To mark the final Monday of the month we bring you our first volunteer vault entry for 2025.
Step forward Scott (below right), who tells us more about his match with buddy Joe (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Just over two years.
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
No, I also volunteer at Bill Crews Foundation at Ashfield.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I wanted to give back to the community by using my spare time to help others.
I have been on the receiving end of some life-changing support for difficult times I have experienced and I thought it was a good way to repay the kindness.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
It is very rewarding. I have not only made a good friend in my gig buddy, Joe, but also his wife.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
There hasn't been just one highlight. Whether it was going to the NRL or AFL games or a day at the motor racing at Eastern Creek, they have been great times with Joe.
I honestly enjoy just having some lunch at his favourite club and watching the football on the big screen. If there has to be only one highlight, I think then it would be Joe's dry sense of humour.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
If you have some spare time, why not give back? It's a very rewarding experience that not only makes you both feel good but you make a great friend along the way. Plus you get to do activities you might not normally do.
"I wanted to give back to the community"
Thank you Scott for sharing your Gig Buddies story. Both he and Joe sum up perfectly what what we’re all about: two mates catching up and having a good time together.
And we’re always on the lookout for more people like Scott. 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 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
All go in April
Last week we dropped our plans for the month of April.
We’re covering all points on the Sydney and Central Coast compass as we connect with buddies in Petersham, Waverley, The Entrance, Campbeltown, Willoughby, Hornsby, Brookvale, the CBD and Liverpool.
A Sydney music festival, trivia and dinners, bites to eat, a free movie night, lawn bowls, axe throwing and music bingo - we’ve plenty going. To join us, jump on the links below:
Marching on
Additionally, we’ve eight catch ups taking place in the month of March.
Next month you’ll find us in Penrith, Brookvale, Gymea, Moore Park, Newtown, Warnervale, Parramatta and Chatswood. To join us for lunches, dancing, virtual golf, crazy shakes, stand-up comedy, dinners and Camp Rock the Musical, 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.
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.
Three is the magic number
We’ve a trio of new matches to tell you about.
We’re delighted to welcome Markus and Simon (left, L - R), Amy and Bridie (top right, L - R) and Rawley and Dannis (bottom right, L - R) to the Gig Buddies crew.
Team LGBTQIA+
We appreciate everyone who showed up last Sunday (16/2) at Fair Day for our first LGBTQIA+ and allies social event. It was great to see the support for the community!
Following the gathering and our recent appeal for members to represent our newly established LGBTQIA+ user-led team, we’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting on Tuesday 1 April at 6pm.
This will be the first meeting for Gig Buddies’ participants and volunteers who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Zoom meeting will be more of a 'get to know each other' session. We’ll be establishing what attendees would like to get out of being part of the group - and how Gig buddies can best support to facilitate.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the meeting host, Bec (rebecca@assistcom.org or 0411 252 228).
Calling all musicians
Do we have any budding musicians who may be interested in performing at our 10th birthday?
Details on our 10th extravaganza will land soon….. all we can say for now is we’ll be partying on a Saturday towards the end of May.
In the meantime we’re wanting to hear from any singers, instrumental artists, acoustic duos or DJs who would be interested in performing.
If you are interested or would like to know more, get in touch via email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Medicare Mental Health Centres
Last week we shared that the Australian Government is working in partnership with states and territories to establish Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia.
We feel that it’s such a good initiative that we’re going to mention it once again.
These centres provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours.
The Medicare Mental Health Centres are staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health. They will listen and work with you to provide you with the care you need.
Support through the centres is free. You do not need a Medicare card, appointment or a GP referral.
The centres provide free, immediate, short and medium-term care to anyone. They aim to make it easier for anyone living in Australia to access equitable, free, and quality mental health support closer to home.
For more information (and to find your nearest centre), load up the following link: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/medicare-mental-health-centres
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: Project officer (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)
Charlotte : Northern Beaches coordinator (0466 793 100)
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.
Comments