Hello friends, family, and community,

My name is Liam Douglas. I am a Western Civilisation Scholar at the University of Queensland, and in 2025 I have been given the incredible opportunity to attend the National Leadership Forum (NLF) in Canberra – a life-changing program designed to bring together young leaders from across Australia to explore values-based leadership, service, and the responsibilities we carry as the next generation of changemakers.

The NLF is just days away and unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in receiving an expected bursary from UQ to cover the costs of attending, and I am now reaching out for support to make this dream possible.

⸻

Why This Matters

The National Leadership Forum is not just a conference. It is an immersive four-day program where participants engage with national leaders, parliamentarians and peers to deeply reflect on character, responsibility, service and purpose. It is an opportunity to step into a community of leaders who are shaping the future of Australia – in business, education, politics, community service and the arts.

I believe attending this Forum will profoundly strengthen my ability to serve Queensland and beyond, through both my academic work and my community leadership commitments.

Click here to find out all about the National Leadership Forum 2025

⸻

My Leadership Journey

Alongside my studies at UQ, I proudly serve as the Queensland Ambassador for the Lysicrates Foundation – a national charity dedicated to promoting democracy and the arts. In 2025, I helped bring the first ever Martin Lysicrates Prize to Queensland, held at HOTA on the Gold Coast. The Martin Lysicrates Prize this year gave hundreds of students the chance to experience live theatre and democracy in action, and was supported by the Governor General, Prime Minister, Premier, MPs, and community leaders.

This role has deepened my passion for building bridges between young people, culture, and civic engagement. Attending the NLF will allow me to grow further as a leader, sharpen my skills, and bring new inspiration and networks back to the communities I serve.

⸻

What I Need

The total cost of attending is $2,700, broken down as follows:

• Forum Registration Fees: $2,190

• Travel (flights & transport): $510

Every contribution, big or small, brings me closer to this opportunity.

⸻

How You Can Help

By supporting me, you are not just funding a trip – you are investing in a young leader committed to giving back. Your generosity will:

• Enable me to attend the National Leadership Forum 2025.

• Equip me to return with new ideas, skills, and networks to apply in Queensland.

• Strengthen the work I am already doing with the Lysicrates Foundation and other community projects.

⸻

Thank You

I am deeply grateful for any support you can give – whether that’s a donation, sharing this campaign with others, or simply offering words of encouragement. Together, we can make sure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of young leaders stepping up to serve.

Thank you for believing in me and in the power of leadership shaped by values, service, and responsibility.

Warm regards,

Liam Douglas

Western Civilisation Scholar, UQ

Queensland Ambassador – Lysicrates Foundation

Martin Lysicrates Prize