Fairholme Old Girls

Fairholme Old Girls www.fairholme.qld.edu.au

Women in the trades…Fairholme Old Girl, Laura Patterson (2023), is breaking new ground in the electrical industry as she...
03/09/2026

Women in the trades…

Fairholme Old Girl, Laura Patterson (2023), is breaking new ground in the electrical industry as she begins her career with Ergon Energy. Now an electrical apprentice with Ergon Energy, Laura recently attended the launch of the Safety Heroes program at Toowoomba East State School, where she caught up with Trevor Watts and David Janetzki.

The former Fairholme Boarder (from Rolleston), Laura is forging her own path in the electrical industry - a traditionally male-dominated field - and showing just how much women have to offer in the trades.

We love seeing Old Girls like Laura step confidently into industries where women have historically been underrepresented and underestimated, challenge expectations and inspire the next generation to consider careers they may never have imagined for themselves.

What a beautiful evening at our recent Perfect Cadence Concert at the Armitage Centre celebrating the incredible musical...
01/09/2026

What a beautiful evening at our recent Perfect Cadence Concert at the Armitage Centre celebrating the incredible musical talent and connection between Fairholme girls, past and present.

We were especially delighted to welcome a group of Fairholme Old Girls, who returned to the College to share their musical talents and perform alongside our students.

With performances from our Guitar Ensemble, Wirra String Quartet, Symphonic Wind Band, Stage Band, Chime Choir, College Choir, Chamber Choir, Strong Orchestra and Chamber Strings - alongside our talented Old Girls and members of the Brisbane Boys' College Choir - it was a memorable night of music.

We’re trying something a little different with our reunions this year… and we hope you’ll love it!The College and the Fa...
05/08/2026

We’re trying something a little different with our reunions this year… and we hope you’ll love it!

The College and the Fairholme Old Girls’ Association is organising the 10 and 20 Year Reunions as a combined event on the night of Spring Fair at The Rock.

We are hoping this will become an annual event for all year reunions - we do all the work, you just show up!

Whether you graduated 10 years ago or 20, this is your chance to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow Old Girls from across the generations, and celebrate our shared Fairholme story.

No organising. No chasing classmates. No stress. Just come along… we’ll do the work for you!

If you have already organised your own reunion, that’s great! You are still welcome to join us, or if you need a hand with your event the FOGA office can help out.

While it is a reunion event for the class of 2016 and 2006, all Old Girls are welcome 😊

We can’t wait to welcome you all for what we hope will become a wonderful new tradition for all Old Girls!

24 October 2026, George Banks Rooftop Bar and Bistro (Margaret Street, Toowoomba), RSVP via [email protected]

From Caitlin Crowley
2026 FOGA President

Each year on Founders’ Day, the Fairholme Old Girls' Association awards bursaries to two Fairholme students - the FOGA B...
28/07/2026

Each year on Founders’ Day, the Fairholme Old Girls' Association awards bursaries to two Fairholme students - the FOGA Bursary and the Phyllis Lovell Bursary.

The FOGA Bursary is awarded to a Year 11 student who is a direct descendant of an Old Girl and who has had the best results academically in Year 10.

The Phyllis Lovell Bursary is awarded to a Year 12 student whose mother is an Old Girl and who has made a significant, overall contribution to Fairholme.

We are excited to announce the winners for the bursaries this year: Claire Murphy and her sister Ruby Murphy!

Claire Murphy (Year 12) – recipient of the Phyllis Lovell Bursary, recognising her exceptional academic achievement in Year 10.

Ruby Murphy (Year 11) – recipient of the FOGA Bursary, recognising her outstanding all-round contribution to Fairholme.

Thank you to FOGA President Caitlin Crowley and Patroness Marie Cameron for representing all Old Girls on this special day.

From Caitlin: “Congratulations, girls! As you march towards the end of your Senior years at Fairholme, we wish you all the best - and can't wait to welcome you into FOGA. And gratitude to all those who have walked the Fairholme path before us. Your legacy continues to guide us as we write this exciting next chapter.”

CELEBRATING FOUNDERS DAY"Years have mellowed the old house, human lives have filled it with memories - the memory of an ...
28/07/2026

CELEBRATING FOUNDERS DAY

"Years have mellowed the old house, human lives have filled it with memories - the memory of an old, gracious lady still lingers there like the scent of dying roses on an evening wind; it has been filled with fun and frolic and laughter; it has known tears and heartache, too. Love has hallowed it, and sorrow has consecrated it - this beautiful old home on the mountains." - Obituary, Margaret Anne Cameron, July 1918.

Yesterday we celebrated the many Fairholme girls and staff who’ve gone before us, in recognition of Founders Day. We recognise those who've walked the Fairholme path before us, who have helped make it possible for girls to gain an education, at a time when it when it wasn't considered essential by many.

