Aurora provides $60,000 in grants to support GLBT projects
The Aurora Group is excited to announce the successful Small Grants recipients for 2011/12 with $25,010 disbursed funding to support an important range of GLBT focused projects targeted at transgender teenagers, foster parents, story tellers, young people and the wider GLBT community.
These Small Grant recipients were announced at the recent ‘An Evening With Michael Kirby’ dinner” hosted by Aurora which raised over $14,000.
Marcus Bourget, Aurora Chairperson, said “This year’s small grants recipients demonstrate the range of creative projects that organizations are developing to address the diversity of needs in the GLBT community. Raising funds at fabulous events such as the ‘Evening With Michael Kirby’ dinner’ is a lot of fun for the Aurora directors, however it is disbursing funds to the GLTB important GLBT community projects to which we are most passionate about doing.”
“We are pleased to once again be able to fund projects based outside the inner city areas of Sydney as well as those focused on a range of age groups from teens to potential foster parents,” says Bourget.
In addition, Aurora will also continue to support its major beneficiaries, the newly merged entity Twenty10 and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, with $35,000. Aurora will continue to fund the continuing projects of the GLCS and Twenty10 with the two organisations working together following the merge.
Aurora is pleased to be able assist Twenty10 to strengthen its presence in the Western Sydney region as well as continue its group and counselling services. Twenty10 and GLCS will be undertaking the creation of an extensive database and resource creation project to feed into a number of different community capacity building and support projects, including resources for volunteer counsellors and staff. The money will also support GLCS’ relocation in the New Year and the fit out of new phone rooms that volunteers use to provide services to callers to the counselling lines, including the establishment of new technology and infrastructure.
The 2011/12 Aurora Small Grant Recipients are:
- JoyFm – The Commitment Project – $2,850
A billboard at Strathfield train station to promote and showcase long-term committed gay and lesbian relationships.
- The Gender Centre – Transtopia – $4,210
A 10 week social support group for transgender teenagers (14-19yo).
- The Benevolent Society – Fostering Young Lives – $4,000
Two events, one in Western Sydney and the other in Inner Sydney, will be held during Mardi Gras 2012 to inform and recruit GLBT people to be foster parents.
- Regional Youth Support Service – GenQ – $4,000
Support program for GLBTIQ young people on the Central Coast focused on community building and development – where young people develop a campaign and outreach activities to schools and community groups.
- Queerscreen – The Queer Screen Community Screen Content Initiative – $5,000
Project enabling members of the GLBT community to write and produce short stories to be broadcast on YouTube and at 2012 MGFF.
- ACON Health – Lesbian & Gay Anti Violence Project – Same Sex Domestic Violence Resource – $4,950
Production of a video resource to support same-sex domestic violence prevention, including five stories of personal experience.
“We are always amazed at the quality of applications made and the community needs which the small grants process alert us to,” says Bourget. “We encourage more GLBT community groups to submit applications in the 2012 / 2013 submission process.”
Aurora is also encouraging all supporters to mark in their diaries that its popular Fat Tuesday fundraiser will be held on 21 February 2012 and that it’s major annual gala, The 2012 Aurora Dinner, will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012.
Evening with Michael Kirby raises over $14,000
The Aurora Group introduced its new Chairperson, Marcus Bourget, at last night’s ‘An Evening With Michael Kirby’ dinner at Hickson Road Bistro, which raised over $14,000.
The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG and his partner Johan van Vloten were Aurora’s special guests last night, in celebration of the launch of Michael’s much-anticipated memoir A Private Life: Fragments, Memories, Friends.
In his speech at the dinner, Kirby shared stories from the book and also discussed the recent attempt at CHOGM in Perth to abolish criminal laws against homosexuals and other minorities that remain in other Commonwealth nations.
‘’The story of my life, told in my book A Private Life, shows how pivotal was the reform of criminal laws achieved in the Australian states between 1974 and 1998” said Kirby. “Until those reforms, people were frightened and terrorised by police and other bullies just because they were gay. I know. I was there. Sadly, this remains the case in 41 of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth.”
