Who Is Values in Action & Why do we exist?
Values in Action Association’s (ViAA) main purpose is to provide opportunities to learn about Social Role Valorisation (SRV). SRV is a theory by Wolf Wolfensberger that says people are much more likely to experience the ‘good things in life’, such as dignity, respect, meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging, if they hold socially valued roles. SRV strategies can be used to support people who experience devaluation or marginalisation to experience the good things in life.
The people that connect with ViAA include people with disability, their family members, carers and supporters and a range of workers and human service organisations. SRV is also relevant to people with mental health challenges, older people, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and people at risk of homelessness.
ViAA is a Queensland based, independent grass roots organisation. We do not receive funding and we are run by volunteers.
The people that connect with ViAA include people with disability, their family members, carers and supporters and a range of workers and human service organisations. SRV is also relevant to people with mental health challenges, older people, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and people at risk of homelessness.
ViAA is a Queensland based, independent grass roots organisation. We do not receive funding and we are run by volunteers.
What does Values in Action do?
- Run SRV theory workshops and courses
- Encourage people who use SRV to connect with one another
- Create and share resources about SRV
- Mentor people who want to better understand SRV
- Support the work of like-minded organisations, such as ASRVA (Australian Social Role Valorisation Association).
Management Committee
Danielle Mason – President
Danielle was first exposed to SRV when working as a support worker for a small disability service in Brisbane. SRV has remained relevant and useful across a range of service settings and roles, including in her most recent work role with Community Resource Unit. Danielle has been a committee member of Values in Action since 2016 and has co-taught alongside Jane Sherwin during Towards a Better Life workshops.
Danielle was first exposed to SRV when working as a support worker for a small disability service in Brisbane. SRV has remained relevant and useful across a range of service settings and roles, including in her most recent work role with Community Resource Unit. Danielle has been a committee member of Values in Action since 2016 and has co-taught alongside Jane Sherwin during Towards a Better Life workshops.
Ricky Esterquest – Vice President
Ricky is an American, currently resident in Townsville with his wife and two young boys. Since 2015 Ricky has been an SRV co-teacher, facilitator, PASSING team member, and a continual student and practitioner of SRV. Ricky continues to use SRV as a guide for his own values and to uncover his own assumptions, in formal service evaluations, for business decision making, as a recruitment tool, and as a developmental/training methodology.
Ricky is an American, currently resident in Townsville with his wife and two young boys. Since 2015 Ricky has been an SRV co-teacher, facilitator, PASSING team member, and a continual student and practitioner of SRV. Ricky continues to use SRV as a guide for his own values and to uncover his own assumptions, in formal service evaluations, for business decision making, as a recruitment tool, and as a developmental/training methodology.
Anita Speed - Secretary
Anita lives on Bribie Island, and was first introduced to SRV 20 years ago, as a way to support her son to live a meaningful life in his community. Using the SRV lens has been integral in supporting Anita and her family to seek, create and uphold valued roles, and imagine an inclusive and typical life for her son. This has influenced decisions and actions around the role of her son’s paid support, home, work and social life. Anita is interested in how social and business values can intersect, and has worked across the disability and corporates sectors. Her son lives in his own home in Brisbane.
Anita lives on Bribie Island, and was first introduced to SRV 20 years ago, as a way to support her son to live a meaningful life in his community. Using the SRV lens has been integral in supporting Anita and her family to seek, create and uphold valued roles, and imagine an inclusive and typical life for her son. This has influenced decisions and actions around the role of her son’s paid support, home, work and social life. Anita is interested in how social and business values can intersect, and has worked across the disability and corporates sectors. Her son lives in his own home in Brisbane.
Natalie Kurth – Treasurer
Natalie Kurth is a Brisbane local who has worked in the disability sector for over 15 years. Currently engaged as a Support Coordinator with Staffing Options for Community Services, Natalie works with individuals and families using a self directed framework, upholding the natural authority that people have over their lives. Natalie first learnt of SRV studying sociology at university. The SRV lens is and continues to be one of the most valuable tools when working with people, and when assessing, challenging and facilitating change at both a macro and micro level.
Natalie Kurth is a Brisbane local who has worked in the disability sector for over 15 years. Currently engaged as a Support Coordinator with Staffing Options for Community Services, Natalie works with individuals and families using a self directed framework, upholding the natural authority that people have over their lives. Natalie first learnt of SRV studying sociology at university. The SRV lens is and continues to be one of the most valuable tools when working with people, and when assessing, challenging and facilitating change at both a macro and micro level.
