Governance
VALID is registered as a not-for-profit incorporated association in Victoria (No. A0027636H) and as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Under its Constitution adopted in 2022, VALID is governed by a Board of up to 9 members. Over half of these must be people with a disability or family members or unpaid carers of people with an intellectual disability.
VALID’s Board is responsible for planning the direction of the organisation and for overseeing its operations and programs. Day to day responsibility for VALID’s operations is delegated to the CEO.
VALID’s Constitution also establishes a Self Advocacy Forum, which is open to any Associate Member of VALID with an intellectual disability. The Forum discusses and consults on issues of interest to people with an intellectual disability and briefs VALID’s Board on those discussions.
The members of VALID’s Board are:
Board Members
Chair William Ward-Boas
William Ward-Boas (he/him) is a proud gay First Nations man with AuDHD and Intellectual Disability, and a passionate advocate for disability rights, diversity and accessibility. He works to ensure people with disability – especially those with intersecting identities – are heard, respected and meaningfully included in decision-making.
William is Chair of VALID (Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability), a Board Member of Inclusive Rainbow Voices, and a Community Visitor under the Disability Act 2006 (Vic), supporting the rights and wellbeing of people with disability.
With over seven years’ experience across the disability sector, William has worked with organisations including AMAZE Autism Advocacy, Inclusion Australia, CYDA and the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate.
In 2024, William attended the United Nations CRPD Conference of State Parties in New York with AFDO, representing his communities internationally. He also runs William Ward-Boas Consulting and is studying Politics and Policy at Deakin University.
Member Stephanie Gunn
Stephanie is an advisor on NDIS, disability and health and aged care interface issues currently working with a range of providers and other organisations to understand and respond to sector reforms and ensure the continued pursuit of quality services. She is a Board member for two other not for profit organisations focused on ensuring the voices of those with intellectual disability are heard and the health needs of women – particularly those with disability are understood.
From July 2019 to September 2022, Stephanie was the CEO of a medium sized disability provider in Victoria. Prior to that she was one of the founding members of the NDIA working in various roles including Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer but always with a focus on participant experience and outcomes. She is passionate about how we integrate community inclusion, practice governance and staff wellbeing and training to provide optimal opportunities for people with disability and rewarding and safe careers for staff.
Member Georgina Frost
Georgina has two children, Evie and Dougal. Evie has auditory processing and learning difficulties. Consequently, the family have navigated alternative paths to meet Evie’s education, developmental and social needs. With this extra support Evie has an active life with increasing levels of independence. Georgina is an experienced advocate, working for 15 years as a commercial lawyer and now as a case manager in dispute resolution. She brings to VALID’s Board lived experience as a parent of a person with intellectual disability, over 20 years governance experience and an understanding of the Victorian disability sector through long-standing involvement with disability organisations.
Member Graeme Russell FCA, FAICD, FAIST
Graeme was CEO of Media Super and First Super and a trustee director of three other super funds. He is currently a Director of Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance Ltd, which runs the Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Council, of the Bendigo Bank’s Clifton Hill & North Fitzroy Community Bank, and of Super Benefits Administration Pty. Ltd. He is the father of Ben, who has Down Syndrome. Graeme served as Chief of Staff to a Victorian Minister and held senior roles with universities, TUTA, STA Travel and The Melbourne Times. Graeme also practised as a strategy consultant and Chartered Accountant. His community service includes Trustee of the Sustainable Melbourne Fund and Councillor and Mayor of Collingwood. Graeme chairs the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM) Committee.
Member Nicole Spehar
Nicole is the outgoing Chair of VALID’s Having a Say conference, which brought her on to the Board. Nicole has a passion for helping people, especially people with disabilities, as she has cerebral palsy and knows about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. She works as a remedial massage therapist, loves athletics and is a member of Geelong Guild Athletics Club. Nicole represented Australia at two World Cerebral Palsy Games and at a multiple disability FESPIC Games. She is also involved with Kardinia Rotary Club. Nicole is a member of the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM) Committee.
Member: Judy Kelly
Judy discovered VALID at the Having a Say conference in 2006, thanks to her sister and brother-in-law who are involved in the sector. Judy loves participating in activities and showcasing talent at Having a Say’s Got Talent. During lockdown, Judy joined Peer Action Groups and took part in Paul & Heather’s online programs—Travels in the Lockdown World was such a highlight! Now serving on the board of management fills Judy with a lot of joy. Fun fact: Judy worked at Myer Cafés for 7 years and she is a huge Hawthorn fan!
Member: Samantha Dooley
Samantha was appointed to the VALID Board in December 2025. She brings more than 30 years of experience across the disability and health sectors, including frontline case management, employment services and roles within regulatory and complaints commissions.
Samantha is passionate about quality and safe services, and about ensuring people with disability have a strong and respected voice. She believes advocacy and self advocacy are essential, recognising that people express themselves in different ways and sometimes need the right support to be heard.
Through both professional experience and personal connections to disability and mental health, Samantha brings a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and accountability.
Outside of Board meetings, Samantha enjoys riding her bike, reading, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the beach.