It’s the final Monday of the month, meaning we’re reopening our vault and handing over the newsletter to one of our volunteers.
For August we hear from Fergus (below left), who tells us more about his adventures with Ben (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
I’ve been volunteering with Gig Buddies since April 2023 (wow, time flies!)
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
Apart from minor activities in the past, Gig Buddies is my first substantial volunteering gig.
It’s always been a goal of mine to get into some form of volunteering but after moving to Australia from Ireland in 2019, it got pushed back somewhat.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
Almost as if written in the stars, my housemate mentioned she was interested in volunteering with Gig Buddies around the time my interest in volunteering began to reemerge.
We had a quick chat and the more she explained the premise behind Gig Buddies, the more I knew this was a gig I could really get into. As someone who had some social anxieties growing up, I understood how difficult it can be getting out there and feeling comfortable enough in social situations to really enjoy them.
Sydney is a big vibrant town with lots on to explore, but it is also super busy and sometimes this can be difficult to navigate. Having someone who you know and can relax with can really take the pressure off.
Having come out of my shell and enjoying all that this town has to offer in the previous years, I wanted to help and guide others in doing the same.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
So far it's been amazing! My buddy Ben and I, we are two peas in a pod! We are close mates now and meet up regularly for a catch up over a few pints of Guinness and a comedy show.
Meeting up with Ben regularly, talking cars and music in the city and beyond are highlights of my week. We also have a close-knit group with other Gig Buddies’ groups and I really have met some good mates for life (y’all know who you are!)
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
They are all highlights really! Every gig, event and place we have gone to is different! I’ve gone to places I didn’t even know existed and had some great evenings/night there with Ben.
We have gone to comedy gigs and open mics where the performers have been hilarious (and some not so hilarious!) Ben and I always try and get up front and centre to interact with the comedians. Ben gets some slagging for his red hair and me my Irish accent, but we can throw it back as well - which is always good for a free drink or two!
Ben and I also have a shared interest and knowledge of cars (especially old German cars which we geek out on). This was something that we immediately connected over and you would know the depth of this obsession if you seen our Instagram chat!
Ben works in a large dealership on the North Shore and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of cars (he’s got me out of a pickle or two when my friends’ cars have caused trouble). We can sit and talk old BMWs and Mercedes for hours on end. We may have some disagreements here and there over certain models but we do hold some shared views!
We have also become somewhat connoisseurs of Guinness in Sydney! We have had some tours of The Rocks and other hot spots scouting for the perfect pint and are keeping our ears to the ground for any new potential cosy pubs where we can grab a Guinness before a show (again, our Instagram chat would show our dedication!)
We keep an informal list of the good and the bad, but don’t want to upset any Sydney establishments by naming or shaming anyone in public!
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
My advice is quite simple: If you are reading this and are considering signing up, have the chat with the Gig Buddies’ team and get the ball rolling. Volunteering has been a highlight of my time in Australia to date, and I’m excited to continue with Gig Buddies for the foreseeable.
The inductions and training are super easy, and the organisation of meet ups is seamless. Gig Buddies constantly organise events and keep us up to date as to cool events/shows/gigs on the horizon.
And let's not forget the parties Gig Buddies hold! I’ve been lucky to meet up with some of the other paired up buddies and any feedback I’ve gotten has been really positive.
"I really have met some good mates for life"
Thank you, Fergus, for taking the time to share your story.
In addition to catching up or heading to events, Gig Buddies is all about expanding social circles, enjoying experiences together and venturing to new places. Having landed in Sydney from Ireland, Fergus is a great example of the mutual benefits that are on offer.
And we’re always on the lookout for more people like Fergus. 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
Out and about in October
Tickets to our October outings are flying out the door!
As revealed last week, we’re hosting our first ever ‘under 30s gathering’, a Gig Buddies road trip, a Halloween silent disco, pottery, a trip to Taronga Zoo, putt putt, bites to eat, and trivia.
We’ll be connecting with buddies in Terrigal, Narellan, Kogarah, Dee Why, Bondi, the CBD, Mosman and Milperra as we offer the following:
The month of October delivers a number of unique socials: our visit to 'live on the lawn' country music festival in Narellan will mark our first ever road trip. We’re encouraging buddies from far and wide to join us!
