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
Anita Speed - President
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 has worked across the disability and corporate 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 has worked across the disability and corporate sectors. Her son lives in his own home in Brisbane.
Jen Mouritz - Vice President
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.
Leisa Cooke - Secretary
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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Trudy Ganderton – Treasurer
Trudy was introduced to SRV in 2016 and as a parent of a young man with a disability has used the SRV principles to help guide his support throughout his schooling and early adulthood. She has worked in various finance and administration roles in a number of businesses, most recently within the disability sector with Community Resource Unit (CRU).
Trudy aims to contribute to the ViAA committee by utilising her knowledge and understanding of business alongside her experience as a parent and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the change movement supporting people with disabilities to lead meaningful and engaged lives in the community.
Trudy was introduced to SRV in 2016 and as a parent of a young man with a disability has used the SRV principles to help guide his support throughout his schooling and early adulthood. She has worked in various finance and administration roles in a number of businesses, most recently within the disability sector with Community Resource Unit (CRU).
Trudy aims to contribute to the ViAA committee by utilising her knowledge and understanding of business alongside her experience as a parent and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the change movement supporting people with disabilities to lead meaningful and engaged lives in the community.
Jenny Butler - Director
Living on Kabi Kabi Country, Jenny brings a deep respect for community, culture, and connection to her work. With more than 20 years of experience in the community sector, she offers commitment, practical knowledge, and steady advocacy to every person she supports. Applying the SRV lens has been integral to Jenny and her family’s journey living with disability, guiding them to recognise and cultivate valued roles and dream big for the good life for her son. Working as a SQW Project Coordinator at Better Together Jenny tries her best to use the SRV lens creating pathways for people experiencing vulnerability to build confidence, develop skills, and move towards meaningful employment and valued roles. Her background in disability advocacy and her Diploma of Community Services further strengthen her ability to support individuals in ways that honour their strengths, autonomy, and goals.
Living on Kabi Kabi Country, Jenny brings a deep respect for community, culture, and connection to her work. With more than 20 years of experience in the community sector, she offers commitment, practical knowledge, and steady advocacy to every person she supports. Applying the SRV lens has been integral to Jenny and her family’s journey living with disability, guiding them to recognise and cultivate valued roles and dream big for the good life for her son. Working as a SQW Project Coordinator at Better Together Jenny tries her best to use the SRV lens creating pathways for people experiencing vulnerability to build confidence, develop skills, and move towards meaningful employment and valued roles. Her background in disability advocacy and her Diploma of Community Services further strengthen her ability to support individuals in ways that honour their strengths, autonomy, and goals.
Harvey Munday - Director
Harvey has a lifelong commitment to social justice and the rights of people who are marginalised or socially devalued. For over a decade, he has worked in advocacy, leadership, and direct roles within the disability sector, with his work grounded in Social Role Valorisation (SRV). He is particularly focused on challenging traditional service responses and promoting approaches, such as customised employment, that support people with disabilities to access valued social roles and meaningful participation. Harvey shares VIAA’s commitment to advancing understanding and application of SRV to support better lives for people at risk of devaluation.
Harvey has a lifelong commitment to social justice and the rights of people who are marginalised or socially devalued. For over a decade, he has worked in advocacy, leadership, and direct roles within the disability sector, with his work grounded in Social Role Valorisation (SRV). He is particularly focused on challenging traditional service responses and promoting approaches, such as customised employment, that support people with disabilities to access valued social roles and meaningful participation. Harvey shares VIAA’s commitment to advancing understanding and application of SRV to support better lives for people at risk of devaluation.
Danielle Mason – Director
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.
Brendon Donohue - Director
Brendon is a Brisbane-based accessibility content trainer, disability consultant and advocate. He has a particular commitment to removing accessibility barriers for the Totally Blind. https://brendoncdonohue.com.au/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-01/qld-brisbane-foods-disability-emergency-evacuations-planning-/100957608
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/blind-man-says-he-was-sacked-over-robodebt-compliance-work/11430690
Brendon is a Brisbane-based accessibility content trainer, disability consultant and advocate. He has a particular commitment to removing accessibility barriers for the Totally Blind. https://brendoncdonohue.com.au/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-01/qld-brisbane-foods-disability-emergency-evacuations-planning-/100957608
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/blind-man-says-he-was-sacked-over-robodebt-compliance-work/11430690
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Values in Action Association - Annual report 2025
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, peoples on whose land we live and work, and their continuing connection to land, waterways and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.
