Aurora gears up for Fat Tuesday by spreading goodwill

As it prepares to host another heady and extravagant Fat Tuesday fundraiser to mark the traditional date of Mardi Gras, the Aurora Group has announced that close to $35,000 will be donated to a number of LGBTI groups and others as part of its Small Grants program for 2012-13.

The recipients this round include the Cancer Council for peer support groups for same-sex attracted women with cancer, GLBT clients of the Wayside Chapel and the Another Closet: The Cabaret theatre production by ACON and Maropa Productions that will address same-sex domestic violence.

Funds will also be provided to the Far West Community Legal Centre and Regional Youth Support Service – GenQ for education and support to tackle homophobia in non-metropolitan areas such as Broken Hill and the Central Coast, as well as foster carer support, health and nutrition up-skilling at the Gender Centre and support for the GLBT Indigenous population of La Perouse through the The Junction Neighbourhood Centre.

Aurora chairperson Marcus Bourget said the philanthropic group was overwhelmed by the diversity and creativity of the applications.

“The recipients for this year reflect a broad spectrum of the issues our GLBT community faces around the country, with a number of projects reaching beyond the city and into regional NSW,” he said.

In addition to the funding, Aurora will also continue to support Twenty10 and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service as its major beneficiary.

Meanwhile, Aurora has promised another big night of food, wine and entertainment for its highly anticipated annual Fat Tuesday event on February 12 to mark Mardi Gras and raise funds to help more LGBTI organisations and others in the community.

Returning to Slide in Darlinghurst, Bourget said Aurora invited the whole community to indulge with them once again, with the event having been sold out every year it has been held.

“We thank everyone who contributed and attended our fabulous fundraising events throughout 2012 – it’s a delight for The Aurora Group to see so many people galvanised in helping the community,” Bourget said.

“We look forward to announcing this year’s events in the coming weeks.”

Fat Tuesday is on 6.30pm, Tuesday, February 12 at Slide, 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. To book or more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Image: A recent Aurora fundraising dinner (Supplied)