This year’s NCWQ bursary award ceremony was one to remember. Among the many special women being recognised for their achievements and talents, was Marlene Litchfield.
Receiving the Councillor Vicki Howard bursary, from Brisbane City Council, Marlene was recognised for her achievements in a number of areas.
Her particular bursary focuses on assistance for female students living in the Brisbane City Council area, who identify with the LGBTIQ community. In addition to the monetary value of $1,000.00, the bursary will facilitate a mentoring program with Cr Vicki Howard and youth entrepreneur and LGBTIQ activist Elise Stephenson. Applicants could be enrolled in secondary or tertiary studies.
Key bursary criteria included the following:
- A female student, aged between 16-24 years, living in the Brisbane City Council area, enrolled in high school or tertiary studies, and identifying with the LGBTIQ community.
- Able to demonstrate your work in empowering your communities in your educational institution and/or wider networks
- An Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Australia.
NCWQ is very pleased to award this bursary to Marlena in 2018.
Marlena Litchfield is a young woman of passion who has carved out a number of key positive outcomes for the LGBTIQ community.
From early in her university studies, she has been extremely involved in activities which have promoted and delivered:
- safe, inclusive events for under-18 students
- semester-long sports tournaments for queer students
- one of the University’s largest Queer Balls.
- Safe-Sex Week activities
- Pride Week events and
- LGTBIQ student rights protests.
The LGBTIQ Legal Service internship gave Marlena further avenues to achieve positive outcomes for the LGBTIQ community:
- Facilitating client in-take for weekly walk-in advice sessions
- matching LGBTIQ people to specialty solicitors
- organising promotional events
- updating the social media account
- securing corporate donors for the service.
Marlena is a passionate advocate for young LGBTIQ people and fostering the creation of a safe community for all. Her own experiences have cemented a platform to address the discriminatory practices operating towards minority groups within the queer community.
Her vision for the future is to continue working in criminal law, and she is committed to representing and empowering marginalised communities in Australia.
Congratulations Marlena! We are so looking forward to following your exciting ongoing journey.
