A new chair at Aurora

Alex Sosnov has certainly worked her way up the ladder of community volunteer positions, from bucket rattler to co-convenor of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and now onto chairing the Aurora Foundation.

The perks may be greater at Aurora but the sacrifices remain the same. Working as an unpaid volunteer while holding down a day job only becomes worth it for Sosnov when she can sign the cheques and realise what good she’s doing for the community.

Unlike most other community organisations, Aurora is not linked to one specific community service but instead hosts regular high-end charity events to provide funds to whichever group or service in the community most needs it. Sosnov says it was this most needy, first-served approach which attracted her to working for the group.

I like the idea of being part of a group that produces quality events that are something a little special and that also play an important role in supporting the community, she told Sydney Star Observer.

Aurora is uniquely situated. Our events are different and provide a celebration. We fundraise well and then make a unique contribution to our community by being able to disburse funds to organisations and projects that otherwise find it extremely difficult to get funding.

Because of us there are GLBT youth groups doing interesting work across NSW, there’s new furniture at the Gender Centre and counsellors trained at the end of a phone line.

As the newly elected chair, Sosnov sees no need to change Aurora’s approach or focus.

Aurora remains relevant so there is no aim to change that, she said. My vision is just to get better at what we do and so increase the dollars that people donate to us.

Aurora’s most recent high-class event, which guaranteed fine wining, dining and entertainment, took place on 26 May, when Priscilla UnPlucked returned to Slide for the second year running. A date has also been set for the biggest event on Aurora’s calendar, the annual Aurora Dinner, which is scheduled for 26 July.

For information on Aurora’s upcoming events and to give input into where you think funds should be directed, head to the newly launched website, www.auroragroup.com.au.