Mitch Casey - Director
Almost 5 years ago Mitch had a dramatic career change. Going from making companies money to working with their heart and they’ve never looked back. Throughout this time Mitch has been lucky enough to work for 2 women who have been implementing SRV values into their daily lives for decades. Mitch first attended formal SRV training in 2023 and was immediately interested in deepening their knowledge of SRV to apply the theory to their work. They are committed to being an advocate for disability rights.
Almost 5 years ago Mitch had a dramatic career change. Going from making companies money to working with their heart and they’ve never looked back. Throughout this time Mitch has been lucky enough to work for 2 women who have been implementing SRV values into their daily lives for decades. Mitch first attended formal SRV training in 2023 and was immediately interested in deepening their knowledge of SRV to apply the theory to their work. They are committed to being an advocate for disability rights.
Leisa Cooke - Director
Leisa lives on the Gold Coast and began her SRV journey 25 years ago via her involvement with systems advocacy organisation, Qld Parents of People with Disability (QPPD). Leisa brings over two decades of experience in inclusion and service delivery as well as lived experience with 2 of her 6 children living with complex disabilities. Her other roles include leading Gold Coast Community Lifestyles over a 20 year period – a unique, inclusive and person centred support service that has thrived in an environment that predominantly offers non-congregate and non-segregated settings. Leisa advocates for genuine inclusivity, supporting individuals with disabilities and their families to lead enriched lives, using an SRV lens.
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Leisa lives on the Gold Coast and began her SRV journey 25 years ago via her involvement with systems advocacy organisation, Qld Parents of People with Disability (QPPD). Leisa brings over two decades of experience in inclusion and service delivery as well as lived experience with 2 of her 6 children living with complex disabilities. Her other roles include leading Gold Coast Community Lifestyles over a 20 year period – a unique, inclusive and person centred support service that has thrived in an environment that predominantly offers non-congregate and non-segregated settings. Leisa advocates for genuine inclusivity, supporting individuals with disabilities and their families to lead enriched lives, using an SRV lens.
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Jen Mouritz - Director
Jen is currently working as an Environment Events and Partnership Officer with Ipswich City Council. While studying visual art and secondary education Jen was a part-time support worker. She has worked directly with people with a disability and their families using self-directed approaches to support and in mainstream and special school settings as a learning support teacher.
In her most recent past work role, Jen worked as a Consultant with Community Resource Unit. Outside of work Jen wrangles life with two busy sons and when she has the time loves to make art and tend to her garden. Joining the ViAA committee gives Jen a chance to stay connected with efforts aimed at improving the lives of people with a devalued status.
Jen is currently working as an Environment Events and Partnership Officer with Ipswich City Council. While studying visual art and secondary education Jen was a part-time support worker. She has worked directly with people with a disability and their families using self-directed approaches to support and in mainstream and special school settings as a learning support teacher.
In her most recent past work role, Jen worked as a Consultant with Community Resource Unit. Outside of work Jen wrangles life with two busy sons and when she has the time loves to make art and tend to her garden. Joining the ViAA committee gives Jen a chance to stay connected with efforts aimed at improving the lives of people with a devalued status.
Lisette Schulz - Director
Lisette lives in the Lockyer Valley with her husband Bob, and close to her brother Tim, who experiences life with a disability. Her interest in SRV began in 2022, while exploring options for Tim. She has had experience in public, private and community sector roles and is currently self-employed in the disability sector. Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, is a horticulture production region, attracting workers from the Pacific Islands, people seeking asylum, and humanitarian migrants. Lisette volunteers in her local community assisting new arrivals and is committed to incorporating SRV principles in broadening community awareness, in supporting the life of her brother, and in her volunteering.
Lisette lives in the Lockyer Valley with her husband Bob, and close to her brother Tim, who experiences life with a disability. Her interest in SRV began in 2022, while exploring options for Tim. She has had experience in public, private and community sector roles and is currently self-employed in the disability sector. Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, is a horticulture production region, attracting workers from the Pacific Islands, people seeking asylum, and humanitarian migrants. Lisette volunteers in her local community assisting new arrivals and is committed to incorporating SRV principles in broadening community awareness, in supporting the life of her brother, and in her volunteering.
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