MCM Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Services mourns passing of Val Spence

Freya Lucas

May 17, 2022

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The MCM Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Services is mourning the passing of former employee and advocate Ms Val Spence, who worked with the service twice during her career and was its first director.

She was remembered by the Kalparrin team as being an advocate for all, and for her dedication to families and children who needed early intervention services. “Working with the original group of parents who banded together and saw the need, Val was instrumental in getting the formalised service off the ground,” a spokesperson said.

“As a leader, Val backed her team and led them innovatively. She gave 110 per cent at all times, working weekends and evenings to get things happening. As a result, her team did the same, donating their time for the good of the service.”

“She worked tirelessly for all who were involved, not just the families but in supporting the staff as well. She was kind hearted, but also a force to be reckoned with, and would do her all to seek funding for improving the service families received.”

Ms Spence was also a much valued member of Amaze (previously known as Autism Victoria) where she was integral in securing funds for various programs, including developing funding models for early support with the Victorian government and in the early implementation days of NDIS with the Commonwealth government.

She was the former CEO of Autism Victoria, and was awarded Life Membership in November 2007. At Amaze, Ms Spence is remembered for her contribution to the autism community with strong connections to families and students through her work in Kalparrin, Irabina Bayswater, Yoralla and EPIC Bundoora.

Each organisation sent their condolences to family and friends, acknowledging Ms Spence’s work in the broader autism community, and her significant contributions.

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