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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