‘’It is not enough for citizens in Australia, straight and gay, to seek reform in our own country. These are our brothers and sisters. We know their pain. We also know how bad these laws are for successful strategies against AIDS.” said Kirby. “We must lift our voices. And not be silent until this horrible legacy of past ignorance is removed in every Commonwealth country. State sovereignty has to give way to fundamental human rights. In gender, race and sexuality.’’
Funds raised at last night’s dinner, which had 110 supporters in attendance, will be directed to Aurora’s annual grants program, donating to GLBT organisations including the Twenty10 Association and the Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW.
The dinner also provided the opportunity for Aurora to introduce Marcus Bourget, who was elected as the new chair of Aurora at its recent AGM. He succeeds David Moutou, who retired from Aurora’s board after six years as a director and the past two years as its Chairperson.
Bourget previously served as Chairman and Director of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras from 2005 to 2008. Bourget becomes the fifth chairperson in Aurora’s 12 year history, a role previously held by Bruce Pollack, Jane Marsden, Alex Sosnov and David Moutou.
“I am honoured and fortunate to be elected Chairperson of The Aurora Group,” says Bourget. “Over the last decade Aurora has consistently delivered fantastic events and made an impact to important projects in our community. I am thrilled to be part of the Aurora team and lead the dedicated 12 directors on our board.”
Moutou will continue to be involved with Aurora as a Life Member and as administrator of the Grants Program on a volunteer basis. “I am very proud of the way my relationship with Aurora grew from grant recipient, to volunteer to chairperson,” says Moutou. “I am proud of the impact Aurora funds has had in the community and I am equally proud with the fun and glamorous way in which we are able to raise those funds.”
Aurora is also pleased to announce that its popular Fat Tuesday fundraiser will be held on 21 February 2012 and that it’s major annual gala, The 2012 Aurora Dinner, will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012. Supporters are encouraged to mark both dates in their diaries and book early, as both events sold out well in advance in 2011.
UPDATE: ‘An Evening With Michael Kirby’
As many will be aware, Aurora has had to relocate An Evening with Michael Kirby, due to the recent unfortunate closure of Bilson’s Restaurant.
We are pleased to advise that the event will now be hosted at Hickson Road Bistro, at Sydney Theatre.
The night’s activities will commence at 6.30pm with champagne and canapés. This will be followed by a sensational three-course menu from acclaimed caterers Culinary Edge, who were caterers at our first ever Aurora Dinner 11 years ago.
In addition, a matching wine list has been developed in consultation with Aurora’s fine wine partner The Oak Barrel. To offer your palates something a little different at this dinner, four unique French, Spanish and Italian wines will be served.
Each guest will receive a copy of Michael Kirby’s recently released memoir A Private Life: Fragments, Memories, Friends. All books will be pre-autographed by Michael, who has told us again how much he and Johan are looking forward to the dinner.
We hope you are also looking forward to the evening, however, if you would like to withdraw your booking, please let us know by midday on Thursday 27 October. Any seats you have booked will then be released for sale to our waiting list. To discuss your booking, please email bookings@auroragroup.com.au or call 8323 4041.
An Evening With Michael Kirby
6.30pm, Monday 7 November
Hickson Road Bistro, at Sydney Theatre.
20 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Your name will be on a guest list on the door – note that no tickets will be issued. If you have not confirmed the names of any guests and/or have not advised us of any dietary requirements, please email us these details by midday Monday 31 October.
In addition to hearing from the inspirational Michael Kirby, Aurora will be conducting a raffle and live auction on the night.
Aurora recommends catching a taxi, public transport or walking to this event, particularly as wines for the evening are included in your ticket purchase.
Thank you for your patience and ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you on 7 November.
The Clubhouse at Paspaley Polo fundraises for Aurora
Want to support Aurora at a whole new kind of event?
