Volunteer Vault #21

For this volunteer vault 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?