26/05/2025
🌟 Some reflections from our CEO, Leanne Pearman on the 2025 International SRV Conference in Nova Scotia 🌟
A couple of weeks ago, I attended and presented at the 2025 International SRV Conference in Nova Scotia, which was held on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq people. It brought together people from around the world, with a strong contingent of Australians in attendance, who care deeply about dignity, inclusion, and the value of all people, particularly those who have been historically segregated, isolated and devalued.
One of the most moving presentations was from Rodney Mills, a man from Brisbane, who presented “His Good Life”. This was not only a personal story, it was a celebration. Rodney generously shared how, despite his experience of significant social devaluation, he is self-directing and living his own life with purpose and meaning. Rodney’s story was brought to life with the support of his family, friends, team, and support workers, who continue to walk alongside him, guided by SRV principles.
There was something very powerful in people coming together, from across the globe, to support and demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, especially when the world is so unsettled, and where people at risk of devaluation, exploitation and abuse is higher than ever.
My favourite Maori saying:
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.”
“What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.”