We are delighted to share the news that weāll be marching at this yearās Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Taking place on Saturday 5 March at the world famous Sydney Cricket Ground, weāre calling on participants from the Sydney and Central Coast Gig Buddiesā projects to join us as we show support for the LGBTQI+ community and celebrate diversity.
We have 40 places available and weāre on the search for dancers, placard and banner holders, a photographer / videographer and - for those who canāt make it on night but would like to help out - prop designers and make-up artists.
To see a complete list of roles, and to find out how you can join us, click here.
Please note, in the interest of fairness, this year weāre requesting buddies submit an āexpressions of interestā. We want to ensure as many people as possible have the chance to sample the amazing experience that comes with marching in the Mardi Gras; depending on the level of demand, we may hold a ballot to determine who attends.
Furthermore, in order to join us at this year's Mardi Gras you are required to be a fully signed up user of the Gig Buddies program.
As per Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade policies, we need to inform event organisers of whoāll be marching with us by the beginning of February. Therefore, weāre asking people to register before Thursday 27 January.
For those not in the know, we made our Mardi Gras debut last year. In what can only be described as a ātruly remarkable experienceā, we canāt wait to do it once again in 2022. To see what happened in 2021, click here to check out our photo and video gallery.
If you have any questions about involvement with Sydney Mardi Gras or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on either 0422 061 990 or 0412 145 819.
Sign me up
As for the here and now, this forthcoming Sunday (23/1) Sydney Festival have generously provided us with free tickets to Yung Lung, taking place at Carriageworks.
Valued at $39 each, this is your chance to ādance to the infinite. Dance to forget. An apocalyptic rave on Mount Olympus, Yung Lung is a party prophecy for the end of days. Stand around a huge, hypercolour head, as dancers stomp wildly upon this god-like effigy where divinity meets the dance floor.ā
For more information about the event, load up the following link:
Yung Lung: Sunday 23 January, 7pm @ Bay 17 Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.
Please note, in order to be eligible for a free ticket(s) you are required to be a fully signed up user of the Gig Buddies program. To reserve your place, get in touch - either via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0422 061 990.
Gig Buddies staff WILL NOT be in attendance for this gig. Once you have confirmed your place weāll email a copy of the ticket(s). In the event that the performance is cancelled, we'll be in touch.
We thank Sydney Festival for their ongoing support.
Live music
And if thatās not enough, this Thursday (20/1) weāll be front and centre for āCumbiamuffinā¦.. a musical forceā¦filling the room with their infectious and hypnotic groovesā
āThe 15-piece orchestra of Colombian and Australian musicians will bring the energetic, joy-filled rhythms of Latin American cumbia to Speakers Corner for one transportive night.ā
For more information, including how to sign up, click on the link listed below: - Cumbiamuffin @ Speakers Corner (Cnr College St & William St): Thursday 20 January
What about Covid?
With regards to Sydney Festivalās Covid policy, all attendees must follow NSW Health guidelines and their own Covid Safe practices.
For all Sydney Festival ticketed events, a face mask is required at all times while inside foyers, theatres and outdoor venues; masks must also be worn during performances. All patrons are required to check in via the Service NSW QR Code and confirm their double vaccination status or provide documentation for a medical exemption.
A New Era
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Friday (14/1) at the MCA for Doug Aitken's New Era exhibition.
It was great spending the evening with buddies at the picturesque museum. To see more photos from the event, click here.
Get your tickets
If you happen to like any of the photos from todayās gallery and would like to check out Doug Aitken's groundbreaking exhibition, we can help.
We have four discounted tickets for sale, to be used at a time of your choosing before Sunday 6 February.
Please note, Gig Buddies staff will not be in attendance. To book your ticket (and to find out more information about the event) load up the following link:
Get arty!
Pens and paper at the ready, our online art class is back.
Join us on Wednesday (19/1) as we create two visual masterpieces.
In addition to Wednesdayās event, we also invite buddies to connect with us at 4pm today (Monday 17/1) for our weekly chat. To attend get in touch via text: 0422 061 990 or Facebook Messenger.
And to find out more about this weekās online offering (and to sign up), load up the link below:
Wednesday 19 January
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
A word from the pros
Given the ongoing rise in Covid numbers weāre going to continue pushing referral services for those who may be struggling.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and theyāre also providing mental health first aid in the time of āsocial distancing. Additionally, the team from ideas.org.au have shared their ālook after your mental health in the COVID-19 crisisā list of ideas.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
Weāre here to chat
From our perspective, while weāre not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney) or 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? Youāre 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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