CQUniversity's Dr Simon Burgess is among several staff members* who provide voluntary help to assist people with disabilities or disadvantaged circumstances through Capricorn Citizen Advocacy...

Dr Simon Burgess

Celebrate Disability Action Week September 5-11

LINK HERE to read about positive feedback to our disability survey

Simon is currently helping as a mentor and advocate for an autistic boy who needs guidance with his transition into high school. He mentions that the advocacy organisation would welcome enquiries from others who may be willing to act in a similar capacity or would like to find out more (Ph. 4922 0299).

What was a key turning point for you?

"I found an interest in the study of philosophy as this helps you to think clearly and this led to my PhD research on moral philosophy. The PhD led to work with Noel Pearson at the Cape York Institute in Cairns. I had always been impressed by him as an intellectual and leader," Simon said.

What are you doing now?

"I'm a lecturer at Nulloo Yumbah, CQUniversity's Indigenous Learning, Spirituality & Research Centre.

What's coming up in future?

"I'm looking forward to continuing my role with Nulloo Yumbah."

What do you do outside the campus?

"I enjoy golf and using power tools for woodcraft."

What's something people may not know about you?

"After I finished school I worked for a year as a pastry cook and thereby learned the vital art of how to juggle lumps of dough. Immediately before coming to Nulloo Yumbah I was working as the project manager for the Aurukun Kang Kang Workforce, an Indigenous employment and training initiative up in the Cape York Peninsula."

What advice do you have for young people?

"Throw yourself into your studies and try to think clearly about issues. It pays to be self-motivated and interested in how the world works."

* Capricorn Citizen Advocacy associates include CQUniversity staff members Wayne Jones, Michelle Kerr and Associate Professor Kristy Richardson as well as recent staff member Marilyn Fisher.