Rules and Conditions
The rules provided below are intended to maximise fun and minimise stress for attendees and staff alike. Please take them into consideration as you go about your activities at the con.
Terms & Conditions
By registering to attend Aurawra, all guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless Aurawra and New South Wales Anthro Group (NSWAG), its staff, volunteers, agents, representatives and all other employees from any claim for personal injuries or other damages arising out of any participation in Aurawra events, activities, or attendance to the convention itself under any circumstances, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
During an NSWAG operated or auspiced event, attendees are expected to adhere to or follow any reasonable request given by a member of the Staff, Volunteers, Venue staff or local authorities.
NSWAG reserves the right to deny entry, revoke registration, or remove from the Event facilities any person who in our sole and absolute discretion is behaving or threatening to behave in a manner which we reasonably consider to be disruptive of the Event or in contravention of the rules.
Registrations are limited to four per purchaser. If you require more than four badges, you must notify us or your order may be cancelled. This is to prevent scalping.
In the event of the organisers revoking an attendee’s registration due to breach of the rules and conditions, NSWAG is not required to refund that attendee all or part of the registration fee unless required by Australian Consumer Law.
Registration to Aurawra is refundable and transferable up to 60 days before the convention. If you require a refund on your registration, please contact the staff at Aurawra.con@gmail.com. Transfers incur a $5 administration fee. Registration details cannot be changed after the refund and transfer period closes. There is a non-refundable deposit of 7% of the ticket or merchandise price for each transaction.
Past the refund closing date NSWAG will only offer a refund or exchange of a badge if an event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated (and you cannot or do not wish to attend the rescheduled or relocated event) or to the extent otherwise required by law.
Registration to Aurawra is general admission and not a guarantee of access to all content, events and persons hosted by NSWAG. The schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, space availability, personnel availability or specific events being cancelled on short notice by request of NSWAG, the Hotel Staff or the Host. Guests of Honour may be absent due to availability, personal needs or schedule conflicts.
NSWAG are not required to provide a refund or alterations if your Aurawra T-Shirt order is incorrectly provided by you as the purchaser and/or you miss the cut off date for the shirt order.
It is a requirement upon registering for the event that you provide your full and correct name and are prepared to provide legal proof of identification upon picking up your badge. NSWAG reserves the right for Aurawra staff to refuse event access if you cannot provide identification, and are not required to provide you with a refund if this is the case.
Attendee badges are to be worn at all events. NSWAG retains the right for Aurawra staff to revoke any attendee access to an event if they cannot provide their badge as identification. If a badge is lost or damaged, the owner should report to Convention Operations (Con-Ops). Each registration badge is a revocable licence to attend the Event. Each registration badge must be used by the same person for each day of the Event. Each badge holder agrees to comply with all rules and regulations of the event.
NSWAG retains ownership of all attendee badges until the conclusion of the Sunday night event, and may cancel the badge or withhold it if your registration is revoked for any reason. On conclusion of the event at 11:59pm Sunday, attendee badges become the sole property of the attendee registered to that badge.
NSWAG reserves the right to refuse entry or participation in any auspiced events to persons who are currently sick or unwell and are showing visible symptoms at any point in time during the event. You may be eligible for a refund of ticket price minus any processing/administration fees if you are able to demonstrate genuine illness via a medical certificate. Please email aurawra.con@gmail.com detailing the situation with relevant documentation.
While all attempts will be made to make sure attendee safety is catered for, NSWAG and Aurawra staff are not accountable if you suffer any allergic reaction, medical affliction or injury at any of their associated events due to negligent or unlawful behaviour.
If a registered attendee name, nickname or moniker is deemed controversial or offensive by an organiser, NSWAG reserves the right to change or otherwise delete your registration from the event.
In purchasing this badge and in consideration for being admitted to the Event, each badge holder consents to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) and authorises and permits NSWAG, Aurawra and their designees which include but are not limited to all sponsors, exhibitors and contractors to use and authorise the use of their name, voice, likeness and all reproductions thereof by any means and in all media now and hereafter know for all purposes worldwide in perpetuity.
Any damages incurred to an event space or the belongings of other staff, attendees or persons (including yourself) as a direct result of negligent or unlawful actions on your behalf are not covered by NSWAG or the convention. You will be expected to make reparations and pay for damages if you cause them. Some of the equipment we bring and use can be quite expensive, so do not attempt to move equipment or assist unless you are a verified staff member or are given permission by a verified member of staff to do so.
