Ballard, Brennan & Moar: Aurora unveils 2012 line-up

Gay comedian and Triple J presenter Tom Ballard will head a stellar line up at this year’s Aurora Dinner.

The Aurora Group announced yesterday Ballard will be this year’s key note speaker for the annual fundraiser, which will be held at Sydney Town Hall on June 23.

Ballard, best known as a radio broadcaster for Triple J, is a prolific comedian, having performed in numerous comedy festivals. His television appearances include Spick ‘n’ Specks, The Project and Good News Week. An outspoken advocate for equality, Ballard has also fronted gay marriage demonstrations in Sydney and Melbourne.

Ballard will be joined on stage by actors Rachael Beck and Jeremy Brennan, cabaret icon Trevor Ashley and TV personality Brendan Moar.

The dinner will have a nautical theme, using the Titanic as inspiration.

“The Aurora Group is delighted to have Tom Ballard, Rachael Beck, Jeremy Brennan as part of the fabulous Titanic line up for this year’s Annual Dinner,” said Aurora Chairperson Marcus Bourget.

“We will have further nautical delights on the evening to surprise our guests."

There will also be the auction and raffle of several items including a private dinner with journalist Annabel Crabb and Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek.

The dinner is one of the many events organised by the Aurora Group to raise money for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community groups.

First held in 2000, the Aurora Dinner celebrates International Stonewall Day which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots for gay rights.

[Pictured] Tom Ballard is the keynote speaker at the 2012 Aurora Dinner.

Go to www.auroragroup.com.au