Advocability: Rehabilitation and Disability Advocacy Services

Chithrani Palipana MRCAA

Master of Rehabilitation Counselling, Disability Advocate, Graduate Diploma of Case Management, JP (Qual)

Chithrani Palipana is a dedicated mother, qualified rehabilitation counsellor, plan manager and disability advocate who has given up years of her life to see her son achieve his dreams.

In 2010, Chithrani's world was forever changed when her son Dinesh, a third year medical student, was paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident. With her unwavering love & commitment, she made a promise to stand by his side through every challenge. Her dedication and support has been the foundation for Dinesh's remarkable journey—helping him not only achieve his dream of becoming a doctor, but also, earn his qualification as a practising lawyer.

Dr Palipana made headlines with his triumph of qualifying and registering as the first quadriplegic doctor in Queensland. He is also considered to be one of the best interns to have ever graduated from Griffith's School of Medicine and now works for Queensland Health. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to medicine and is 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year.

Chithrani continued to follow her passion in supporting people with disability and became a qualified rehabilitation counsellor (working to support people with disabilities).
Her son's life changing experience has deeply inspired her and broadened her understanding of the road to rehabilitation, the disability sector and the inner workings of the NDIS.

Through her lived-experience, Chithrani is well equipped to empathise with, and support people with disabilities - with a genuine interest in helping individuals to not only recover and rehabilitate, but to gain independence, achieve their life goals, and importantly, to thrive!

Chithrani is a strong advocate for people with disability and has proven success in navigating the tedious NDIS system.

Kristie Wells CPA

Chartered Practising Accountant (CPA)

Kristie has extensive experience providing accounting services to businesses and individuals. Kristie is a partner of an accounting firm based in Southport. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a registered tax agent and a member of CPA Australia.

Feel free to reach out to Kristie if you are struggling with your taxes or not understanding NDIS and GST, she has a wealth of knowledge in these areas.

Kristie can also provide assistance with:

- Financial Counselling

- Financial decision making, daily planning and budgeting

- Business taxation

- Personal taxation

With our worlds turned upside down, having no experience in navigating what to do, or what to expect next, Chithrani appeared in our lives like an angel.

She held me when I cried, she supported me with NDIS navigation, she reminded us there was a future - and a bright one.

Chithrani has exceptional skills and experience to learn from - guidance and wisdom to gain strength from.

I would recommend everyone who sadly has to endure this experience, partner with Chithrani for counsel and support to weather the storm - she is worth her weight in gold.

MICHELLE BOTTRALL

Chithrani is a true gem!
She come into my life by chance, when her son, Dr Dinesh Palipana introduced us. At the time, I had been seeking employment for 18 months, and despite my excellent qualifications and experience, had found this incredibly challenging due to my hearing disability. Within two weeks, Chithrani had arranged an interview for me, and I started my dream job soon after, which I am still enjoying and thriving in, to this day.

Chithrani is fully versed in the inner workings of the NDIS. She helped me apply and advocated strongly when I ran into challenges navigating the often difficult system, so I could successfully obtain the funding and supports needed in my daily life.

Chithrani is a warm, knowledgeable counsellor and advocate, with a can-do attitude, who makes things happen. She has become a cherished friend, and comes highly recommended!

JOE-ANNE KEK-PAMENTER

★★★★★

Our Location

Advocability is located on the Gold Coast, Australia, providing essential services in Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling, Plan Management Services and Disability Advocacy.

Address

PO Box 1701
SOUTHPORT BC QLD 4215

Hours

Mon-Fri
9 AM - 5 PM

Contact

E: chithrani@advocability.com.au
M: +61 432 799 510