For decades, countless people with intellectual disability lived in institutions across NSW, segregated away from society and denied the right to live fully included lives in the community. People had no real choice about where they lived or how they spent their lives.
Now that the institutions in the Hunter have closed, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the end of the movement for inclusion and full citizenship. We must continue learning from the past, ensure institutional sites are used in ways that honour and remember those who lived there and acknowledge the harm so many people experienced. As the Disability Royal Commission has shown, there is still so much to do before people with intellectual disability have the same opportunities others take for granted.
About the film – Moving Forward From Institutions
This new film shares the voices of people who used to live in institutions and those who advocated for their closure. It features:
🔹 Rob’s story—his experience in institutions and his journey forward.
🔹 Jim Simpson – Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) —on decades of advocacy to close institutions.
🔹 A tribute to Kim Walker—a leading self-advocate who fought for the closure of institutions.
🔹 Presented by Leigh Creighton—long-time human rights advocate.
This screening also supports Rob’s fundraising campaign to help him buy a second-hand wheelchair-accessible vehicle. This van will give Rob what he needs to grow his filmmaking business, so he can share his story and empower others to share theirs.
Why Attend?
🔹Be part of the movement for justice and inclusion—learn from the past and take action for a more inclusive future.
🔹Honour Kim Walker’s legacy—in the fight for disability rights.
🔹Learn from lived experience—hear from people directly affected by institutionalisation.
🔹Get behind Rob—help him reach his fundraising goal for a wheelchair-accessible van.
Event Details
📅 Thursday, 29 May 2025
📍 Soul Hub, 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle
🕡 Arrive from 6:30 PM, for food & drinks.
🗣️ Welcome to Country at 7:00 PM, followed by speeches and a 15-minute film screening.
🎟️ Tickets: $30 – all proceeds go directly to Rob’s GoFundMe.
All funds raised will go directly to Rob’s GoFundMe campaign
👉 Book now!
💰 Donate to Rob’s GoFundMe directly now!
Together, we can ensure the lessons of the past can drive real change – today and for the future.
