Building Belonging Together: Community Gathering & AGM

This International Day of People with Disability, join Hunter Circles for an evening of conversation about what keeps people safe, what we're learning about building friendships and belonging, and what we can do together to create communities where everyone matters.

We'll be joined by visiting researchers, advocates and community members to share ideas, research findings and reflections from the past year.

Here's what's planned:

5.15–5.30pm | Hunter Circles AGM

A short AGM to take care of formal business.

5.30–6.00pm | Panel: What keeps people safe?

A conversation with:

• Jeff Smith, NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner

• Professor Sally Robinson, Flinders University

• Ruby Nankivell, Flinders University, a community researcher with lived experience of intellectual disability

• Leigh Creighton, Peer Leader at Hunter Circles

Drawing on research, lived experience and advocacy, we'll explore the role of relationships, community and belonging in preventing everyday harm, and why keeping people safe is about more than services, policies and procedures.

6.00–6.20pm | Building belonging – what we're learning

Over the past two years, Hunter Circles has been part of Community for Everyone, a project supporting people with intellectual disability who are profoundly isolated to get to know community members with shared interests, build friendships and become part of community life.

Professor Karen Fisher (UNSW), who co-led the project research, will share key findings and reflect on what we've learned along the way.

We'll also share some of the stories, ideas and resources emerging from our work.

6.20–6.30pm | What's next for Hunter Circles?

A look ahead to our Meet-Ups, Community Conversations and opportunities to get involved.

From 6.30pm | Drinks, nibbles and conversation

Everyone is welcome. Registration is free.

Before our evening gathering, Hunter Circles is hosting Working Together: Preventing Everyday Harm, a free, interactive workshop from 2.30–5.00pm at Newcastle Museum.

Join us to explore what everyday harm looks like for people with disability, how we can recognise it, and what we can all do to prevent it.

Everyone is welcome. Come to one event or stay for both!

Register for Working Together: Preventing Everyday Harm

We recommend public transport where possible. Several options are within walking distance of the museum. For venue details, directions and parking information, visit Newcastle Museum website:

https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/visit/getting-here

Public transport

• Light rail: Civic Station (closest)

• Bus: Routes 11 (to University House) & 13 (to King St)

• Train: approx. 25 minutes to walk from Newcastle Interchange

Parking (nearby options)

Indoor parking

• Gibson Street – 291 King St ($21–$29 casual): https://www.huntercarparks.com.au/parking-options/

• Harbour Car Park (Argyle St) – flat rate $21: https://www.firstparking.com.au/locations/11-argyle-st/

Outdoor parking

• No. 2 Sportsground (behind Marketown) – $12 all day (EasyPark App)

• Throsby Car Park – $12 per day (Parki App)

• Centenary Rd Car Park – approx. $17 (Wilson Parking App)