Additionally, our inaugural under 30s gathering kicks off with a bowling catch up in the city. We’re also heading east to take part in some pottery, followed by a trip west for putt putt, and we’ll be stopping by Taronga Zoo for the first time. And - based on popular demand - we’ll be marking Halloween with a silent disco.
We’ve two dinner and trivia nights locked in, taking place in Terrigal and Dee Why. And we’ll also be catching up with buddies in Kogarah for an evening of Mexican cuisine.
To find out more about our October outings (and to sign up), jump on the links above.
The September switcheroo
And as for 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, 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.
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.
Christmas is calling
And on the subject of our socials, we’re encouraging our community to save the date and block out the evening of Thursday 21 November.
More details on our Christmas catch up will be announced in due course.
The month that was….
During the weekend we rounded off our August outings, connecting with buddies in Penrith and Auburn.
These two catch ups were in addition to other gatherings we facilitated during the month. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Paddington, Mortdale, Roseville, Marrickville, Erina, North Sydney and Five Dock (unfortunately, Sunday’s planned social in Brookvale was cancelled).
To see more photos from our dinners outings, movie catch ups, axe throwing, our over 40s gathering and the three festivals we attended, click here.
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.
Two up
It’s great to welcome two new matches.
Say hello to Gemma and Julia (left, L - R) and Tom and Liam (right, L - R). We look forward to hearing more about their forthcoming catch ups.
Ready to go
We’ve also prepped three new volunteers.
Thank you to Matthew (left), David (right) and Heather (not pictured) for joining us online for training. We look forward to announcing a trio of new matches soon.
Mister, mister
In anticipation of father’s day (this Sunday, 1/9), we’re reaching out to our community in search of more male volunteers.
Across Sydney and the Central Coast we’re calling on brothers, dads, uncles, nephews, sons and granddads who have a zest for life and would be keen on helping us tackle social isolation for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
Specifically, we’re currently after the following volunteers:
Male, 30 - 45 years old, based within the Ryde area. Interests include: hard rock and metal, being outdoors and active, movies, computer games, board games, animals, musicals, tennis and dancing
Male, 35 - 55 years old, based within the Eastern suburbs. Interests include: history, trivia and random facts. Coffee, live music, museums, comedy, board games and NRL (specifically the Bunnies)
Male or female, 35 - 55 years old, based within the Inner West. Interests include: trains, bowling, boats, ten pin bowling, going out to eat, swimming, board games, card games, AFL (the Swans)
Male or female, 45 - 65 years old, based within the Eastern suburbs. Interests include: going to the movies, going for walks, appreciates cars, live music, boats, animals, meeting for coffee, catching up for lunch or dinner
Male or female, 50 - 60 years old, based around the Kingcumber area (Central Coast). Interests include: live and local music; going to local theatres and RSLs (Avoca, Laycock, Wyong, Everglades, Hardy Bay etc). Someone who also likes going to the cinema or catching up for dinner
What about others?
To all the sisters, mums, aunties, nieces, daughters and grandmothers out there who would also like to get involved, we’d love to have you on board too.
To sign up as a Gig Buddies’ volunteer, click here if you reside in Sydney or its western suburbs, and load up this link if you’re based on the Central Coast.
"I’m so glad that we met"
Each and every month we bring you the latest from those who make up our user-led team, Soul Fly Buddies.
For the month of August we hear from Stavros (below left), who tells us more about his new buddy and some of their outings.
“I would like to tell you about my wonderful experience with my gig buddy, Christine (below left). The first time we started hanging was when I invited her to metal meet up at the Belvedere Hotel Kent Street in the city, organised by my best mate Dave Belfour and she came with her gig buddy at the time.
On the same day we all went to Cavalera Conspiracy with Carben Black at the Metro Theatre. This was in 2019. It was a great gig with lots of great songs, like Orgasmatron and Beneath The Remains.
We then saw each other at a few Gig Buddies' socials and we also went to Cattle Decapitation at the Metro Theatre. We also went to Obituary at the Manning Bar.
Recently I saw Kings of Thrash at the CrowBar, Leichhardt with Livewire. I have seen them before at the CrowBar, as well with Christine. She is a great friend, I’m so glad that we met and we have lots of fun times to come.”
- Stavros
Out of office
And lastly, there will be no newsletter for the next fortnight.
We’ll be back with the latest Gig Buddies news on Monday 16 September.
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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