Capricorn Citizen Advocacy

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy (CCA) is a small not for profit, community-lead, placed-based organisation based in Rockhampton, governed by a Management Committee and funded by Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.

CCA was established in 1999 to implement a disability advocacy program in the area governed by Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council. Our area now covers Rockhampton Region, Livingstone Shire, Banana Shire, Central Highlands Region, Longreach Region, Blackall-Tambo Region, Barcaldine Region, Diamantina Shire, Barcoo Shire, Gladstone Region, Winton Shire and Woorabinda Shire with a total population of 240,000.

Citizen Advocacy

Citizen Advocacy is a model of disability advocacy based upon Wolfensberger's theory of Social Role Valorisation.  It is a community based movement which recognises, promotes and protects the welfare and interests of people who have disabilities.

CCA recruits and supports freely given relationships between everyday members of the community (citizen advocates) and people with disabilities (protégés) who are vulnerable and who have unmet needs.  It provides a practical way in which citizens, ordinary members of the community, can make a positive difference.  CCA delivers Citizen Advocacy in the local government areas of Rockhampton and Livingstone.

Individual Advocacy

Capricorn Citizen Advocacy also provides an individual client advocacy service called ‘Vantage Point’. The Vantage Point advocacy service provides a free, non-legal disability advocacy advice service. It is available across all areas of Central Queensland, including areas west of Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast to the Northern Territory. 

The service can be provided in person, via phone or other communication mode at a mutually suitable time.  Direct advocacy, information, advice and onwards referral are provided. CCA’s Vantage Point regularly visits the regional, rural and remote centres in our coverage area.  The primary focus of this advocacy service is on fundamental needs.

CCA is funded by the State Government’s Queensland Disability Advocacy Program (QDAP).