Highfields, Queensland#Education

Highfields is situated on the Great Dividing Range, slightly north of Mount Kynoch. It is on the New England Highway.{{Queensland Globe|access-date=19 November 2023}}

The town centre is in the centre of the locality with the surrounding land use being suburban housing. The outskirts of the locality are used for agriculture, a mixture of grazing and crop growing.

The town is a satellite community of the city of Toowoomba.{{Cite web |title=Highfields and Highfields Shire |url=https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/highfields-and-highfields-shire |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=Queensland Places |publisher=University of Queensland |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016032723/https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/highfields-and-highfields-shire |url-status=live }}

Along with Meringandan, the climate is oceanic (Köppen: Cfb) due to elevation, usually located further south of Australia.{{Cite web |title=Interactive Australia / New Zealand Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Map |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/koppen-climate-classification-map-australia-new-zealand.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235102/https://www.plantmaps.com/koppen-climate-classification-map-australia-new-zealand.php |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2019-03-06 |website=www.plantmaps.com}}

The area probably takes its name from Edward Pechey who owned property and a Sawmill in the area. He came from Langham in Essex, where there was a Highfields School.French, M. (1991). Pubs, Ploughs & 'Peculiar People': Towns, Farms, and Social Life. USQ Press, University College of Southern Queensland. although the Globe suggests there was a Highfields pastoral run, north of the township. The area was first developed in the 1860s. Initially, there were a number of sawmills in the area, harvesting the local timber. Then the construction of the railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba (completed in 1867) brought railway workers to the district. As the timber-getters cleared the land, dairy farms were established.{{cite web |title=Highfield and Highfields Shire |url=http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/node/412 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212223627/http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/node/412 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |access-date=7 December 2013 |work=Queensland Places |publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland}} The first post office openly briefly in 1866 with a weekly mail service from Toowoomba.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20306440 |title=TOOWOOMBA. |newspaper=The Queenslander |date=24 February 1866 |access-date=10 May 2014 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090347/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20306440 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20306764 |title=TOOWOOMBA. |newspaper=The Queenslander |date=17 March 1866 |access-date=10 May 2014 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090316/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20306764 |url-status=live }} It re-opened in 1868{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75518610 |title=TOOWOOMBA AND HIGHFIELDS POSTAL SERVICE. |newspaper=The Darling Downs Gazette and General Advertiser |location=Toowoomba, Qld. |date=9 November 1867 |access-date=10 May 2014 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090342/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75518610 |url-status=live }} and changed its name in December 1877 to Koojarewon.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75739915 |title=A. A. Gazette, WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE VOICE OF THE DOWNS. TOOWOOMBA, DECEMBER 15, 1877. |newspaper=The Darling Downs Gazette and General Advertiser |location=Toowoomba, Qld. |date=15 December 1877 |access-date=10 May 2014 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090316/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75739915 |url-status=live }}

The Highfields School opened on 17 January 1870 in the Rising Sun Hotel under teacher Mr Larkin.{{Cite QldSchool|access-date=9 May 2014}}{{cite QSA Agency|5313|Highfields State School|10 May 2014}} The first school building was constructed in the 1880s.{{cite web|title=Our School History |url=http://highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/wcms/index.php/our-school51/school-history150 |publisher=Highfields State School |access-date=9 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512222348/http://highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/wcms/index.php/our-school51/school-history150 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |df=dmy-all }} In 1907, the school was renamed Koojarawon, but was reverted to Highfields by the end of 1907.