Aurawra attendees and volunteers do not speak on behalf of the entities Aurawra and NSWAG, only members of the board of managers can make executive decisions and speak officially on behalf of Aurawra and any associated NSWAG auspiced events. Aurawra attendees and volunteers are allowed to speak of their own views and experiences, however these do not reflect on the views or goals of Aurawra or NSWAG as an entity.
NSWAG and Aurawra staff retain the right to reject the claim a person is over 18 years of age where it is contrary to the evidence at hand. Please ensure you bring legally recognised and current proof of age.
The Aurawra brand, including but not limited to logos, characters, props and symbols, are the property of NSWAG.
NSWAG retains the right to change the terms and conditions at any time as deemed necessary by the organisers to protect the safety and security of attendees and the event.
The Aurawra brand, including but not limited to logos, characters, props and symbols, are the property of NSWAG.
Alcohol Policy
At Aurawra, we understand that alcoholic beverages are available for consumption to adult attendees in certain areas of the venue or externally. This is a personal choice, however we do ask that a little common sense be used so that everyone can have a great time. Please check the RSA policies of the Hotel or venue, and make sure you pace your drinking and always have a plan on how you’re getting home/back to your hotel! A few specific guidelines are here for your convenience.
If you are intoxicated and your actions become irresponsible, Aurawra staff retain the right to ask you to leave the convention space. If you refuse you will be asked to LEAVE the event and may be banned from attending further events.
Certain events may be held in alcohol free zones. It is illegal in the state of NSW to consume alcohol in these areas. Attendees found consuming alcohol in an alcohol free zone will be asked to leave the event and may be banned from attending further events.
It is illegal in NSW to supply liquor or sell liquor to persons under the age of 18. Attendees found to be supplying or selling liquor to minors will be removed from the event and will receive a PERMANENT LIFETIME BAN from further NSWAG run and auspiced events and details will be forwarded to NSW law enforcement.
Drug Policy
At Aurawra, we do not condone the recreational use of drugs at NSWAG run or auspiced events. This includes the use of any substance regarded as illegal in the State of NSW as well as the recreational use of prescription medication.
Persons found consuming drugs or illegal substances for recreational purposes at NSWAG run or auspiced events will be asked to leave the event and will receive a PERMANENT LIFETIME BAN from further NSWAG run or auspiced events and their details will be forwarded to NSW law enforcement.
Persons found selling or supplying drugs or illegal substances for recreational purposes will be removed from the event and will receive a PERMANENT LIFETIME BAN from further NSWAG run or auspiced events and their details will be forwarded to NSW law enforcement.
Behaviour & Code of Conduct
Aurawra is and always will be a social, informal convention of people of many different walks of life. When you attend Aurawra, you will see friends, you may make new friends and in some cases you may find people that you don’t get along with. This is fine, everyone is different, but please be polite about it. Please do not come up to a staff member and say “X is here, why is X here? I hate X and you shouldn’t have let X come!”
The solution to a good time is simple: Be polite, use common sense and respect others. If someone you dislike is at the event, avoid interacting with them. If you think someone is harassing you in any way, or you have legitimate non-personal concerns, talk to one of the Aurawra staff and they’ll try to help you sort out the issue. If someone tells you it’s not okay... then it’s not okay, and if you persist it could possibly get you banned, or the matter may be handed over to NSW law enforcement.
If you think someone is harassing you in any way, or you have legitimate non-personal concerns, talk to one of the Aurawra staff and they’ll try to help you sort out the issue. They will be wearing blue high visibility vests around the conspace, or can be found in the Convention Operations (Con-Ops) room.Speech of any form that promotes discrimination, harassment or violence against others based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, religion or nationality is strictly prohibited. Symbolism attached to ‘alt-right’, ‘alt-furry’ or any other extremist groups are forbidden to be worn, shown or propagated at any NSWAG associated or auspiced events. We will not tolerate intimidation or harassment of attendees for any reason.
You may possibly see costumes and fancy-dress at Aurawra. These people are expressing themselves and they are also at the event to have fun. Please do not impede on their good time. Also be aware that A Costume Is NOT Consent - nobody has the right to be touched or mistreated just because they’re wearing something out of the ordinary. If somebody does not want to be touched or hugged, please respect their personal space. Just because they are wearing a costume does not mean you have the right to touch them.
