Capricorn Citizen Advocacy Inc

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy Inc is a not-for-profit, community-based disability advocacy organisation located in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1995, the organisation is dedicated to supporting individuals with cognitive or communication disabilities who may be vulnerable to isolation and rely heavily on others for daily support. It operates under the governance of a Management Committee and holds charitable status.[2][4]

History

The origins of Capricorn Citizen Advocacy trace back to 1995 with the formation of the Rockhampton Advocacy Development Focus Group, a collective committed to assisting people with disabilities from multiple perspectives. In 1998, the initiative formalised as "Advocacy Works," followed by a successful funding application and the first public meeting in 1999. The organisation employed its first coordinator in 2000, alongside an administration officer, and opened a dedicated office in George Street, Rockhampton the same year.[3]

Throughout the early 2000s, Capricorn Citizen Advocacy experienced several leadership transitions while maintaining steady growth in service delivery and advocacy matches. Notably, it successfully completed the Citizen Advocacy Program Evaluation (CAPE) twice, in 2002 and 2006, and achieved Disability Sector Quality System Accreditation in 2008.[3]

Mission and Services

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy provides one-to-one citizen advocacy by creating unique, enduring relationships between volunteers (Advocates) and people with disabilities (Proteges). The advocacy model focuses on developing personal connections through shared experiences, learning new skills together, and understanding life from the perspective of the person being supported. This approach helps ensure that Proteges’ rights are recognised, their voices heard, and their decisions respected.[1]

Advocates commit to taking action when needed, representing the interests of the Proteges, and supporting them in an environment of justice, acceptance, and dignity. The organisation aims to combat isolation and exclusion by promoting inclusion and facilitating access to services and opportunities in the wider community.[1]

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy also plays a role in helping clients navigate the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other mainstream support systems, addressing discrimination, and supporting informed decision-making.[5]

Governance and Membership

The organisation operates under a community-based Management Committee that oversees its governance and strategic direction. Capricorn Citizen Advocacy offers membership opportunities to those interested in supporting or volunteering with its programs.[3][4]

Recognition

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2009, highlighting over a decade of commitment to disability advocacy in the Rockhampton region. Its ongoing dedication to quality and effectiveness has been demonstrated through continuous program evaluations and sector accreditation achievements.[3]

This article summarises Capricorn Citizen Advocacy Inc's history, mission, and activities as a key disability advocacy organisation in Queensland, Australia.

[1] https://www.capca.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f3398be4-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [3] https://www.capca.org.au/capricorn-citizen-advocacy/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f3398be4-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/e7154f8e-a5d2-e811-a966-000d3ad0574c [5] https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/legal-and-rights/advocacy