In 1879, a Baptist Church opened in Highfields.{{Cite web|title=Queensland Baptist churches by date of erection/opening|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126074653/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html}}{{Cite web|title=1878 Highfields|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1878-Highfields.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126080547/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1878-Highfields.html}} On Sunday 22 November 1908, the church was reopened following a major reconstruction.{{Cite web|title=1908 Highfields|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1908-Highfields.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126080733/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1908-Highfields.html}}{{cite news|date=24 November 1908|title=HIGHFIELDS BAPTIST CHURCH.|volume=LI|page=4|newspaper=Darling Downs Gazette|issue=8,491|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article180449921|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=29 November 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217155656/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/180449921|url-status=live}}

In 1907, the protests of residents resulted in both the school and the post office returning to the name Highfields.{{cite web|title=220 – Highfields / Koojarewon / Brookfield|url=http://queenslandstampnumerals.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/220-highfields-koojarewon-brookfield.html|work=Queensland Postage Stamp Numerals|date=19 April 2013|publisher=Bernand Manning & Hugh Campbell|access-date=9 May 2014|archive-date=12 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512214245/http://queenslandstampnumerals.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/220-highfields-koojarewon-brookfield.html|url-status=live}} Another post office in the Highfields area is now the Geham Post Office.

View Glen State School opened on Highfields Road on 25 May 1914. It closed on 1924.{{Citation|author1=Queensland Family History Society|title=Queensland schools past and present|date=2010|edition=Version 1.01|publisher=Queensland Family History Society|isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189195844|title=Advertising|date=27 October 1913|newspaper=Darling Downs Gazette|access-date=30 November 2019|issue=565|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVI|page=1|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090347/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189195844|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186863398|title=VIEW GLEN SCHOOL.|date=4 July 1914|newspaper=Darling Downs Gazette|access-date=30 November 2019|issue=775|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVII|page=7|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090317/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186863398|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186860867|title=Advertising|date=1 July 1914|newspaper=Darling Downs Gazette|access-date=30 November 2019|issue=772|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVII|page=1|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090350/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/186860867|url-status=live}}

At the start of the 1960s, Highfields remained a rural community with, at one stage, only 9 children enrolled in the Highfields State School. However, residential subdivision started to occur in the 1960s, to a point where it is now considered a satellite town of Toowoomba. As at 2014, the school was one of the largest primary schools in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.

Toowoomba Christian College opened on 30 January 1979.

Mary MacKillop Catholic School opened on 26 January 2003 as primary school. In 2015, it was renamed Mary Mackillop Catholic College to reflect its expansion to secondary schooling.{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}

The Cabarlah Community School opened in Wirraglen Road in January 2006. It used the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy. In March 2008 it was closed when the Queensland Government's Non-State Schools Accreditation Board refused to accredit the school, claiming it did not meet the requirements of the Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2001. Although the school appealed the decision, the Queensland Education Minister, Rod Weldford, upheld the board's decision.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/school-shuts-after-failing-government-examination/6104/|title=School shuts after failing government examination|last=Searle|first=Susan|date=11 March 2008|work=Toowoomba Chronicle|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405174804/https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/school-shuts-after-failing-government-examination/6104/|url-status=live}}

The Highfields Library opened in 2006 with a major refurbishment in 2017, with a new library/community centre opening in 2022, to cater for the population growth in the district.{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|publisher=State Library of Queensland|page=16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=30 January 2018}}

Highfields State Secondary College opened on Tuesday 27 January 2015.{{Cite web|title=Highfields State Secondary College|url=https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302064053/https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=2 March 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|website=highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2019-11-27|title=Our school|url=https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/our-school|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Highfields State Secondary College|language=en|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308004108/https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/our-school|url-status=live}}

File:The Nambour Regional Training Centre formerly known as the Big Cow - Taken on the Saturday, 20th July 2013 at 8-39am. - panoramio.jpg