While costuming in any capacity is very welcome, please be aware that this is an event where many walks of life are to be considered. A dress code does apply and anything deemed inappropriate may lead to the owner/wearer of the costume being asked to leave the event. Please check the guidelines below:
In all spaces please wear street appropriate clothing (at minimum a shirt, pants and footwear, being in public areas or the convention space in just your underwear is not permitted). Certain areas of the hotel may require enclosed footwear.
Swimwear is only permitted when utilising appropriate hotel facilities, such as a pool or spa.
Overly revealing clothing or accoutrements widely described as “Fetish Gear” are not to be worn inside the convention space or public spaces in the hotel. This includes but is not limited to leashes, harnesses, full body rubber or vinyl, age-play related costume, electric shock devices, training muzzles, bondage or sense deprivation wear, gags, gimp masks or plug style tails.
Collars are acceptable, provided they are not shock collars or choke collars.
Sled dog harnesses are acceptable when worn as part of a costume.
Headwear commonly referred to as “pup hoods” are acceptable in the convention space provided they are worn in conjunction with streetwear appropriate for a public setting.
Costumes revealing inappropriate or explicit parts of the wearer's anatomy, such as genitalia, are not permitted.
Costumes that are “Anatomically correct” are not permitted.
Weapons, either real or fake, are not permitted. This includes but is not limited to prop weapons, replica weapons, water guns, foam guns or silly string.
If you are uncertain of something you wish to wear or bring to the convention space, please visit con-ops first and the staff will be happy to answer any queries.
During your time at Aurawra, you will see costumes of many kinds. Costumes, such as fursuits, are one of the most visually appealing aspects of our events but they also need to be respected in order to keep them safe. Please be aware of the fact that the person in the costume may have very limited vision, and may have a limited amount of time they can spend before they will need to take a rest/pause to cool down. Please do not ask unrealistic things of attendees in costume (including, but not limited to: climbing trees, running in a specific direction for your video, jumping, etc.) unless they specifically state that they are OK with doing such actions.
Also be aware of the fact that other attendees are wearing their costumes as a means of self-expression, that is, they are not specifically there for your entertainment. For example, you may wish to approach an attendee in costume for a hug. Wave or speak to them to get their attention and politely ask them, but please do not be offended if they say no as some people are uncomfortable with being hugged. Please respect their wishes and respect their personal space.
Under NO circumstances should you grab parts of a costume, such as a tail, without clear verbal consent. Anyone found to be damaging or mistreating another person’s costume will face consequences the same as if you were harassing or bullying someone. You may even be expected to pay for repairs or replacement costs.
Do not approach an attendee in costume from behind. If you want to get their attention, approach them from the front and speak or wave to get their attention. Some attendees in costume will not speak - some prefer to use pantomime in order to communicate. Please respect their method of performing.If you are planning to wear a costume please make sure that you are prepared for the day, organise a handler for yourself, keep your belongings in a safe and compact space and plan for needing your own hydration. Most costume friendly events will have a private area for you to change, however this is not guaranteed. Also, keep in mind that during high traffic periods of the event, people in costume will be given priority use of the elevators in the venue.
“Headless” areas will be designated for attendees wearing costumes known as “fursuits” and their designated handlers only. However if you are using this space, please do not treat it like your own bedroom. It is a space for all attendees in fursuit to use, please be courteous and try not to take up a lot of space. If you are done wearing your fursuit for the day/evening, please pack up your costume and store it in an appropriate area, not in the designated headless area. If you are in costume and you feel unwell, get help immediately. Do NOT try to push through it for the sake of a photo/walk/etc.
We do like to remind people that we are often in public spaces and the public eye. While we respect that everyone has different values, please keep in mind that you are in the company of others. Most members of the public won’t mind seeing you hug your partner, but please keep all behaviour appropriate for a level of public decency. Sexually charged behaviour in or around the convention space and events will not be tolerated, as well as badges, room signs, stickers or identifiers that are of a NSFW (Not Safe for Work) nature.
While it might be fun to make your own personal mark, we ask that you do not place stickers or marks on any property not intended for that purpose, such as a convection sponsored sticker wall. It can incur fines and possibly criminal charges relating to vandalism and/or graffiti and it’s disrespectful to the venues, public spaces and local communities that strive to keep their property clean and presentable for everyone. It also affects our ability to work with the venues and spaces to provide you all a fantastic convention experience.
