PFLAG with

SAM DAWSON

Damien Attwood has just been appointed into a very exciting new role as the first regionally appointed Treasurer of the Board of Directors of a LGBTIQ+ community funder called Aurora - I needed to find out more……

Congratulations on your appointment. Damien, can you explain a bit about your new position? Thank you. I am really honoured to be a part of this incredible not-forprofit organisation, The Aurora Group. The Aurora Group is an LGBTIQ+ community-led funder, empowering Australian LGBTIQ+ organisations to work towards equality and better outcomes for the most marginalised people within the LGBTIQ+ community. By serving on the Board as Treasurer, I can help support my community at a grassroots level.

Who does Aurora Group support in particular? Aurora seeks to bring more awareness and support to these groups, provide practical help, and promote equity and inclusion. Only 5 cents in every $100 that Australian charities receive goes to a registered LGBTIQ+ organisation. We would like to see that figure be much higher. Could you please tell us a little bit about your business and what EMPOWER Agency does? At EMPOWER Agency, our team of outsourced managers work with you to make data-driven decisions to save you time and money. Every business is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your needs. We have a small number of clients on our books so we have time to treat them all like gold! Outsourcing business management can be a game-changer for companies of all sizes including non-forprofit organisations so operational costs and systems and processes are monitored closely for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. empoweragency.com.au

How important are volunteer groups like PFLAG + to our community? PFLAG+ is vital in our region because families are struggling with the best way to support their LGBTIQ+ family members, and they need help to work out what to say, how to approach conversations. They must also deal with their emotions, including grief, surprise, confusion, happiness, sadness and joy. To navigate these emotions, honour them, and still show empathy and compassion towards their loved ones is a challenging time, and PFLAG+ is there to create a safe space and support people through this process. Of course, people love their LBTGTIQ+ family members but may not have the education, cultural background and tools to navigate all the issues that may arise and move forward with acceptance and love.

PFLAGcoffscoast (private, safe closed group)

0417 861 045 pflagcoffscoast@gmail.com

GRILLED SWORDFISH SERVED WITH MARINATED KING PRAWNS, TRUFFLE SCENTED MASH AND SEASONAL STEAMED VEGETABLES. ALSO PICTURED IS OYSTERS KILPATRICK from C.ex Coffs Harbour