With more than two decades of unwavering commitment to public service, social justice, and legal advocacy, Aury Van Sanden stands as a formidable voice for equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalised communities. Drawing from an extensive professional background and academic foundation that includes qualifications in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts, and formal legal training, Aury brings a rare and impactful blend of practical experience and multidisciplinary knowledge to every sphere she influences.
Aury’s public sector career spans over 22 years, the majority of which has been dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. Within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, she has served in a wide range of frontline and specialist roles, most notably spending 12 years as a Court Officer in the Child Protection Program. In this role, she worked closely with legal and welfare stakeholders, tirelessly advocating for the safety, dignity, and long-term outcomes of children in Victoria’s child protection system. Her approach, grounded in compassion and guided by procedural integrity, has contributed to tangible improvements in the lives of countless families navigating systemic challenges.
Driven by her passion for empowering those who face structural barriers to opportunity, Aury founded Void to Voyage, a registered NDIS disability service provider. This venture is built on the principle that every individual—regardless of ability—deserves access to tailored, compassionate, and empowering care. Under her leadership, Void to Voyage has become a trusted name in community-based disability support, focused on helping clients achieve autonomy, purpose, and connectedness in their daily lives.
Her commitment to equity extends beyond public service and social care. As Program Director of the Australian Salvadoran Legal Support Service, Aury applies her legal and advocacy acumen to provide pro bono legal assistance to members of the Salvadoran community across Australia. Her work is informed not only by legal expertise but also by lived experience and cultural understanding, allowing her to bridge the gap between migrant communities and justice systems that often remain inaccessible or unfamiliar.
Aury’s leadership also spans the business and diplomatic sectors. As the President of the El Salvador Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she plays a key role in nurturing bilateral engagement between Australia and El Salvador. In this role, she champions initiatives that promote trade, social enterprise, knowledge exchange, and cultural diplomacy, contributing to the broader economic empowerment of Salvadoran Australians and enhancing the visibility of El Salvador within Australia’s multicultural and business landscapes.
In every endeavour, Aury Van Sanden embodies the values of integrity, service, and transformative leadership. Her career is a testament to the power of advocacy-led change, and she continues to be a passionate force for progress in legal, social, and community development sectors.
