In Principal | Coming Holme
June 20, 2025
As a regional centre, Toowoomba has long been known for its charm, heritage and lifestyle – but in recent years, it has also become one of Queensland’s most exciting and dynamic growth corridors. After listening to demographer, Simon Kuestenmacher, recently, Toowoomba has a growing importance as Australia’s second largest regional hub, reflected by both population growth and economic data. For families choosing to live and educate their children in this region, there is much to celebrate – and a great reason to be optimistic about the future.
Over recent weeks, I had the great honour of attending the ICPA (Isolated Children’s Parens’ Association) State Conference in St George – an inspiring gathering of parents, educators and community leaders passionate about ensuring equity in education for rural and remote students.
What struck me most was the deep commitment to connection – to building strong pathways for children no matter where they live, and to strengthening the regions that sustain them. This theme could not be more relevant. Our city continues to experience significant population growth, attracting families not only from metropolitan areas but also from across Northern New South Wales. As the gateway to the Darling Downs and the south-west, Toowoomba services a vast catchment and this demand is driving impressive investment in infrastructure and
opportunity, particularly in the health sector.
Healthcare is currently the largest employer in the Toowoomba region, accounting for one in every five local jobs. That’s 20% of our regional workforce engaged in caring for others (Toowoomba Regional Council Economic Profile, 2023/4). This is only growing. With the new Toowoomba Hospital on the horizon (Queensland Government Darling Downs Health, 2025) and an ever-increasing demand to service areas throughout
Queensland and Northern New South Wales, the need for dedicated, well-trained health professional has never been more urgent.
And yet, as health services expand, there is a growing shortage of workers – particularly in nursing, allied health, mental health and aged care. The good news is that regional students who study and train locally are far more likely to stay, live and work in those same communities (Regional Universities Network, NA). They – the young women in our classrooms now – are the future of our region. That is why I am so proud of the work happening in our College’s Health Hub. This innovative space is more than just a classroom – it is a launch pad. It’s where curiosity meets compassion and where students begin to imagine how they might make a positive impact. In 2024, Health was the single largest study area for our students – a strong sign that our young women are listening to the needs of their community and leaning into service.
Our partnership program with Mater Education and on-the job options with STATIM Regional Health Solutions is already providing students with real work learning opportunities and micro credentialling to give them a head start with their future pathways. I recently received one of the loveliest letters I have ever received in my time as an educator, from a grateful son whose mother had been provided care by one of our girls during work experience. He shared that ‘although this student’s genuine kindness is exceptional to our mind, I have no doubt that it is indicative of the values that are instilled in your Fairholme students more generally.’
With over a dozen of our current Year 12 girls eagerly preparing to sit their medical entry exams through UCAT preparations, this touching tribute to our students and staff could not be more fitting. With a rapidly changing world, there is no doubt that health remains one of the most stable and essential sectors – both now and into the future. But more than that, it is a deeply human profession. Whether our graduates go on to become doctors, nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals or researchers, we know they will be making an impact that matters.
Toowoomba is not just growing - it is thriving. And as educators, we are excited to be helping shape a generation who will contribute meaningfully to that growth. Our College is proud to stand at the intersection of education, innovation and community service.
To each of our families - thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the values you instil and the trust you place in us. The ICPA reminded me once again of the strength that exists in our rural and regional families - and of how important it is that our schools honour that strength with opportunity. The future looks bright – and I have every confidence it will be even brighter with our graduates at the helm.
Have a restful break and I look forward to seeing you and your daughters back for an exciting and inspiring second semester.
Dr Leigh Hobart
Principal
More News…
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!
