Hunter Disability Expo Returns with Star Advocate Kirsten Busby

On May 10th and 11th, the Hunter Disability Expo, featuring blind soprano sensation Kirsten Busby as this year's ambassador, will make a triumphant return. Kirsten, known for her extraordinary talent and passionate advocacy for disability rights, will open the Expo with a stirring vocal performance and share her journey of overcoming challenges to succeed in the arts world.   

As an advocate for disability rights, particularly in the arts, Kirsten Busby has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout her career; where directors were hesitant to cast her in performances, but she broke out of the stigma and has earned acclaim on global stages and will share her story onstage to inspire others to break through limitations.  

With approximately 75,884 people in the Hunter region living with profound or severe disabilities, comprising 6.6% of the population (compared to NSW's 5.6%), the Hunter Disability Expo aims to support the local community by bringing together hundreds of service providers in an inclusive environment.   

Unique to this year's Expo is the inclusion of Scuba Gym Australia, which offers innovative scuba therapy experiences for people with disabilities. These experiences allow people with MS, autism, and quadriplegics to remove all their limitations while underwater, strengthening their minds and using the parts of their bodies they don't use in everyday life.   

To lend her support to this important event, local MP Sharon Claydon, a fifth-generation Novocastrian who has worked in the community-based disabilities sector, will also attend the opening ceremony.  

"We are so honoured to have superstar blind soprano Kirsten Busby's presence at the Expo, as she perfectly represents the empowerment that defines all our expos," says Kathryn Carey, Director of the Hunter Disability Expo. Our partnership with BindiMaps will also ensure accessibility for people with low vision can navigate the venue easily." 

Additionally, the Expo will showcase NDIS providers, which offer a range of services, including independent living support, mental health services like Sunflower Services, which provides psychosocial recovery coaching, and social leisure opportunities like Balloon Aloft, which offers balloon flights for people with disabilities in the Hunter.  

The Hunter Disability Expo is free to attend and invites people with disabilities, families, and caregivers to attend on May 10th and 11th at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

For further details, please visit www.hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au