On 10 January 2020, the Big Cow was moved to the Highfields Pioneer Village, where it was restored and officially re-opened on 20 September 2020.{{Cite web|last=Nugent|first=Victoria|date=2020-01-16|title=Big Cow museum plan to honour Darling Downs' dairy industry|url=http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6583523/big-cow-museum-plan-to-honour-darling-downs-dairy-industry/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301074734/https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6583523/big-cow-museum-plan-to-honour-darling-downs-dairy-industry/|archive-date=1 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-01|website=Queensland Country Life|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Big Cow |url=https://www.highfieldspioneervillage.com.au/thebigcow |access-date=2023-02-09 |publisher=Highfields Pioneer Village |archive-date=18 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618065725/https://www.highfieldspioneervillage.com.au/thebigcow |url-status=live }} The Big Cow was built in the 1970s to attract tourists to a working dairy farm at 9-11 Ayrshire Rd, Kulangoor. It is one of the many Australian Big Things. It was sculpted by Hugh Anderson, who also sculpted the Big Bulls in Rockhampton. The Big Cow is seven times the size of an Ayrshire cow on which it is modelled. It is made of concrete and described as "able to withstand a cyclone". After the dairy farm closed, the Big Cow remained on the property which was used for a variety of purposes. In March 2016, the Big Cow was described as "closed and fallen into disrepair".{{Cite news|last=Tatham|first=Harriet|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-14/big-cow-closed-to-tourists-at-kulangoor/7246018|title=The Big Cow at Kulangoor in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast is closed and fallen into disrepair|date=14 March 2016|work=ABC News|access-date=2 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802102421/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-14/big-cow-closed-to-tourists-at-kulangoor/7246018|archive-date=2 August 2017}}

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Highfields had a population of 8,131 people.{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC31342|name=Highfields (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}

In 2017, it was the fastest growing area in Toowoomba.{{cite news|url=https://www.news-mail.com.au/news/revealed-toowoombas-booming-and-declining-suburbs/3166605/|title=Revealed: City's booming (and not-so booming) suburbs|first=Andrew|last=Backhouse|work=NewsMail|date=15 April 2017|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905090314/https://www.news-mail.com.au/news/revealed-toowoombas-booming-and-declining-suburbs/3166605/|url-status=live}}

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Highfields had a population of 8,568 people.{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL31330|name=Highfields (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}

File:Aerial view of Highfields State School, 2021.jpg

Highfields State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 10459 New England Highway ({{coord|-27.4628|151.9557|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Highfields State School}}).{{cite web|date=9 July 2018|title=State and non-state school details|url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|url-status=live|access-date=21 November 2018|publisher=Queensland Government|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997|archivedate=21 November 2018}}{{Cite web|date=2020-04-14|title=Highfields State School|url=https://highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Highfields State School|language=en|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404131238/https://highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 730 students with 56 teachers (50 full-time equivalent) and 32 non-teaching staff (22 full-time equivalent).{{cite web|title=ACARA School Profile 2018|url=https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx|access-date=28 January 2020|publisher=Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827085246/https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx|url-status=live}} It includes a special education program.{{cite web|title=Highfields SS - Special Education Program|url=https://www.highfieldsss.eq.edu.au|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404131238/https://highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}}

Toowoomba Christian College is a private primary and secondary (Prep-12) school for boys and girls at 10852 New England Highway ({{coord|-27.4877|151.9492|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Toowoomba Christian College}}).{{Cite web |title=Toowoomba Christian College |url=https://tccollege.qld.edu.au/ |access-date=19 November 2023 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604014836/https://tccollege.qld.edu.au/ |url-status=live }} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 697 students with 47 teachers (44 full-time equivalent) and 37 non-teaching staff (29 full-time equivalent).

Mary MacKillop Catholic College is a Catholic primary and secondary (Prep-9) school for boys and girls at 75 Highfields Road ({{coord|-27.4512|151.9428|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Mary MacKillop Catholic College}}).{{Cite web|date=2021-12-17|title=Mary MacKillop Catholic College|url=https://www.mmcc.catholic.edu.au/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Mary MacKillop Catholic College|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108163203/https://www.mmcc.catholic.edu.au/}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 696 students with 51 teachers (46 full-time equivalent) and 38 non-teaching staff (28 full-time equivalent).

