To mark the final Monday of the month, we’re reopening our vault and passing the mic to one of our wonderful volunteers.
Today we hear from Nick (below left), who tells us more about his match with John (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
2.5 years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
It’s not my first. I was lucky enough to be involved with Father Chris Riley "Youth off the Streets" Program and volunteered with my dad doing some work with people experiencing homelessness.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
As an aspiring musician (and general barfly) I love supporting live music and enjoying Sydney's nightlife.
When I first heard about Gig Buddies I was pretty unaware of the barriers people living with a disability face in getting out and enjoying concerts, pubs, clubs etc and thought it was such a fantastic idea and something I'd really like to get involved with.
Two plus years down the track I’d say I do it because it’s fun! John and I are great mates and we have met some awesome people and made friends with heaps of other volunteers and participants alike.
The team puts in a lot of time and effort to organise some awesome events, and a few free tickets to concerts, galleries never go astray.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
Rewarding, and a heap of fun. John and I have been paired for over two years so it's just like catching up with any other friend.
It's been so incredible to see my buddy's confidence grow, and be able to provide a solid framework for my buddy to model other adult friendships off.
I think volunteering has done as much for me as it has for John.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Gig Buddies' birthday parties are definitely a highlight of the year.
Some other highlights would definitely be heading out with John and visiting the Easter Show, HyperKarting, seeing Carl Barron live at State Theatre, weeknight gigs at Frankies Pizza, The Australian Museum, meeting each others families, and getting a crash course in Marvel movies from John.
Mostly I just look forward to catching up with my mate for a cheeky beer and a chat about what's been going on in our lives.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Stop thinking and sign up! You won't look back, you will have the support of the Gig Buddies’ team every step of the way, and you’ll have fun getting out and about and make some lifelong friendships.
"I think volunteering has done as much for me as it has for John"
We’re always looking for more people like Nick.
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.
"Mostly I just look forward to catching up with my mate for a cheeky beer and a chat…"
And if you’re after some further inspiration, check out past testimonies from our laudable batch of volunteers by clicking here.
Are you looking to volunteer?
We need volunteers! Click on the image above for current roles on the Central Coast and the graphic below for opportunities in Sydney.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us via Facebook or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
After eights
Last week we revealed details about eight socials we’ll be hosting in July.
We’re inviting buddies to join us in Parramatta, Gladesville, Miranda, Gosford, the CBD, Surry Hills, Emu Plains and Duffys Forest as we serve up food outings, live music, movies, seasonal celebrations, NRL, karaoke and tree planting.
To join us for any of our July offerings, load up the links below:
Going, going (almost) gone
And as for the month ahead, we’re down to the final few tickets for our June gatherings.
We’re inviting buddies to join us in Chester Hill, Concord, Ingleburn and Terrigal as we catch up for food outings, whale watching and musical bingo.
Please note, our socials in Palm Beach, Kogarah, Homebush and Bondi have now sold out.
To book tickets to our remaining June events, jump on the links below:
Catch us….
As for the here and now, we have one remaining May catch up penciled in the diary.
You’re invited to join us later this week as we head to the Central Coast, stopping off in Long Jetty for an evening of Aussie pub grub.
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.
1 up
We’ve been on a recent pairing and volunteer training spree.
Firstly, we’d like to welcome our newest match - Stavros and Christine (above, L - R). We look forward to hearing more about your heavy metal-inspired catch ups.
Prepped for action
We also want to welcome our latest batch of ready-to-go volunteers.
It was great to meet Satya (1), Luke (2), Gillian (3), Haileigh (4), Shraddha (5) and Qimeng (6). Thank you, all, for joining us online for training.
Embrace the catwalk
Snapped on her most recent trip to the Central Coast, Gigi took part in her first photoshoot last week.
Don’t let the paparazzi have all the fun! You too can follow Gigi’s adventures from her Instagram account.
We’re hiring
And lastly, applications for our part-time Northern Beaches hub coordinator role close at 8pm tonight (27/5).
The Northern Beaches hub coordinator will be the first point of contact for those based within the region. Our new team member will connect with existing and potential service users - helping us to increase awareness of who we are and what we do.
Please note, as per the requirements of the role, the appointee is required to reside on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
This is a part-time position, four days per fortnight (30.4 hours). For more information about the role, click here.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, send your CV to project CEO, Carol Smail: carol@assistcom.org. Additionally, if you would like more information about the position, call us on 02 9419 6951.
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 Buddies Central Coast? 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.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
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