Volunteering and staying true to her values are among Avril Luo’s drivers both professionally and personally. Our Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner for our Elcies Positive Behaviour Support service, Avril shares her reflections as part of our International Women’s Day series on Lutheran Care women.
1. What motivates you to work at Lutheran Care?
What really motivates me at Lutheran Care is the chance to make a real, positive difference in people’s lives while being part of an organisation that shares my values of compassion, respect, and inclusion. I’m driven by seeing individuals feel heard, build confidence, and gain more independence, and knowing that the support I provide contributes to that. On a personal level, I’m also motivated by the opportunity to grow within a larger, values-led organisation, where I can learn, take on new challenges, and make a meaningful impact on both the people I support and the wider community.
2. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to reaching this point in your career?
My professional journey began in social work and mental health, where I developed a strong interest in understanding behaviour through trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
Over the past seven years, I have worked across disability and mental health sectors supporting individuals with complex psychosocial and behavioural needs. Progressing to a Senior Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and NDIS Advanced Practitioner has involved ongoing learning, supervision, and mentoring others in practice. Throughout this journey, I have remained committed to inclusive practice and supporting people from diverse backgrounds to participate meaningfully in their communities.
3. How do this year’s International Women’s Day themes, “Give to Gain” and /or “Balance the Scales” resonate with you?
Both themes resonate with me not only professionally, but also in my personal life.
“Give to Gain” really speaks to me. Whether it’s at work, with family, or volunteering with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in different languages, I’ve found that giving your time and support to others not only helps them, but also teaches and grows you in ways you don’t expect.
“Balance the Scales” really resonates with me too. Between work, family, personal life, and volunteering, it’s a constant juggle. This theme reminds me how important it is to value all the roles we play and create spaces where women can thrive without feeling like they have to sacrifice one part of life for another.
4. Which woman inspires/inspired you and why?
I am deeply inspired by the many women I have worked alongside – mentors, supervisors, team leaders, colleagues, and participants – who demonstrate resilience, strength, and compassion every day.
The woman who inspires me most is my mother. She embodies resilience, love, and compassion while continuously pursuing her own professional achievements alongside her responsibilities as a mother and caregiver. Watching her balance personal life, career aspirations, and caring roles with strength and dedication has shaped my understanding of perseverance and empathy. Her example reminds me that leadership often begins with care, sacrifice, and quiet resilience.
5. What is the best piece of advice you have received from a woman in your life?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me comes from explorer and author Robyn Davidson: “You are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and the most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision.”
This reminds me that growth often begins with courage – whether that’s advocating for others, such as people from CALD background, stepping into new opportunities, such as a new job, or a new role, or supporting someone to take their first step toward positive change, such as a participant, a friend, a family member, or just myself.
6. What are your hopes for young women today?
My hope is that young women feel empowered to pursue careers and lives aligned with their values, without feeling limited by expectations or barriers. I hope they grow up in environments that recognise diversity, cultural identity, and lived experience as strengths, and that they feel confident to lead, innovate, and support others while also prioritising their own wellbeing.