Empire Theatre Youth Bursaries
October 30, 2025
Fairholme College is celebrating the success of three talented students, Mia Hall, Helen Yong, and Abigail Walker, who have been awarded Empire Theatre Foundation Youth Bursaries for 2025. These bursaries provide young performers with access to professional development opportunities at leading Australian performing arts institutions.
The Empire Theatre Foundation Youth Bursaries program supports students who demonstrate excellence and commitment across a range of disciplines, including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, and film and television. The program enables recipients to attend intensive short courses designed to elevate their skills and broaden their industry experience.
Mia Hall, a Year 10 student, received her bursary for Dance and will attend the renowned Conroy School of Dance. For Mia the bursary means an opportunity to explore new styles of dance and work with many different choreographers in an unfamiliar environment. “It will help me grow as a dancer, gain insights into the industry, and transition from an enthusiastic student into a pre-professional dancer. The bursary also helps with tuition fees, allowing me to access top-tier training and expand my professional network,” Mia said.
Helen Yong, also in Year 10, was awarded a bursary for her achievements as a violinist. Having played since the age of eight, Helen is excited to participate in a national music program. “I’m looking forward to learning from and connecting with other musicians across Australia to expand my skills,” she shared.
Abigail Walker, a talented trumpet player in Year 7, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity. “Going through the application process and panel interviews was a valuable experience,” she said. “Receiving this bursary is something I’m keen to make the most of.”
These achievements reflect not only the students’ dedication and talent but also the strength of the Fairholme Arts programs, which continue to nurture and inspire young creatives.
As these students prepare to take the next steps in their artistic journeys, their success serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of opportunity, mentorship, and the transformative power of the arts.
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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.
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.
