Creating a More
Inclusive Future
Inclusive (Disability)Advisory Panel
At Valued Lives, our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion drives everything we do. To further this mission, we have established the Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel—an independent group amplifying the voice of lived experience to shape the decisions of our Board and Leadership Team.
This partnership represents a transformative step forward in how we support our communities. Together, we’re reshaping support systems, empowering individuals, and strengthening collaboration to advocate for a future where everyone belongs.
This initiative reflects our dedication to continuous growth as an organisation and our belief in building a truly inclusive future.
Responsive
We react with positivity and accountability, pursuing and upholding excellence.
Driven
We go the extra mile with passion, motivated by our conviction and unwavering determination.
Adventurous
We push boundaries, challenge the status quo and seek new ways to inclusion.
Lively
We wholeheartedly embrace a vibrant spirit, thriving on the unique strengthes of people.
Meet our Board Members
To provide an authentic voice of disability our Board of Directors is made up of individuals with disability or family members of people with disability. These members represent 75% of the Board as outlined in our constitution. All members are highly skilled directors who meet nine times a year to establish the organisation’s strategic plan and drive its development.
Peter Barney (he/him)
Executive Officer
Peter brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the disability, aged care, education, and community sectors. His career has been guided by a deep commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and innovation—values that lie at the heart of Valued Lives Foundation.
As a parent of a young person with disability, Peter’s lived experience strongly shapes his leadership. He understands firsthand the importance of empowering people and families to design lives that reflect their hopes, strengths, and individuality.
Before joining Valued Lives, Peter held senior executive roles leading organisations through periods of strategic growth and change. He has worked alongside boards, government, and community partners to create sustainable outcomes while ensuring people remain at the centre of every decision.
Peter’s leadership style is collaborative and people-focused, fostering capable teams who share his passion for building inclusive, connected communities.
Beyond his role at Valued Lives, Peter contributes to the broader sector as a Non-Executive Director with Enhanced Lifestyles (SA) and LifeCare (SA). He continues to draw inspiration from his family and the everyday experiences that remind him what true inclusion looks like in practice.
Dr. Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell (she/her)
Board Member
Rita is an inspiration to many. Despite being legally deaf and blind, she has achieved remarkable success.
After fighting to attend mainstream education in the UK as a child, she went on to graduate with a first-class law degree, was awarded a doctorate and is now a Senior Solicitor at Tom & Co Legal in Australia.
When she arrived in Australia, she faced challenges accessing individualised support, which prompted her to work as a Support Coordinator, where she could drive change from the ground up.
As the Valued Lives Chair, Rita advocates for open employment and inclusive living for people with disability. She emphasises the importance of connection and commends the unwavering commitment of the organisation to helping people with disability find open employment and live a life of their choosing.
Cole Vindevoghel (he/him)
Board Member
Cole has extensive global experience in technology and project management. His focus is driving change, project governance, strategy, process improvement and standardising business systems to improve performance.
A Singaporean-born Canadian, Cole has worked in North America, Southeast Asia, India, and Europe before settling in Australia in 2006.
In 2023, Cole joined the Valued Lives Board, to support people with disability to live their best life and have a meaningful role in society, regardless of the form it takes.
Cole’s commitment to fostering meaningful roles in society aligns with Valued Lives’ mission of providing real opportunities for people with disability to achieve valued lives.
Cole is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and holds a Bachelor of Management in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, and Management Information Systems
Frances Moon (she/her)
Board Member
With previous board experience at Down Syndrome WA and the Country Women’s Association, I bring both governance knowledge and lived experience to my role at Valued Lives. As a Family Leader and Lived Experience Board Director, my aim is to guide the organisation with insights into what the Good Life can mean for people with disability and their families. This perspective is grounded in my personal journey of supporting my daughter to live an independent and inclusive life.
Alongside my lived experience, I bring a strong professional background in education. I have taught across primary levels and in secondary schools, specialising in Drama, English, and Religious Education, with experience supporting students with additional needs. My leadership roles have included Vice Principal, Religious Education Coordinator, Arts Coordinator, and Drama Coordinator, giving me a broad understanding of both strategic direction and day-to-day operations within complex environments.
Together, these experiences shape the knowledge, empathy, and leadership I bring to Valued Lives as we work to strengthen opportunities, inclusion, and capacity within our community.
Ross Kyrwood (he/him)
Board Member
Ross brings over 35 years of experience in human services, beginning his career as a youth worker and advancing into leadership roles, including CEO. In 2024, he joined the Valued Lives Board, where he continues to advocate for ethical and accountable leadership, drive innovation, and create environments where people can thrive.
As a director at Valued Lives, Ross is committed to ensuring the organisation delivers person-centred support, empowering individuals to actively participate as valued members of an inclusive society and achieve their goals and aspirations.
Ross holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from Curtin Business School, underscoring his expertise in guiding organisations toward meaningful and lasting impact.
Awards we've received
- 2025 Community Services Excellence Award Standout Medium Organisation Finalist
- 2022 Property Council WA Award for ‘Best Diversity or Inclusion Initiative’
- 2021 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Innovation Award
- 2021 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Home and Family Support Award
- 2019 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities
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