Co-designing contemporary opportunities with people living with disability
In 2020, the Department of Human Services (DHS) commissioned Think Human to lead the HFI Trust Beneficiary Engagement Project, a landmark initiative to determine the future of the Trust that owns Highgate Park (formerly the Julia Farr Centre). This project was deeply rooted in co-design principles, placing people living with disability at the centre of decision-making.
The engagement process was structured in multiple phases, beginning with scoping and relationship-building, including targeted outreach to people living with a range of disabilities, physical, intellectual and psycho-social. The team conducted interviews, focus groups, and reflective sessions to shape an inclusive engagement plan, with a rapid redesign of methodology as the realities of Covid restrictions hit home!
A sub-group of participants with lived experience and their allies co-developed the final recommendations. These were grounded in themes of inclusion, governance reform, and long-term sustainability. One key recommendation was the establishment of a new governance structure in which people with disability would serve as central decision-makers—embodying the principle of “nothing about us, without us”.
The process was emotionally resonant and historically significant, acknowledging the legacy of institutionalisation while envisioning a future of empowerment and autonomy. The final report, delivered to the Minister, reflected the authentic voices and aspirations of the disability community.
This project stands as a model for ethical, inclusive co-design—demonstrating how genuine engagement can shape policy and governance in ways that honour lived experience and foster systemic change.
As a result of this work a Working Group made up predominantly of people living with disabilities was established to work in partnership with the Minister of Human Services to oversee the sale of the Highgate Park site in 2024. People living with disability continue to be at the centre of decision-making about the ongoing use of the money raised.
Highgate Park, which was sold in 2024 with proceeds going to support the lives of people living with disability in South Australia.
