From the Red Centre to Fairholme

February 27, 2024

For Year 7 Boarder, Arabella Muenster, life at Fairholme College looks a little different to home in the middle of Australia.


Located an hour’s drive north of Alice Springs is Yambah Station, home to the Muenster Family and almost 5,000 head of Shorthorn cattle.


Covering 2,310 square kilometres of vast open plains right in the centre of Australia, the property is one of the southernmost homesteads in the Northern Territory.


A three-hour flight plus 2.5 hours of driving is quite the trip to school, but for Arabella its now the new norm as a Boarding student. 


Having previously completed her schooling via Distance Education, Arabella was eager to follow in her older brother’s footsteps and head off to boarding school.


‘I was a little nervous but more excited to come to Fairholme.’


‘I was lucky that I already knew a few girls, some that I had met at orientation before starting.’


Arabella says learning by Distance Education was very quiet compared to now sharing a holme with more than 220 girls.


Although she enjoys life on the land with her family, Arabella is loving the enormous variety of opportunities that Fairholme offers and the chance to make new friends.


‘I do miss my family but so far I’ve been lucky not to be too homesick.’


‘It’s much easier being close to school and I like having my friends nearby.’


‘I’ve joined the Fairholme Equestrian team. It’s really fun and I always look forward to spending time with my horse.’


Just like so many of our Boarding girls, Arabella says that having her horse in Toowoomba helps her feel like she’s got a little piece of home with her.


While we’re sure Arabella is looking forward to being reunited with her family on the holidays, for now she’s making the most of her new life in tartan.

More News…

February 4, 2026
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.
February 4, 2026
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.
February 4, 2026
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.
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