do volunteering work that doesn’t involve sitting behind a desk.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I have always wanted to help an organisation who worked with adults with learning disabilities; I’ve always thought it was an area of our community that needs far more help than it gets. I jumped online to see what opportunities there might be and found Gig Buddies and was instantly drawn to its ethos.
It’s such a great initiative!
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
Incredibly rewarding, incredibly fun.
My excellent buddy, Barrie, and I spend many of our catch-ups having a great chat over a good pub lunch. We also go to as many of the events as we can; Gig Buddies knows how to put on a good show!
They put on a great mix of events at lots of different venues. Barrie and I have really enjoyed, especially, getting to know a few regulars at the different lunch events.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
As well as the events and getting to know the Gig Buddies’ community, perhaps the highlight is getting to know Barrie himself – he’s not just an assigned ‘buddy’, he’s a true mate. And this isn’t some one-way street; Barrie checks on me when he’s worried about how I’m going, whether because I’ve been sick or otherwise.
This is just another rewarding part of the experience.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
If you’re looking for volunteering work that doesn’t feel like volunteering work, then sign up! It really is, as I said, fun and rewarding. You’ll expand your social network, and help to expand the social networks of other really decent people of all ages and all backgrounds.
"he’s not just an assigned ‘buddy’, he’s a true mate"
Thank you, Grant, for taking the time to share your words.
Both he and Barrie are a perfect example of what Gig Buddies is all about, emphasising that both the volunteer and buddy benefit in equal measure.
"Gig Buddies knows how to put on a good show!"
We’re always looking for more people like Grant.
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.
"If you’re looking for volunteering work that doesn’t feel like volunteering work, then sign up!"
And if you’re after some inspiration, check out more testimonies from our wonderful band of volunteers by clicking here.
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
Going, going, (almost) gone!
Ticket sales to our 9th birthday end at midday tomorrow (Tuesday 30/4).
This is your last chance to join us at North Sydney’s Greenwood Hotel for our birthday gathering.
As a reminder, this Thursday (2/5), we’re taking over the venue’s Chapel Bar - partying to the sounds of Sydney DJ, Thomas Knight. Expect plenty of top 40, 90s and 00s numbers throughout.
On the night Gig Buddies’ merchandise will be up for grabs. We’ll also be giving away three lucky door prizes, and we’re offering attendees the chance to win a free DOUBLE PASS to our Christmas party.
Tickets to our 9th birthday cost $40 and they’re selling fast! Whether you’re based in Sydney or on the Central Coast, we invite you to dust off those dancing shoes and party with us.
For more information about our birthday - including a full list of what food will be served up - load up the ticket link below.
Sales end midday, Tuesday 30 April. That’s tomorrow!
To join us for our 9th, click here.
Foodies unite
And later in the month of May we’ll be connecting with buddies in Gregory Hills and Long Jetty.
Firstly, we’re heading west for burgers, shakes and street art (18/5). Later in the month, you’ll catch us on the Central Coast for a night of Aussie pub grub (29/5).
To join us for either, jump on the links below:
Extra, extra! Read all about it
News just in: we’ve got an additional June event to share with you.
We’ll be connecting with our southern-based buddies in Kogarah on Wednesday 19 June for an evening of Chinese cuisine.
Continue reading if you would like join us…….
Out and about
Our newly announced catch up in Kogarah takes us to a total of EIGHT social offerings for the month of June.
Lunch and dinner catch ups, whale watching, musical bingo and Supanova: we’ve plenty on offer.
To join us in Palm Beach, Chester Hill, Concord, Ingleburn, Kogarah, Terrigal, Homebush or Bondi, jump on the links below:
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.
Time’s ticking….
Time is running out to take advantage of our Vivid Live ticket offer.
As a reminder, Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House is set to take over the city once again - and we’re delighted to offer Gig Buddies’ participants discounted tickets to a number of top events.
This May you’ll find us at the Sydney Opera House for the following:
Tia Gostelow
Venue: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Friday 24 May, 7:00pm
Information: A shapeshifting singer-songwriter with a knack for folk, pop and synth grooves alike, rising Queensland star Tia Gostelow is among Australia’s hottest young musical talents. This is her Vivid LIVE debut.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
dstreet Studio Party (18+)
Venue: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Saturday 25 May, 9:00pm
Information: Lighting up the Sydney Opera House Studio with guest DJs Mad Miran, Piezo, Kate Miller and Emelyne, Sydney underground dance music collective dstreet. make their Vivid LIVE debut.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
Air play Moon Safari
Venue: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Sunday 26 May, 4:00pm
Information: Marking their era-defining debut album Moon Safari, French pop duo Air return to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall to play the classic album for the first time live in its entirety.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
Astral People present Spice Trail: Sid Sriram, Priya Ragu, Raf-Saperra & more
Venue: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Tuesday 28 May, 7:00pm
Information: A celebration of the South Asian diaspora as South Indian Carnatic, playback superstar Sid Sriram, Tamil R&B soulstress Priya Ragu and bhangra beat kahuna Raf-Saperra headline an unmissable party from cutting-edge Australian tastemakers Astral People.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
Thelma Plum
Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Wednesday 29 May, 8:00pm
Information: Fresh off a Hottest 100 smash with “We Don’t Talk About It”, award-winning, multi-platinum-selling indigenous star Thelma Plum returns for her first Vivid LIVE show – and solo headline debut – since performing with Paul Kelly.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
BARKAA
Venue: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Date/Time: Friday 31 May, 7:30pm
Information: One of Australia’s most thrilling live performers, Malyangapa and Barkindji musician and hip-hop queen BARKAA returns to the Sydney Opera House with her solo debut at Vivid LIVE.
For more information about the event, click here.
Tickets: Gig Buddies’ participants can purchase tickets for $20 each (plus $8.50 booking fee per transaction).
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are flying out the door! We encourage buddies to get in touch before they miss out.
To take advantage of the discounted prices, email the team with the name of the event you’d like to attend along with the number of tickets required. We can be reached at: info@gigbuddiessydney.org.
Once we receive your email, we’ll then forward a unique ticket link.
Please note, the reduced rate only applies for Gig Buddies’ participants. Whether you’re based in Sydney or on the Central Coast, all fully signed up buddies and volunteers are welcome to purchase discounted tickets.
If your buddy is unavailable but you’d like to attend any of the six events, you’re more than welcome to purchase extra ticket(s) for friends, family members or support worker(s).
Once again, we are indebted to the generosity of Vivid Sydney organisers and the Sydney Opera House. Thank you for your ongoing support and for providing participants with the opportunity to sample some of the best live music at this year’s event.
Two up
We’ve news of two new pairs to share.
It’s great to introduce Dean and Tim (above left, L - R) and Nicholas and Georgie (above right, L - R). We look forward to hearing more about their forthcoming adventures.
Saturday social
And lastly, it was lovely to catch up with so many of you on Saturday.
We headed to Clovelly Hotel, spending the early afternoon making our way through pub grub and drinks.
Thanks to everyone who came along. To see more snaps from the occasion, click here.
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)
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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