If you want to leave your mark in the form of a sticker, we’ll have a bulletin board in the conspace that you can add your own sticker to, provided it is inoffensive and SFW (Safe For Work).Be aware that photos and video will be taken at Aurawra. If you do not wish to be in photos or video footage, please politely tell the photographer/videographer and make an effort to stay clear if they are attending something larger (group shots/fursuit shots/etc.). For those with cameras we do ask that you respect the wishes of the attendees and try to work with them so that everyone is able to have the best time possible. Photos and any recorded media of the Dealers Den area may only be taken with the express permission of the vendors involved. Photos or any recorded media are strictly prohibited in the Headless Lounge and Con-Ops.
When you register for Aurawra, you will be given an official convention badge. This badge is your identification for any and all events that you attend during Aurawra. You will be required to produce this for entry to the convention space and scheduled events, so make sure you have it on you! Using another person’s badge, using or producing a counterfeit badge, or “ghosting”, will result in you and the owner of the badge being asked to leave the event and you may both be banned from attending further events.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted within the conspace. Please make use of designated areas outside the hotel if you wish to do so.
If you plan to bring a bag into the conspace, please be aware our volunteers and staff will ask to inspect the contents of your bag for the safety of the convention space. Refusing to allow a bag inspection may result in you being asked to leave the event.
Hotel Rules
Attendees may not enter service areas of the hotel unless on behest of hotel staff. This includes but is not limited to backstage areas, service elevators, emergency exits or anywhere that is defined as “Staff Only”.
Do not attempt to overload the elevators, and do not jump or cause any commotion in the elevators.
It is strictly forbidden to throw, dangle or hang anything over any balcony, window or any elevated location in the hotel.
The area around Olympic Park specifically prohibits the use of drones without proper authority. Drones may not be used without permission from both the local authorities and the NSWAG Board, provided the user holds the appropriate licences to do so.
Consumption of any food and drink purchased outside the hotel cannot be consumed on hotel property, with the exception of your own private room.
Disabling or deliberately triggering any form of fire protection system or security system (such as smoke detectors, door alarms or sprinklers) is strictly prohibited.
No sleeping in the lobby, hallways or convention areas. If you don’t have your own room, please do not attempt to stay at the hotel.
No large electrical devices or appliances are to be operated in rooms, including heating or cooling devices. Small fans, phone chargers, laptops or tablets are fine, but don’t bring anything bigger please.
No pets or animals are allowed inside the hotel. Only official assistance animals are permitted.
Sale of merchandise outside the Dealers Den and/or Artist Alley is not permitted without permission from the NSWAG Board, and is not permitted in public spaces around Olympic Park or in the Hotel.
Display of Not Safe For Work (NSFW) materials is not permitted in public areas of the hotel, including but not limited to on doors, in hallways or as part of flyers, posters or stickers.
Use of stickers on any public or hotel property is prohibited and is considered vandalism. This can be reported to the local authorities.
Private gatherings in rooms are at the risk of the room owner. Complaints may lead to consequences with the hotel. NSWAG will not support you if you are evicted from the hotel for reckless behaviour.
Please endeavour to keep your rooms in a tidy state. Bag your trash and don’t leave a mess. Housekeeping staff deserve some respect too. Extra costs to your room bill may be incurred if your room is not left in an appropriate state.
Rules Regarding Artists and Crafters
The furry community has a large contingent of talented and crafty people. We know this as we know that art and craft is one of the foundations of furry culture. So for those with talent to share we have a few small rules and regulations if you feel like opening for commissions during Aurawra:
At Aurawra there will be a Dealers Den area available for Artists and Crafters to sell their goods over the course of the convention. Availability will be announced via our official website and social media channels.
Additionally, there will be an Artist Alley available on Sunday for artists to take table commissions or sell small items. This will be a casual space and first come first serve. It is not intended to be a second Dealer’s Den and as such table banners or customising table space will be prohibited. Questions regarding the Artist's Alley can be forwarded to aurawracon@gmail.com
Please be aware we do not have any other spaces dedicated for sellers besides the Dealers Den and Artist Alley. If you set up for trade in another convention space you will be asked to pack up and leave the area. Opening for commissions using your own social media profiles during the event and finding a place to sit down and do art is fine. Appropriating a chill out space for selling goods is not.
