Meet Claire Tassone, Advocare’s first-ever Pilbara Outreach Advocate. Her story is a blend of passion, dedication, and a genuine love for the Pilbara region and its people.
Claire was drawn to her new role after attending a local information session last year, where she heard about Advocare, and how we respect and support older people to assert their human rights and to assist them in making decisions to live the best life they can. Claire was instantly captivated by our presenters’ energy and passion for older people. For her, joining the team felt like the natural next step in her journey, especially since it meant she could continue working in the Pilbara, a place she cares for deeply.
With a strong background in nursing, Claire’s experience spans from general medical and surgical care to running a day procedure unit attached to a busy operating theatre. Her move to Newman, however, brought her closer to the people of the Pilbara, where she worked at a day centre, focusing on the medical needs of the First Nations community. It was here Claire first began advocating for the people around her. Advocacy, she says, was a huge part of her nursing role, and now she gets to focus on that full-time with Advocare.
Giving a voice to the people of the Pilbara
For Claire, however, the role is more than just a job, it’s about giving older people in the community a voice. “This generation isn’t always heard, and they too have rights,” she says. It’s important to Claire that these people feel supported and listened to.
Outside of work, Claire’s all about balance. Family comes first, and she cherishes time spent with her husband, two kids, and their dogs. Caravaning, travelling, and catching up with friends are her favourite ways to relax. And, if you catch her during downtime, you might find her binge-watching a good Netflix series or indulging in an art project (even if it’s a short-term one). She’s also not shy in sharing she’s a big Robbie Williams fan!
Joining Advocare has been a very positive experience for Claire, who speaks highly of the friendliness, support, and positive attitude she’s encountered within the team, despite her being hundreds of kilometres away from the Perth head office as one of our four place-based advocates. “I certainly enjoy making the trip down to Perth for team development days to see my colleagues face-to-face, but I’m always happy to get home to my own patch and to see my family.”
Claire’s journey reflects her deep commitment to her community and her passion for making sure everyone is heard. Advocare, and the people of the Pilbara, are lucky to have her!
If you live in the Pilbara you can chat to Claire by calling 1800 655 566, by email at rights@advocare.org.au or you can make an appointment to catch up in person.
