Aurora Ball Speakers Announced: Welcoming the Voices Supporting the Rennaisance Ball
The Aurora Renaissance Ball is a moment to reflect on purpose, progress, and the work ahead. This year, we are honoured to be joined by a group of incredible speakers and dignitaries, each of whom share RGA’s commitment to a strong and empowered rainbow community sector. We’re proud to welcome them to our stage this year.
Daniel McDonald (he/him)
Welcome to Country
Daniel McDonald is an LGBTQI Wonnarua/Gadigal artist living with a disability. He is a visual artist with numerous exhibitions both here and overseas, with his latest being in Tokyo this month. With involvement with Brand X in Sydney and membership of various committees, including the PWDA (People with Disability Australia), Daniel is a strong and dedicated advocate of those living and working with a LGBTQI disability.
Sam Turner (she/they)
Co-Founder & Chair of Rainbow Giving Australia
Sam Turner is the Board Chair and co-founder of Rainbow Giving Australia. Sam is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ equity, and has worked extensively across corporate, non-profit, and grassroots spaces to amplify queer voices. They are a distinguished People & Culture Executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the financial services, legal, aviation, resources, professional services, technology, and community sectors. As a Churchill Fellow, recognised Out50 leader and specialist in cultural reform, Sam is an energetic and strategic change maker.
Jackie Turner (she/her)
Founder, Trans Justice Project
Jackie is passionate about community power, developing the leadership of trans and gender diverse people, and building movements that can win. She is the Director and Founder of the Trans Justice Project, the first trans-led national campaigning organisation. Over the last 10 years as an organiser and campaigner she has led national mobilisations, trained and mentored hundreds of volunteers, and run campaigns across movements for climate and economic justice. She is working towards a future where all trans people are safe, celebrated, and free.
Cecily Hardy (she/her)
Auctioneer
Cecily was Australia’s youngest female auctioneer at 17. She is now the Executive Producer for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and Head of Public Programs at The Ethics Centre. With a career spanning Australia and abroad, she has worked in Shanghai, Rotterdam, London, South Korea, and Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Formerly the Executive Producer of Legs On The Wall and senior producer for the Namatjira Project, she helped secure the return of Albert Namatjira’s copyright and legacy to his family. Cecily is a Salzburg Global Seminar fellow. She’s also a marriage celebrant and an advocate for marriage equality.
Councillor Adam Worling (he/him)
City of Sydney
Councillor Adam Worling has lived in the City of Sydney for more than 35 years, and brings deep connections to the creative and community sectors. Through his namesake PR agency, he has helped shape the presence of leading Australian fashion and arts brands, and he remains a strong advocate for sustainability and social impact through his work with Thread Together. Adam is a longtime supporter of the Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Film Festival, and played a key role in rallying fashion industry support for marriage equality in 2017.
These leaders bring a wealth of experience, insight, and strength to the evening. We are grateful for their endorsement and support as we continue building a more vibrant, equitable future for our communities.
There are just a few days left to take part in the Renaissance Raffle and Silent Auction, and support life-changing LGBTQIA+ community grants in the process!
Whether you’re joining us at the Aurora Renaissance Ball or supporting from afar, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful.
Enter the raffle to win a cosmetics pack worth over $5000 from our partners LVMH or a luxury stay in Noosa
Bid in the silent auction for exclusive experiences, art, fashion and more
Every dollar raised supports Rainbow Giving’s grants, funding joy, safety and liberation across our communities