"The confidence to make a difference"
A visionary Queensland not-for-profit leader explains the meaning of (his) life
The Why is a Contact questionnaire that asks members of the UQ community to reflect on the habits, decisions and values that quietly shape their lives.
UQ alum David Muir AM (Bachelor of Economics 1975, Bachelor of Laws 1978) has spent decades at the intersection of law, public policy and community service, shaping some of Queensland’s most influential charitable and civic institutions. He has built an extraordinary record of leadership across the not-for-profit sector, serving as a founding Director of Foodbank Queensland, a former President of Amnesty International Queensland and now Chair of the Clem Jones Trust and the Real Republic movement.
The decision to write his new memoir – The Long Reach of Service (Boolarong Press, 2026) – stemmed from his desire to inspire others towards a similar path: "I was prompted to tell my story… to explain the how and why of my engagement in public life as an encouragement to others to also get involved."
Central to Muir's work is a deep belief in the role of philanthropy in modern Australia. "Philanthropy is more important than ever before," he says. "When we established Foodbank Queensland, we were feeding largely homeless people…now people with jobs require assistance."
He sees philanthropy as a critical catalyst for change, citing UQ's Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Queensland Brain Institute, established by the Clem Jones Foundation, as an example. "Once progress was made there in the quest to combat Alzheimer’s dementia, governments, both state and federal, provided funding."
T h e
W h y
What’s the most important part of your day-to-day routine?
Keeping abreast of current affairs and keeping fit.
What do you think is the most significant decision you’ve ever made, and why?
Marrying Veronica Grehan, who is my soulmate and support for all I have done and achieved – in both my public and private lives.
What’s a core value that guides you, and where did you acquire it?
The need to be both authentic and resilient. My parents and my bush background from western Queensland have played a part in that.
What’s the ‘why’ behind your work? Why do you do what you do?
A need to make the world a better place and the confidence to make a difference.
Who’s been your most valued mentor, and what was their greatest lesson?
The late Clem Jones – politician, philanthropist and former Lord Mayor of Brisbane – has been my most valued mentor. His lessons were about finding a way to make a difference. He would always find a way around barriers to achieving change.
What – to you – is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life can be found in relationships made. At the end of the day, it is relationships with friends and family that make the world go round.
"The confidence to make a difference"
A visionary Queensland not-for-profit leader explains the meaning of (his) life
The why is a Contact questionnaire that asks members of the UQ community to reflect on the habits, decisions and values that quietly shape their lives.
UQ alum David Muir AM (Bachelor of Economics 1975, Bachelor of Laws 1978) has spent decades at the intersection of law, public policy and community service, shaping some of Queensland’s most influential charitable and civic institutions. He has built an extraordinary record of leadership across the not-for-profit sector, serving as a founding Director of Foodbank Queensland, a former President of Amnesty International Queensland and now Chair of the Clem Jones Trust and the Real Republic movement.
The decision to write his new memoir – The Long Reach of Service (Boolarong Press, 2026) – stemmed from his desire to inspire others towards a similar path: "I was prompted to tell my story… to explain the how and why of my engagement in public life as an encouragement to others to also get involved."
Central to Muir's work is a deep belief in the role of philanthropy in modern Australia. "Philanthropy is more important than ever before," he says. "When we established Foodbank Queensland, we were feeding largely homeless people… now people with jobs require assistance."
He sees philanthropy as a critical catalyst for change, citing UQ's Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at Queensland Brain Institute, established by the Clem Jones Foundation, as an example. "Once progress was made there in the quest to combat Alzheimer’s dementia, governments, both State and Federal, provided funding."
T h e
w h y
What’s the most important part of your day-to-day routine?
Keeping abreast of current affairs and keeping fit.
What do you think is the most significant decision you’ve ever made, and why?
Marrying Veronica Grehan who is my soul mate and support for all I have done and achieved – in both my public and private lives.
What’s a core value that guides you, and where did you acquire it?
The need to be both authentic and resilient. My parents and my bush background from western Queensland have played a part in that.
What’s the ‘why’ behind your work? Why do you do what you do?
A need to make the world a better place and the confidence to make a difference.
Who’s been your most valued mentor, and what was their greatest lesson?
The late Clem Jones – politician, philanthropist and former Lord Mayor of Brisbane – has been my most valued mentor. His lessons were about finding a way to make a difference. He would always find a way around barriers to achieving change.
What – to you – is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life can be found in relationships made. At the end of the day, it is relationships with friends and family that make the world go round.
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