Meet Lucas Dowling

Mr Lucas Dowling

Lucas Dowling

BA(Newcastle), AAICD

Why did you join the University Council?

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.” – Bernard Shaw

The University operates at the apex of the University of Newcastle’s organisational structure, and central to the University of Newcastle’s aims and operation is the student body. I joined the University Council with the goal and intense desire to guarantee a holistic representation of the student body who rely on our Council to deliver a strategic direction in line with benefiting their education and giving back to our wider community. I aspire to increase student participation in the governance of the University and provide effective engagement of the student voice on the University Council.

What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?

Whilst my first year at the University of Newcastle felt a noticeable absence of time on campus and participating in the University culture, my role in the AskUON team and engagement with Clubs and Societies on campus in my second year has brought much joy. Particularly, founding the University of Newcastle Poker Club has been a major milestone of my time at the University, engaging with students across programs has further developed my understanding of the intersectionality of our community and I look forward to further expanding our horizons and student-base in the Club.

Biography

Lucas Dowling was raised a Novocastrian, attending Newcastle Grammar School for primary and half of secondary school, until attending The King’s School in North Parramatta from Year 10 until his graduation in 2018. Lucas’ secondary education provided a holistic understanding of servant-hearted leadership and the need for effective governance to give a voice to all sectors of the community, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, etc.

Having graduated from his Bachelor of Arts in 2021, Lucas is now in his final year of a combined Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice. He enjoys the benefits his program has provided him, particularly regarding advocacy and developing his understanding of the intersectionality of our society and the necessity of representative democracy and effective grassroots movements in effecting change at all levels of our society.

Lucas is most proud of the University of Newcastle Poker Club, which he founded amidst the grips of COVID-19 with the help of a group of dedicated students and friends. Whilst he has now passed on the leadership of the Club to a new executive team, Lucas looks forward to seeing it grow and thrive.

In addition, Lucas is the President of the University of Newcastle Law Students’ Association, having previously served as its Vice President (Education). Lucas uses this position to strengthen the law student community, through improving the event and initiative offerings of the Association. In particular, Lucas is proud to have led the creation of a scholarship under the Association’s name for a student relocating from a rural or regional area to study law, as well as the creation of an equity portfolio in the Association, and organising the Association’s first ever ‘First Year Law Camp’. Lucas has used his experience on the University Council to work to bring the Association’s governance to be one of best practice.

Lucas is also a proud Ma & Morley scholar at the University of Newcastle. Having seen the profound effects of this scholarship on many of its scholars, as well as a number of other scholarships for many students at the University, Lucas committed the University of Newcastle Law Students’ Association to its own scholarship. It is because of the University of Newcastle’s commitment to equity and access to education that Lucas enjoys his time on the University Council so much.

Lucas looks forward to 2023 and working alongside the University Council to ensure the best outcomes for the University! In particular, expanding student representation in the governance of the University and representing the key issues facing our students.