In the state of NSW it is illegal to solicit or sell items on public land. As such please do not attempt to sell your wares in any public spaces around the hotel, or in spaces not specified for the convention. NSWAG and Aurawra will take no responsibility for any legal repercussions against any individual(s) caught doing this.
Please be aware that while the Dealers Den and Artist Alley are hosted in private areas, we expect a certain level of public decency even though we are an 18+ event. Display or sale of merchandise of a nature that would be considered illegal in the state of NSW will lead to you being removed from the event and receiving a PERMANENT LIFETIME BAN from further NSWAG run or auspiced events and their details will be forwarded to NSW law enforcement.
Materials or goods deemed offensive or unhygienic by the organisers are not allowed and will result in you being asked to leave and possibly result in you being banned from the event and future events.
Media Policy
All journalists, media photographers, and any other members of the press are required to display an official Aurawra Press Pass and must be accompanied by a Aurawra Board Member at all times while in the venue. Members of the press who have not been issued a Press Pass may not conduct interviews or take photographs, audio or video footage.
If members of the media are present, attendees must act responsibly. All opinions are of a personal nature and are not representative of the views of NSWAG, its individual staff members or the convention. Media representatives who do not have Press Pass and are not escorted by an Aurawra Board Member should be reported to Aurawra staff immediately. Do not speak to any unbadged and unescorted members of the press.
Aurawra attendees should be aware that audio and/or video recordings may be made in event areas and that their likenesses may appear in those recordings. Individual attendees agree to assign without compensation the use of their likeness(es) at the event for the use of promotional material.
NSWAG grants you the right to use videos and photos you have taken at the convention for private and/or non-commercial purposes. Any clips not officially released by NSWAG that are used in contravention to the above may lead to you being banned from future NSWAG operated or auspiced events.
While we encourage people to keep personal memories of their time at our events, it is a breach in copyright to release any performance material that is not your own. This includes, but is not limited to comedy and musical performances. Any breach in this law will be reported to the appropriate authorities, and may result in you being banned from future NSWAG run or auspiced events.
Volunteers
Aurawra will be a large event with a lot of attendees. To support the efforts of our staff, we will be giving people the opportunity to volunteer their time to help make sure the convention runs smoothly. Jobs could be but are not limited to:
Room and panel setup
Badge checking, door duty
Registration desk duty
Area cleanup
Fursuit handling and water carrying
This role requires responsibility and also requires you to sacrifice some of your time at the con to ensure others have the best time possible. If you think you have what it takes to be part of this dynamic team, fill in the form on this page.
As volunteers you will answer to the Aurawra Personnel Manager, or one of our Volunteer Supervisors, and work to a roster. You will be expected to be punctual, responsible and friendly to convention attendees and members of the public.
You will be expected to work at least ten (10) hours on our volunteer roster to qualify for the rewards that are given for your service. While we will set out to be fair on disposition of duties and will attempt to work with you as best we can to make sure you still get to be involved as an attendee, you may be required to work when you wish to be elsewhere.
Relinquishing or abandoning of your duties as a Volunteer negates any reward or compensation that would have been provided to you as Volunteer Staff, and you will be refused the opportunity to work as a Volunteer on NSWAG run or auspiced events in future.
You will be expected to attend pre-event briefings if necessary, particularly for larger events. Not showing up to a briefing will be considered the same as abandonment of duty.
We ask that if you know you will be absent, or if something happens that prevents you from performing your volunteer duties, let the staff know as soon as possible.
Covid 19 Mask and Vaccination Policy
Staff, Volunteers and Attendees taking part in any NSWAG run or auspiced events are required to be at minimum double vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, or have proof of an official medical exemption. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination or proof of exemption at the beginning of the event.
NSWAG reserves the right to refuse entry or participation in any auspiced events to persons who cannot prove their vaccination status or show proof of exemption.
Falsifying or lying about your vaccination status may lead to a PERMANENT ban from all NSWAG run or auspiced events.
Masks are strongly recommended in all areas of our event spaces, to help prevent further spread of the Covid-19 virus. Furthermore, it will be mandatory to wear a mask in the signposted areas and at all internal events during the convention. Persons refusing to wear a mask in mandatory areas will be asked to leave the event, and may be refused entry into future NSWAG run or auspiced events.