Introducing “The Clubhouse” at Paspaley Polo in the City Sydney! Giddy up and enjoy the exhilarating field-side action, fabulous fashion and polo atmosphere from your exclusive sheltered grandstand and premium lounge seating including gourmet BBQ and beverage services all day!
The event will be fundraising for Aurora all day, with donations, raffles and more.
Saturday 19th November, 2011
Mission Fields, Centennial Park
Ticket cost per person: $220 including GST.
Includes:
- Flute of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival
- Drinks all day: Bird in Hand wines, Coopers beer and soft drink refreshments
- Lunch from 1:00pm to 2:30pm plus snacks throughout the day
- DJ
- Grandstand and premium lounge seating
- Cash bar facilities
- Door prizes, Gift bags and Shuttle Bus for sunset drinks at The Polo Lounge.
An Evening With Michael Kirby
You are invited to join The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG and Johan van Vloten at Bilson’s Restaurant on Monday 7 November 2011.
The occasion is being held to mark the launch this October of Michael’s much-anticipated memoirs A Private Life: Fragments, Memories, Friends, stories from which he will share with guests at the dinner.
Aurora is also very excited to invite our audience back to Bilson’s Restaurant, who has been a generous long-term supporter of our organisation and community. Tony Bilson and Chef de Cuisine Diego Muñoz will present a fabulous degustation menu, accompanied by fine wines selected by Aurora’s wine partner The Oak Barrel.
Bookings are now open, and seats are strictly limited. Email bookings@auroragroup.com.au or phone 02 8323 4041 to reserve your place.
MENU
Bilson’s have designed a special degustation menu in six parts for An Evening With Michael Kirby
- Sweet Potato, Black Sesame, Garlic
- Semi Cooked and Raw Crystal Bay Prawn, Consommé, Baby Sorrel
- Egg, Chicken, Parmesan, Cauliflower
- Wagyu Shank, Kipfler, Watercress
- Gruyere “Croque Monsieur”, Cherries
- Chocolate Equatorial
This menu will be matched with fine wines, selected by the Oak Barrel and Aurora, in consultation with Bilson’s sommeliers.
Bilson’s was one of just five NSW restaurants to be awarded a prestigous 3 Hats in the Sydney Morning Herald 2012 Good Food Guide.
Important note - Any dietary requirements should be notified in advance. Please email bookings@auroragroup.com.au to confirm any special dietary needs for yourself or any of your guests. Bilson’s will make all effort to meet these requirements. Any requests made after 10am on Monday 31 October 2011 cannot be guaranteed.
Paris Fashion Week eat your heart out!
Trying to decide what to wear to this year’s big event? Well, we’ve done some thinking for you…
From the usual Aurora formal glamour to the joy of the accessory, from Parisian burlesque to the extravagance that brought about a revolution, this year’s Gay Paris Annual Dinner presents many a gorgeous option for your look…themed or otherwise.
For those who love Annual Dinner formal wear – the tuxedo, evening gown, black tie, ruffled shirt, waist coat or cocktail dress – you may like to look at the following:
Clothing hire:
Myer
Roger David Suit Hire
Skin Deep is great for men’s accessories
Vintage clothing stores:
The Vintage Clothing Shop
Maybe you’d like a touch of dress up with a gorgeous accessory for your outfit – a feather, a hat, a fascinator, a piece of jewellery…
Hatworld online store
Thinking wigs? You might want to think visit House of Priscilla.
Check out Photios Brothers for dress trimming, jewellery, feathers etc.
And, of course, don’t forget the eternal stalwarts of queer celebration: places like Lincraft and Spotlight for feathers and costume decoration.
If you’ve a penchant for really dressing up, you may need to pay a visit to one of the following:
THE COSTUME SHOP – WATERLOO AND CBD
19, 198-222 Young Street, Waterloo NSW 2017
Ph: 02 9318
Level 1, 78 Liverpool Street, (Near Sussex Street), Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9283 0200
Under the Period category are a number of 18th century outfits that would be appropriate. The cute category includes can can, burlesque and French maid. Ring mistress might also suit your style. Josephine and Napoleon are also on the list.
