The four day forum prepares young adults for leadership in all walks of life and for the past two years, Forde MP, Bert van Manen is one of 44 Members and Senators who serve as a host.
The forum has become on theof Australia’s pre-eminent leadership development initiatives and is an opportunity to discuss and explore the significance of a faith and values as foundations for effective leadership and in particular servant leadership.
The four days traditionally begin in Parliament House with Keynote addresses from the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition followed by smaller meetings with individual Parliamentary hosts in their parliamentary offices.
Approximately 225 young adults between ages 18 and 26 from around Australia and neighboring nations are selected to attend.
Bert said it would be terrific to have representatives from the local youth involved in the next forum on the 4th September this year.
“The Forum is not intended to be overtly religious or sectarian and participation of young people from a diversity of intellectual, cultural, and religious backgrounds is highly valued,” he said.
“Over the past two years I have enjoyed hosting the NSLF and I am looking forward to meeting with successful candidates later in the year.”
“I encourage the local youth to consider taking part in this year’s Forum,” said Bert van Manen
For more information visit www.nslf.org.au
Delegate Quotes regarding MP involvement in NSLF
“I felt that the Executive Sessions were fantastic opportunities to see our nation’s leaders engage with us in such an honest and genuine manner. I feel privileged to have been able to experience such unique accounts from the people behind the politics.” Brody Warren, ACT
“What had the biggest impact on me was probably going to Parliament and seeing that politicians are just normal people, who work hard for what we want.” Laurence Wainwright, ACT
“I enjoyed their [Members & Senators] willingness and heart to attend and their faith in us as a generation of future leaders.” Chris Franklin, QLD
“Very encouraging to know such down to earth genuine people are in leadership in this country.” Sheralee Hodge, WA
“I felt it was a great experience to meet the leaders of our nation as they gave us inspiration and cemented something in each of us to strive for our very best.” Esther Ooi, VIC
“I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to listen to these amazing people.” Clare Rutherford, TAS
“I think it was really useful to see them as people and ask them about their beliefs as opposed to their policy as we got a real and unrehearsed response. It’s too easy to feel removed from the idea that they are real people too.” Jessica Fitzgerald, VIC
“Great to hear them [Members & Senators] speak about anything non-policy-related; it gives us a fuller picture of a leader.” Sophie-Anna Shumack, NSW
“Really amazing – makes you feel that leaders of your country believe in their youth, which is empowering in itself.” Xanthe Croot, NSW
What had the biggest impact on you? “Seeing the ministers being united and working diligently for the nation.” Sharon Lee, NSW
“Fantastic – really humanised them [Members & Senators] and made them seem more accessible, really enjoyed learning more from them.” Erin Torn-Broers, VIC
