The Significance of Being a Fairholme Girl: Georgia Stafford (Fairholme Old Girl 2008)
March 24, 2025
Georgia Stafford | 2008 | Stephens House | Day Girl
It's not lost on Georgia Stafford (2008) the value of an excellent education. Nor is it lost on her the profound value of a quality, empowering, all-female school experience.
‘It means something special to have worn the Maclaren tartan and to have walked down Palm Drive,’ she says.
‘It is also priceless to have had the values of ‘burning yet flourishing’ instilled in me and to have had the opportunity to grow and thrive in a place that values young women and truly believes that Fairholme girls ‘can’ and ‘they will’.’
She goes on to admit that she doesn’t think she fully appreciated her Fairholme education whilst at school. ‘However, throughout my professional and personal life and in the decade and a half since graduating, my Fairholme education continues to be a treasured gift,’ Georgia says.
Now, as a mother herself with a young daughter and baby son, she says she can truly appreciate the decision her parents made to send her to Fairholme.
‘The realisation that many of my closest friendships and greatest opportunities in life came to me through my time or connection with Fairholme has instilled a strong sense to give back to the College.’
As this year’s President of the Fairholme Old Girls’ Association (FOGA), Georgia is fulfilling her commitment to giving back to the school, and to empowering the next generation of Fairholme Old Girls.
‘Fairholme has always been more than just a school; it is a community where values, excellence, and lifelong bonds are cultivated,’ she says. ‘It means something significant to be a Fairholme Girl. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and the potential to succeed that is in each and every one of our Fairholme Girls irrespective of their background or circumstances.’
Georgia says the story of FOGA is one of connection and celebration, where the past meets the present, and generations of Fairholme women come together to honour their shared history.
‘As the world evolves, FOGA continues to adapt, but its core values remain rooted in the strength of community and the bonds forged during school years,’ Georgia says.
‘It’s about bridging the past and the present, creating a space where both old and new girls can come together,’ she says. For her, FOGA isn’t just an association—it’s a living, breathing part of the Fairholme experience that continues to offer support, networking, and a sense of belonging long after graduation.
‘Recently, I attended a Fairholme Old Girls mentoring luncheon held in the beautiful Homestead. I was able to share with current Senior girls my experiences after graduation, along with FOGA secretary Sarah-Jane MacDonald, who has been my good friend for many years. We were able to reflect and share the story of our different career paths in the legal field and how various opportunities that came along the way have given us both very fulfilling and different paths in our careers - Sarah-Jane as a legal practice Director and myself working in an advocacy role for a peak body and as chairperson of a Queensland Community Grants program.
‘It was heartwarming to share our current career journeys and Fairholme friendship story, whilst answering questions from current Fairholme students who may be considering a legal or advocacy career.’
Georgia says Fairholme Old Girls have always had a deep connectedness to the College, long after graduation, many often returning to the campus to share their stories, their passions, their successes – those which were developed and nurtured during their time at Fairholme. ‘While Fairholme Old Girls have always had a strong bond with the college, the opportunity to support and give back has evolved through the numerous events and special occasions over the years,’ Georgia says.
‘FOGA is growing and transforming to include mentoring sessions with current students, guest speaking opportunities at the College, one-on-one guidance and coaching, and networking events where Fairholme girls - old and new - can get together. As Fairholme Alumni, we have a unique opportunity to reconnect with the College and ensure the gift of a Fairholme education can be passed down to the next generation of Fairholme girls through the generosity of our time, resources and mentorship.’
Georgia says meaningful ways that Fairholme Alumni can contribute to the College community simply starts by being involved. ‘I think current Fairholme girls appreciate and value the opportunity of hearing from Old Girls firsthand about their Fairholme and career journeys, often with a little bit of House rivalry thrown in for good measure! Our Old Girls are forever linked by the unbreakable bond of being ‘Once a Fairholme girl – always a Fairholme girl’.’
