Reformer New Start Scholarship Fund
The New Start Reformer Scholarship at Charles Sturt University is a powerful initiative aimed at supporting students who have experienced incarceration, providing them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives through education. Established by Louie Liu, a registered physiotherapist and two-time Charles Sturt alumnus, the scholarship reflects his own remarkable journey of transformation—from a life of crime to a career in healthcare.
Growing up in a challenging environment, Louie became entangled in gang activities and served multiple prison sentences before finding a new path. His turning point came during his second incarceration when structured routines and access to education allowed him to refocus. After his release, he pursued studies in Exercise and Sport Science at Charles Sturt, eventually completing a physiotherapy degree. Recognizing the barriers faced by others with similar backgrounds, Louie was inspired to give back.
The New Start Reformer Scholarship provides both financial support and encouragement to students overcoming the challenges of reintegration. Many formerly incarcerated individuals struggle with disrupted education, financial instability, and societal stigma. Louie understands these obstacles firsthand and believes that access to higher education can offer a meaningful pathway forward.
The scholarship was officially launched at Breaking Barriers: A Breakfast for Reform and Opportunity, an event hosted by Charles Sturt University to raise awareness and support for prisoner reform initiatives. Guest speakers included experts in criminology and corrections, alongside an auction of artworks from the Girrawaa Arts Centre, with proceeds supporting the scholarship.
By contributing to the New Start Reformer Scholarship, donors can help provide life-changing opportunities for individuals determined to build a better future. Join us in breaking barriers and creating second chances.
“Education created a world worth living in for me, that is why I have approached Charles Sturt University to set up the scholarship, with the intention to give both a financial and morale boost to those who are facing similar challenges,”