Capturing the Countryside
June 20, 2023
Fairholme art student Kadence Wilson fulfilled a lifelong goal as she exhibited her photography for the first time at the Fairholme Open Art Prize – FACETS.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Kadence couldn’t contain her enthusiasm and immediately called her mother.
‘Mum had just returned from an exhausting journey home, but I couldn’t wait to tell her,’ Kadence said.
Kadence’s exhibition showcased a collection of recent works, all centered around the theme of travel.
Each piece represented a difference aspect of her journey, from her hometown of McKinlay, 1778km away from where she boards in Toowoomba.
One particular photograph (pictured) caught the essence of her adventure. Kadence says her father was eager to reach their destination, with the ominous signs of a storm.
‘I was driving on my Learners permit, and I could see just how beautiful the sky looked and I had pull over to get a photo of it, despite dad’s urgency. It also captures the sight of green grass, which was such a rarity over the past six years.’
Growing up, Kadence was surrounded by the creative influence of her crafty mother, who engaged in activities like scrapbooking especially during months of
dry weather.
‘Immersed in an artistic environment, I developed a deep passion for the land and I aimed to showcase it through the medium of photography.’
For Kadence, receiving the coveted red dot, symbolising a sold artwork, was not the ultimate goal.
Instead, she says it was about taking the courageous step of exhibiting her work.
‘The experience has taught me invaluable lessons and provided a platform for growth and learning.’
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Our Year 12 Visual Artists achieved outstanding success in the 2025 Creative Generation Excellence Awards and were recognised at the Official Opening of the DDSWQ Regional Exhibition. Congratulations to the girls on their outstanding achievements: > Certificate of Excellence Award – Bron Francis, ‘Choose your path’. Bron’s work will be exhibited at QAGOMA in 2026 as part of the State’s Central Exhibition – an incredible honour! > Regional Encouragement Award – Amelia Bryant-Peterson, ‘Perspectivae Culturales de Morte’ (cultural perspectives about death) > Certificate of Commendation Award – Indianna Hitchcock, ‘Omnia ad Initium Redeunt’ (Everything Returns to the Beginning) > Certificate of Participation Award – Yas Lethbridge, ‘Perceived Façades, Assumed Expectations and Underlying Realities’ This year, from almost 500 submissions across 168 schools in Queensland, only 150 works were shortlisted, with just 40 Excellence winners (including 2 from the DDSWQ region) and 8 Regional Encouragement awardees. The DDSWQ Regional Exhibition is on display at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery until 16 November – we encourage you to visit and view these inspiring works.
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It was a special day for our Cadets involved in the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet Unit Annual March Out Parade. Congratulations to our Year 12 students, Brooke Hurford and Kate Lindenmayer, who were presented with the TGS Parents and Friends’ Service to Cadets Awards. Kate was also awarded the MAJ G.E. Ainsbury Award for Best Senior NCO and the Dickinson Trophy for best shot WTSS, while Brooke received the Patron’s Award for Exceptional Dedication of Service to the Unit. Ruby Lucht (Year 8) received the Ron Culliford Memorial Award for Most Promising First Year Cadet and Year 9 student Kate Carrigan was awarded the WO1 Walter John Davies Memorial Shield for Best Second Year Cadet. Well done girls on these exceptional achievements!
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Our Year 12 Visual Artists achieved outstanding success in the 2025 Creative Generation Excellence Awards and were recognised at the Official Opening of the DDSWQ Regional Exhibition. Congratulations to the girls on their outstanding achievements: > Certificate of Excellence Award – Bron Francis, ‘Choose your path’. Bron’s work will be exhibited at QAGOMA in 2026 as part of the State’s Central Exhibition – an incredible honour! > Regional Encouragement Award – Amelia Bryant-Peterson, ‘Perspectivae Culturales de Morte’ (cultural perspectives about death) > Certificate of Commendation Award – Indianna Hitchcock, ‘Omnia ad Initium Redeunt’ (Everything Returns to the Beginning) > Certificate of Participation Award – Yas Lethbridge, ‘Perceived Façades, Assumed Expectations and Underlying Realities’ This year, from almost 500 submissions across 168 schools in Queensland, only 150 works were shortlisted, with just 40 Excellence winners (including 2 from the DDSWQ region) and 8 Regional Encouragement awardees. The DDSWQ Regional Exhibition is on display at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery until 16 November – we encourage you to visit and view these inspiring works.
It was a huge holiday for our Equestrian State Representatives, who took to the arena at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships. The team’s hard work and dedication paid off, with Hayley Richter (2nd), Kate Frith (3rd) and Ruby Hooper (3rd) achieving incredible top three placings among the nation’s best young riders. Adding to the excitement, Ruby enjoyed a star-studded moment meeting Olympic Showjumpers Hillary Scott and Vicki Roycroft, along with Olympic Eventers Stuart Tinney and Shane Rose. We’re so proud of all our riders for representing Fairholme with such skill and spirit. Check out the full list of results below. Combined Training Hayley Richter: Secondary CT95cm – 2nd Overall Kate Frith: Secondary CT2* – 3rd Overall Dressage Hayley Richter: Int. Novice 2.2/2.3 – 12th Overall Lucy Doolin: Int. Novice 2.2/2.3 – 14th Overall Bella Ostwald: Sec. Medium 4.2/4.3 – 8th Overall Bella Ostwald: Sec. Advanced 5.2/5.3 – 9th Overall Eventing Jemima Southwood: EV. 95cm – 6th Overall Gracie Bunker: EV. 80cm – 22nd Overall Show Horse Ruby Hooper: Int. Working Hunter 65cm – 3rd Overall Show Jumping Lucy Doolin: Int. 90cm – 5th Overall Hayley Richter: Int. 90cm – 15th Overall Addy Gilbert: Sec. 90cm – 9th Overall Geneva Searle: Sec. 100cm – 5th Overall
It was a special day for our Cadets involved in the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet Unit Annual March Out Parade. Congratulations to our Year 12 students, Brooke Hurford and Kate Lindenmayer, who were presented with the TGS Parents and Friends’ Service to Cadets Awards. Kate was also awarded the MAJ G.E. Ainsbury Award for Best Senior NCO and the Dickinson Trophy for best shot WTSS, while Brooke received the Patron’s Award for Exceptional Dedication of Service to the Unit. Ruby Lucht (Year 8) received the Ron Culliford Memorial Award for Most Promising First Year Cadet and Year 9 student Kate Carrigan was awarded the WO1 Walter John Davies Memorial Shield for Best Second Year Cadet. Well done girls on these exceptional achievements!
