King of my castle: Finding home
This presentation will share Robert King’s story of finding his own home after years living in institutions, and what it means to be king of his own castle; having control over his life, his space, and his future.
Having a home is more than having a house. This session will explore how relationships and connections with people in the local community help create the foundation for truly individualised homes and lives. When people are known, respected and connected, home becomes a place of belonging, not just somewhere to live.
Together, Robert King and Jen Cush will share their work in the Hunter region, establishing foundation Circles of Support with people who have left institutions. These small groups of friends and allies gather around a person to support them in building lives of belonging in their communities.
Speakers
-
Robert King
Robert King is a peer leader, filmmaker and advocate with Hunter Circles. He spent 50 years living in disability institutions. For all his adult life, Robert wanted to live in a home of his own, but for many years his wishes were ignored.
Through determination, a strong vision for his life and building a Circle of Support, Robert now lives in his own accessible apartment, surrounded by family, friends, supporters and community - living a life that reflects his choices.
Robert’s leadership and innovation were recognised in 2023 when he received the National Award for Disability Leadership (Innovation). The award acknowledged his work challenging assumptions about what is possible for people with significant disability, and the way he has brought together technology, relationships and community to build a life of self-determination, connection and belonging.
Robert is passionate about sharing his story so that other people with disability can imagine new possibilities. He enjoys filmmaking and has created a short film, King of My Castle, telling the story of moving from institutional life to living in his own home.
Robert brings a powerful lived experience perspective to his work and hopes audiences leave believing that everyone can shape their own life and future.
-
Jen Cush
Jen Cush is the founder and Executive Officer of Hunter Circles, an organisation committed to building Circles of Support with people with disability who are profoundly isolated, including people who have lived in institutions or experienced long-term exclusion.
With 30 years’ experience working alongside people with disability, families and communities, Jen focuses on strengthening relationships, sharing power and building Circles of Support — small groups of friends and allies who gather around a person as they pursue the life they choose. Her work is grounded in the belief that safety and a good life grow through relationships — that it’s people who keep people safe and give life meaning.
Jen brings a perspective that combines community development, advocacy and a deep belief in the wisdom of lived experience. She works closely alongside leaders with disability, recognising that people who have experienced isolation hold the clearest insights about what needs to change. Together, they explore how communities can share responsibility for inclusion and safeguarding.
She hopes audiences leave with a renewed sense that communities have an important role to play in creating lives of belonging, and that small groups of people coming together can help make big change possible.
