A Decade of Growth: Belle Thelander (Fairholme Old Girl 2017)

March 25, 2025

Belle Thelander  |  2017   |  Black House  |   Day Girl

Fairholme College’s Class of 2014 reunion brought Belle Ronnfeldt (nee Thelander) a wave of nostalgia, as she reunited with old friends and celebrated cherished memories. ‘It was a wonderful reminder of my incredible time and the amazing friendships I built at Fairholme,’ Belle shared.


Since graduating, Belle has forged an impressive career that bridges creativity and construction. A passionate advocate for women in construction, she has worked as a Marketing and Bid Coordinator and has been heavily involved with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). ‘I love this industry and am deeply committed to encouraging more women to explore careers in construction.’

In addition to her full-time work, Belle has been sharing her expertise as a part-time tutor for the Emerging Design Technology unit at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She finds joy in teaching, learning, and exploring the technologies shaping the future of design.


Belle’s academic achievements include a double degree in Business and Fine Arts from QUT while she lived on campus at The Women’s College. She recently completed a Certificate IV in Project Management, funded by NAWIC which she is implementing in her role.


Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. This year, Belle was a finalist in two prestigious industry awards: the QBCC Award to a Young

Achiever (NAWIC) and the Young Achiever Award (AWIC). ‘It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised among so many talented individuals,’ she remarked.


Belle’s personal life has been equally eventful. In April, she married Tom Ronnfeldt, a 2014 Grammar alumnus, in a beautiful ceremony. In August, Belle achieved another milestone by competing at Townsville’s 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships. She represented Australia in the challenging Aquabike event, which combines swimming and cycling. ‘This was one of the toughest races I’ve ever done. I’m honoured to have been part of the team,’ she said.


In 2025, Belle is taking on a Marketing role with Parsons Corporation in Dubai, United Arub Emirates where she will be relocated with her husband. Despite her busy schedule, she remains a committed volunteer to the Zonta Club of Brisbane East, working to advance women’s status through fundraising and service projects.


Reflecting on her journey, Belle encourages current Fairholme students to embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and follow their passions. She shares, ‘Fairholme instilled in me a deep sense of community and resilience. I never imagined that my love for art and creativity would align with a career in the construction industry, but I’m proud to carry my values of curiosity and openness with me in every situation.’


As Belle continues to excel professionally and personally, she is an inspiring example of where hard work, passion, and community spirit can lead internationally.

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Mia's Record-Breaking Championships

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Congratulations to Year 9 student, Mia Geise, on her outstanding performance at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships. Representing Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club, Mia set new personal bests over the holidays in four of her five events and walked away with an impressive haul of medals and records.  Her championship results included: > 4 silver medals in the 12-14 Years Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke > Australian Records in the Open and 13 Years and Under Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke (SB16 Category) > Queensland Multi-Class Records in the Open 100m Breaststroke, Open 50m Backstroke, and 13 Years events across 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly One of the standout moments of the championships was Mia’s qualification for three open finals, where she competed against some of the country’s most experienced swimmers, including two Paralympians and athletes who have represented Australia on the international stage. In elite company, Mia more than held her own, finishing 4th in the 50m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, and 6th in the 50m Backstroke. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the context behind them. Mia only returned to competitive swimming in December 2024, following an almost three-year break after undergoing her second liver transplant. Her results at this championship are not only a testament to her talent, but to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to the sport she loves. Adding to the celebrations, Mia’s coach Michael (Mick) Winton was recognised for his outstanding work at the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Awards, held during the championships. Mick was awarded the 2025 Multi-Class Emerging Championship Coach Award, a well-deserved honour that acknowledges his dedication and leadership in supporting Mia’s development over the past year.

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Fairholme Year 10 students Georgie Cussons, Amelia Taylor, Anna Le Lievre and Claire Longmire are making the most of their exciting exchange at Oakham School in the United Kingdom, where they will spend six weeks fully immersed in British school life. From classroom learning and social events to sporting fixtures, the girls have wasted no time settling in and making the most of every opportunity. Also in the UK, Gemma Sullivan has begun an 11-week exchange at Bryanston School, where she is already keeping busy through her involvement in netball and the school’s swim, bike, run team. Cindy Deng is likewise enjoying her time abroad, experiencing the traditions and daily life of Rugby School during her own 11-week exchange. Back at Fairholme, we are delighted to be welcoming international students into our community. Joining us for Term 1 are Sienna Hoffman from Bryanston School and Charlotte Campbell from Rugby School, along with Mei Kawasaki and Rio Usami from Keisen High School in Japan. Each brings a unique perspective to campus life, enriching our classrooms and strengthening the global connections that sit at the heart of the Fairholme exchange program.

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