Connor Rowntree

Rocky Bay Lead Support Worker, Elle-Shae, has known Connor for around 10 years. She said that while naturally there was an adjustment period, Connor settled into his new home well, moving in with two other customers he already knew.

“It takes time to get used to everyone’s different routines,” said Elle-Shae. “But for Connor, once he learns what that is, he’s fine. Consistency is what he needed, and we make sure that every shift there is at least one person he knows.”

That familiarity was something Sue said was critical and helped make the transition smoother.

“Having faces he knew was important,” said Sue. “He’d been going to respite for a long, long time, so we were lucky that a few of the staff put their hands up to move over to the SIL accommodation with him. So he had I think four staff that he knew, and some night-staff too.”

Connor is clearly very fond of Elle-Shae, giving out the hugs and holding her hand to lead her to where he wants to go. There’s a mutual understanding between them, evident from how they interact. It doesn’t feel like customer and Rocky Bay employee, it feels like family. Elle-Shae talks affectionately about Connor and about the things that are important in his life.

“Anyone that knows Connor knows he likes to keep active,” Elle-Shae smiled. “He loves going to the E Shed on a Friday and having a dance. And he loves the bus and the train. He would go on one every single day if he could!”

“CAT bus,” Connor agreed.

“And Connor’s a social butterfly – he’ll talk to every man and his dog!” laughed Elle-Shae.

Quite literally.

“He loves dogs, don’t you?” Elle-Shae asked Connor, who nodded enthusiastically. He is looking forward to meeting Willow, the new puppy his mum will soon bring home.

And it turns out Connor has an impressive memory.

“He has the memory of an elephant,” said Elle-Shae. “He’ll say to you, ‘Oh, I saw you at the zoo.’ And it might have been that you took him to the zoo six years ago. And he’ll remember every team member – he’ll remember your roster and be like, ‘Oh, you’ve got a day off tomorrow’!”

Connor is also known for being helpful around the home – or at least taking credit for being helpful!

“He’ll help with anything,” said Elle-Shae. “You help cook, you help wash, you’ve got lots of jobs, haven’t you Con?”

And Connor’s favourite household responsibility?

“The bins,” said Elle-Shae. “He loves to take the bins out and watch the bin truck come.”

“What’s tomorrow?” she asked. “Bin truck,” Connor replied.

His helpful nature extends to visitors too. During our conversation, Connor offered to make coffee before quickly suggesting Roy, a support worker would do it.

“Connor’s very good at starting things for like a split second and then you do the rest!” laughed Elle-Shae.

He also enjoys reminding everyone how much he contributes around the house.

“Gary (Connor’s housemate) will be cooking and Connor will say, ‘I made these!'”

One of the biggest successes of the move has been the growing relationships between the housemates.

“The housemates are very well matched,” said Elle-Shae. “They’re all a bit cheeky. Gary’s got a pet snake, like a toy snake. Oh, I think it’s a dragon, actually! One of those 3D printed ones. And he shoves it down Connor’s shirt and they have play fights with the toys!”

When asked what he likes most about living in the house, Connor’s first answer is characteristically confident.

“Me.”

After a laugh, he offers another response.

“Cooking.”

“What do you like to cook?” asked Elle-Shae.

“Nothing!” he said, smiling.

It’s these moments that highlight what home is really about: being comfortable in your own environment and enjoying genuine friendships.

It’s a family away from family.