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It has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. There are many memories from this term in my first year that will linger for a time to come. The Year 6 Graduation was a beautiful celebration of our Junior School girls stepping confidently into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their music and presentation reflected maturity beyond their years and their enthusiasm about what is to come was infectious. Similarly, the Junior School Presentation Assembly showcased the incredible talent and effort of younger students. These awards remind us that success comes in many forms. At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 12 external exams ended with our glorious Valedictory dinner and assembly honouring the graduating class of 2025. These young women have left an indelible and positive mark on our school. Their leadership and camaraderie went beyond being known as our 100%ers and we know they will continue to shine brightly in their chosen paths. Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves and excel. This year, our team garnered national recognition in the Future Anything showcase, where their innovative ideas placed them among the country’s best young entrepreneurs. Likewise, our Junior School Lego League newcomers impressed everyone with their creativity, research and problem-solving skills, proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Sporting achievements this month were equally inspiring. Eden Broksch claimed the title of State Tetrathlon Champion for her age bracket – a feat that speaks to determination and versatility. These successes remind us that education is not confined to textbooks. It flourishes on sports field, stages and in collaborative spaces where passion meets perseverance. The November edition of At Holme is brimming with stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community. You will read about our amazing Mrs Nichol, whose dedication to our youngest Kindy students earned her the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Apple Award. She is a shining example of the impact great educators have on young lives. Miranda Mann, our Head Boarder, shares insights into the unique experience of living and learning on campus, offering a glimpse into the bonds that make boarding life so special. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named Lion’s Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton club, a recognition of leadership and service that embodies our school values. These individual achievements, alongside team triumphs, weave a narrative of excellence that is both humbling and inspiring. What makes these accomplishments truly meaningful is the sense of community that underpins them. Parents, teacher and friends have all played a role in nurturing talent and encouraging ambition. Whether cheering from the sidelines, guiding through challenges, or simply offering words of support, our collective efforts have created an environment where every student can burn yet flourish. As we close the chapter on 2025, on behalf of the entire staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, Old Girls and broader community for your unwavering support and partnership. It is through value of collaboration that we continue to build Fairholme as a school where character is nurtured alongside a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and restful summer break, as the festive season approaches. May this holiday bring time for relaxation, laughter and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with the same spirit that has made 2025 so memorable. Here is to a bright and exciting 2026! Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal
As we welcome a new year, 2026 Head Boarder Miranda Mann talks about her ambition for her time in the role, reflects on her formative years and looks to what the future holds beyond the tartan. Miranda represents the sixth-generation of cattle graziers from Hillgrove Station, north of Charters Towers. With a deep connection to the land and a heart full of compassion, Miranda brings a grounded, inclusive, and community-focused ideal to the Head Boarder role in 2026. Beginning at Fairholme in Year 7, when she first arrived from her family’s historic Brahman cattle station, established in 1861, before the founding of Townsville. The transition from rural life to boarding school was significant, but it was the unwavering support of her fellow boarders and the dedicated boarding staff that helped her find her place. “An experience that has shaped me to who I am today is the support I received from fellow boarders and staff during tough times,” Miranda reflects. “It’s a great feeling when you know the people around you care for you and want you to succeed. That drives me to do the same for others, because the impact can be significant.” As Head Boarder, Miranda is most excited about working closely with students and staff throughout the year, especially during key events that bring the community together. “I want to make the most of my time left at Fairholme, it’s going to fly by,” she says. “My goal is to leave an everlasting impact by building a more connected and respectful boarding environment. I want every girl to feel comfortable and to enjoy the boarding space even more than they do now.” Miranda’s hope is that her leadership style is rooted in empathy and action. She encourages younger boarders to embrace every opportunity: “Get involved with others and join in on activities around the boarding house, even something as simple as a game of touch. It really makes the term more enjoyable and creates everlasting memories. And don’t be afraid to try new extracurriculars, even if you haven’t done them before.” With her strong sense of community, deep appreciation for her roots, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, Miranda Mann is set to make 2026 a memorable and meaningful year for the Fairholme boarding family.
Friendship, connection, and a beautiful handover afternoon tea. At the beginning of this year, our Boarding Wellbeing Audit highlighted one message loud and clear: strong peer support is one of the most powerful influences on boarder wellbeing. In response, we set out with intention to strengthen and expand the ways our older girls walk beside and uplift our younger ones. In Term 2, we introduced our Middle Sisters program: a group of dedicated Year 11 Boarders who stepped in to support our Year 7s as the Year 12 academic demands increased. Over the past three terms, the Year 7s and Year 11s have shared plenty of laughs, chats, and practical support, building bonds that have enriched daily boarding life. Wanting our Year 8s to experience the same connection, we extended the initiative to include Year 10 Boarders who were interested to take on a similar role. This group has done a wonderful job running relaxed, group-style mentoring over shared dinners—something the Year 8s have thoroughly enjoyed. A big thank you to Year 11 Boarder, Bella Quinn, who has taken the lead in organising our next group of peer mentors. She has brought together our current Year 9s, who will step into mentoring roles in 2026, supporting today’s Year 7s as they move into Year 8, continuing the cycle of connection and care. Bella hosted a lovely afternoon tea to mark the handover. It was a chance for our Year 11 Middle Sisters to introduce their Year 7s to the new Year 9 mentors who will walk alongside them next year. The Cameron Room was filled with chatter, laughter and the beginnings of friendships that will carry through many years of boarding life. It was a reminder of what makes our community so special: girls supporting girls, encouraging one another, and finding strength in connection.