It was a privilege to welcome Fairholme Old Girls back to the College and hear from Mrs Natalie Newell (Fairholme Old Girl, 1993), whose family's connection to Fairholme spans an incredible five generations.
As the mother of recent Old Girl Ruby and current student Eva, Natalie shared a beautiful reminder that while each generation's journey is different, the values of Fairholme endure.

‘The generations in my family have changed, the women who attended Fairholme went on to live different lives and in very different times, but something important has remained. Each one of us has carried something of Fairholme with us. The values that were founded here all those years ago when Mrs Cameron gave the land on which the College sits, still remain with us.’

Three generations. One extraordinary Fairholme legacy.At 94 years of age, it was a privilege to welcome Marie Holmes (Ho...
14/07/2026

Three generations. One extraordinary Fairholme legacy.

At 94 years of age, it was a privilege to welcome Marie Holmes (Hogg, 1946-1948) back to Fairholme as she presented the College with a truly special gift – an original 1967 watercolour of Fairholme's front entrance, painted by renowned local artist, Don Featherstone.

The painting was originally commissioned for Marie's mother, Annie (Lorna) Hogg (Brodie, 1914), a Spreydon Girls' College student, who had always intended for it to return home to Fairholme. Although Lorna passed away before she could fulfil that wish, Marie has now honoured her mother's legacy, presenting the painting to the College alongside her granddaughter, Courtney.

Marie also generously donated a blazer pocket belonging to her daughter, Katharine (Kate) Stanley (Holmes, 1972-1976), creating a connection across three generations of Spreydon and Fairholme women.

Both Marie and Kate were Cameron House Captains, represented Fairholme in the A Tennis Team, and were outstanding sportswomen. Kate also made history as Fairholme's very first Sports Captain in 1976.

Thank you, Marie, for sharing your family's story and donating these precious pieces of Fairholme history for our future generations to enjoy.

Wherever you are in the world, you're never far from a Fairholme Old Girl. As part of our London and Cambridge Academic ...
13/07/2026

Wherever you are in the world, you're never far from a Fairholme Old Girl.

As part of our London and Cambridge Academic Immersion, our students enjoyed a wonderful evening reconnecting with members of the Fairholme community in the iconic Leadenhall Market.

Over dinner, our Old Girls shared stories of their time at Fairholme, their journeys since walking Palm Drive for the last time, and the careers, adventures and opportunities that have taken them across the globe.

Our girls may leave Toowoomba, but they remain forever connected through the Fairholme sisterhood.

A heartfelt thank you to Chloe Ainscow (2017), Louisa Finlay (2018), Katie Devine (2015), Nerida Lloyd (1987), Zara Nimac (2022), Annika Darlington (2015), Emma-Lee Reddacliff (2012) and Elizabeth Birchley (1983) for taking the time to share a meal with our students and make them feel so welcome in London!

Support a fellow Old Girl. Discover a fellow Old Girl. Do business with a fellow Old Girl.The Fairholme College 2026/27 ...
17/06/2026

Support a fellow Old Girl. Discover a fellow Old Girl. Do business with a fellow Old Girl.

The Fairholme College 2026/27 Business Directory is now open for registrations!

Whether you're running your own business, offering professional services, or part of a larger organisation, the Fairholme College Business Directory is a fantastic way to promote your business, connect with fellow Old Girls, and strengthen our Fairholme community.

- Printed and digital exposure
- Targeted local audience
- No design cost
- Increase your visibility
- Support and be supported by fellow Fairholme women and families

Book now by emailing [email protected]

Current and past Fairholme families joined Principal, Dr Leigh Hobart, and Head of Boarding, Kylie Wallis, at the recent...
08/06/2026

Current and past Fairholme families joined Principal, Dr Leigh Hobart, and Head of Boarding, Kylie Wallis, at the recent ICPA QLD INC - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Queensland Inc State Conference last week 💛

Fairholme is a very proud supporter of the ICPA - the voice of families who live, work and educate their children in rural and remote areas - as it continues to advocate for equitable access to quality education, regardless of postcode.

Twenty-five years after graduating from Fairholme College, Toowoomba Regional Council's Deputy Mayor, Rebecca Vonhoff re...
03/06/2026

Twenty-five years after graduating from Fairholme College, Toowoomba Regional Council's Deputy Mayor, Rebecca Vonhoff returned "holme" to where her journey began.

Last week, Cr Vonhoff spent time with our Year 5 students, sharing insights into her career, local government, leadership, and even overcoming Eisteddfod nerves.

“How cool to go back to Fairholme as Deputy Mayor to talk to the Year 5 students. The Fairholme girls had so many questions and they were all bright and thoughtful. We talked about different opinions, democracy, why and how to become a councillor or member of parliament, and why Eisteddfod nerves are okay because they should chase a big and challenging life - not an easy life.

"Truly, I left the school with a huge smile on my face because they were total delights.”

Thank you, Councillor Vonhoff, for returning to Fairholme and inspiring our girls to think big, embrace challenges, and lead with confidence.

Councillor Dr Rebecca Vonhoff

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40 Wirra Wirra Street
Toowoomba, QLD
4350

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