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…
One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
