A Rising Changemaker: Mariam Nabizada
August 1, 2025
Mariam Nabizada Represents Toowoomba North in Queensland Youth Parliament
Year 11 student Mariam Nabizada has always been passionate about serving others. Coming to Australia from Afghanistan with her family at the age of five, Mariam knows first hand the power of community and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Exploring her compassion through action - Mariam has been appointed as the Youth Member representing the Toowoomba North Electorate for
this year’s YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
Reflecting on her selection, Mariam shared her motivations for pursuing selection in the program. 'Through my youth advocacy work in Toowoomba, I’ve become passionate about representing young people and speaking up on issues that matter most in our community.
Mariam is determined to utilise this opportunity to further develop her leadership and public speaking skills, whilst connecting with other passionate young leaders from around Queensland.
'I’m excited to grow as a changemaker and bring the skills and experiences I gain through this program back to my community. I am interested to explore how meaningful legislation, and parliamentary process can genuinely influence our future,' Mariam said.
Member for Toowoomba North and Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland, Mr Trevor Watts praised the Youth
Parliament initiative for its role in empowering the next generation of leaders.
'It is critical we encourage young voices like Mariam’s to actively participate in shaping policy solutions, as they offer fresh, innovative perspectives on the challenges we face today, including education, mental health, and housing,” said Mr Watts.
In April, Mariam joined fellow youth representatives from all 93 electoral districts across the state to collaborate on Youth Bill proposals within committee groups. These Bills will be further developed in preparation for Residential Sitting Week in September, when all Youth Members will gather in Brisbane at Parliament House. During this week, they will debate their Bills, deliver personal statements, and gain firsthand insight into the legislative process and the work of our state’s lawmakers.
Mariam’s ambitions illustrate that the future is bright - with such passionate and ambition, we can look forward to seeing Mariam as a changemaker of the next generation. 'Young people are directly impacted by the decisions made today. Our insights and experiences are crucial in creating effective and sustainable solutions. We should absolutely be involved in decision-making processes to help shape our own future,' Mariam concluded.
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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.
We are delighted to welcome Mr Rob Anderson as our new Head of Sport, bringing with him a wealth of experience across teaching, coaching, and sport administration throughout Queensland.