ACE COSTUME HIRE – PETERSHAM
Ace has French maid, Napoleon and can can dancers but only some photos to show the range.
FANCY SHMANCY – BONDI JUNCTION
91 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Ph: 02 9389 7155
Here they have a 1600-1800 category including Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, aristocrat. They also have burlesque and show girl.
SNOG THE FROG – SURRY HILLS
10 Hart Street, Surry Hills
Ph: 02 9690 2001
Check out:
17th century male and female
18th century female includes Marie Antoinette options
18th century male includes Napoleon as well as other options which may be popular except for Captain Cook of course. Basic category includes a burlesque outfit
CHRISTINA COSTUMES – COOGEE
15 Havelock Avenue, Coogee
Refer to the French and Burlesque categories: French themed outfits, including French Revolution and Napoleon. There’s a Burlesque category which includes outfits that would definitely be appropriate. Under sexy female, Marie Antoinette could be your thing.
JESTER FANCY DRESS – CARINGBAH
324 The Kingsway, Caringbah 2229
Ph: 02 9525 2855
Check out: Marie Antoinette and French maid under the around the world category; Louis and Napoleon under Medieval/Period. They also have masquerade ball masks that might work depending on the outfit to go with it!
NORTH SHORE COSTUMES – NORTH SYDNEY
158 Pacific Highway, North Sydney 2060
Ph: 02 9957 4394
Please note that the owner of this store is none other than Australian icon – Rita the Eta Eater!
Although the wrong side of the Channel, the Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn could easily be considered French by some.
Not many pictures online but French maid is mentioned and, if in the area, could be worth a pop in as they advertise over 3,000 costumes.
FANCY THAT COSTUME HIRE – CROWS NEST
1st floor, 397 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest
Ph: 02 9906 6135
Burlesque and can can could fit the brief. Through the Ages has a Marie Antoinette look but nothing much for the boys at this venue.
ABC COSTUME HIRE – ARTARMON
Gate 7, 8 Lanceley Place, Artarmon NSW 2064
Ph: 02 8333 5757
Have a look at the 1790s costumes including Louis XV, Josephine, Napoleon; 1700s has bustle dress, French gendarme etc; and under F on the website, there is French renaissance and French maid.
We suggest you check the websites and/or ring for open days and times.
Have fun with these ideas and we look forward to seeing you on June 25th in your best, finest and fanciest!
Aurora Dinner adopts French twist for return to Sydney Town Hall
Gay Paris – The 2011 Aurora Dinner
The Aurora Group is pleased to announce that the 12th annual Aurora Dinner, to be held on Saturday 25 June 2011, will be hosted at the iconic Sydney Town Hall.
“We are very excited that the 2011 Aurora Dinner will be held at the newly refurbished Sydney Town Hall.” said Aurora Chairperson David Moutou. “We have had three fabulous years at Paddington Town Hall, but due to popular demand from our audience, we are returning to the glamorous grand old girl on George Street, the venue for Aurora Dinners from 2001-2007.”
Ten important GLBT projects supported by Aurora
Still from the film Tranny Boys by Monique Schafter and Ali Russel
The Aurora Group is pleased to announce the successful recipients of the 2010/2011 Aurora Small Grants Program in support of a number of important projects that benefit the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.
This round of successful applicants are exceptional as they are awarded as part of the total of $100,000 in community funding announced by Aurora late last year, to mark its 10th anniversary year.
All-star cast for Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday
The Aurora Group has announced further details for the upcoming fourth annual instalment of Fat Tuesday, to be held on Tuesday, February 22 at Civic Dining, as part of the 2011 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season.
Jeremy Brennan (Jersey Boys), Phil Scott (The Wharf Revue), Gabby Millgate (Muriel’s Wedding, Full Frontal), Liesel Badorrek (Six Quick Chicks) and the Carpenters from Kempsey will all be performing on the evening, while Sydney chef Peter Conistis will be the event’s head chef.
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