Highfields State Secondary College is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 10 O'Brien Road ({{coord|-27.4466|151.9511|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Highfields State Secondary College}}).{{Cite web|date=2019-11-27|title=Highfields State Secondary College|url=https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Highfields State Secondary College|language=en|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318103522/https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au/|url-status=live}} In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 810 students with 66 teachers (64 full-time equivalent) and 35 non-teaching staff (26 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program. The college is a Bring your own device (BYOD) school.{{Cite web|title=The school where everyone is the new kid|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/01/27/4168958.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311065036/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/01/27/4168958.htm|archive-date=11 March 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|website=ABC Southern Queensland|language=en-AU}}

The Cultural Centre is a large venue for conferences and performances. Also located at the Centre is an outdoor public swimming complex with a large indoor arena holding two volleyball and basketball courts and a gym. Just outside this is the Highfields Library at Community Court;{{Cite web|title=Highfields Library|url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/toowoomba/highfields_library|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122125120/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/toowoomba/highfields_library|archive-date=22 January 2018|access-date=2018-01-22|website=plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au|publisher=State Library of Queensland|language=en}} the library is operated by the Toowoomba Regional Council and is open seven days.{{cite web|title=Toowoomba Regional Council|url=http://www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/libraries/your-local-library/431-highfieldslibrary|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024054640/http://www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/libraries/your-local-library/431-highfieldslibrary|archive-date=24 October 2014|access-date=24 October 2014}} On the other side of the Cultural Centre is a skate park.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}{{wide image|Highfields, qld Cultural Centre.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|(from left to right) The Highfields Cultural Centre, Aquatic Centre and Library}}

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The Highfields Sport & Recreation Park opened in 2019, which includes a number of netball courts, multi-use sporting fields, and tennis courts; amenities, picnic areas, and 150 additional car parking spaces.{{cite web|title=Highfields Sport & Recreation Park|url=http://trcgov.info/about-council/newspublications/11419-go-ahead-for-stage-2-earthworks-at-highfields-sport-recreation-park?highlight=WyJoaWdoZmllbGRzIiwiJ2hpZ2hmaWVsZHMiXQ==|access-date=18 June 2015|ref=highfieldssport&rec}}{{dead link|date=April 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

A shopping centre called Highfields Village was developed and opened in 2003 that contains a number of community stores, including a hardware store, a baker and a supermarket. A tavern was also opened at the site in 2003. The centre also contains a pizza store, a post office, a bank and a hairdressing salon. In addition to the Highfields Village shopping centre, the Plaza shopping centre was recently redeveloped (2007). It now has a supermarket, newsagency, numerous banks, takeaways and a hair dresser. Also serving the community are a small bundle of shops found on the turn off from the New England Highway to Highfields Road, amongst them include a bakery, a delicatessen, a hairdressers, a real estate agency and an auto parts shop.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The Highfields branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at 2/10498 New England Highway.{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|title=Branch Locations|publisher=Queensland Country Women's Association|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|url-status=dead}}

Highfields is also home to a football (soccer) club, Highfields FC, with teams ranging from Under 6's to Colts. Highfields also has a regional rugby league club, Highfields Eagles, with teams ranging from Under 7's to 16's in the juniors and has an under 18's, reserve and A grade team in the seniors. Highfields Lions were admitted into the AFL Darling Downs Senior competition in 2010, and now have a competitive club at Senior and Junior level. Highfields is home to the Highfields Redbacks Rugby Union Club. The Redbacks are based at Kuhls Road Oval, and field teams from Under 6's to Over 35's. Highfields & District Railways Bulldogs Cricket Club are the local cricket club with teams from under 7s – under 16s and D – A grade. Highfields and District Netball Club operates from the newly opened Highfields district sports park. Highfields and Districts Little Athletics Centre operates during the summer months from the AFL oval.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

{{reflist|2}}

• {{Citation | author1=Highfields State School | title=Centenary of education, Highfields, 1870-1970 | date=1969 | url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/34112323 }}

{{Commons category|Highfields, Queensland}}

• [http://queenslandplaces.com.au/highfields-and-highfields-shire University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Highfields and Highfields Shire]
• [http://www.highfieldsss.eq.edu.au/ Highfields State School]
• [http://users.tpg.com.au/wagnerbe/hpv/index.html Highfields Pioneer Village]
• [http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/FamilyHistory/Photos/Highfields_Baptist-Crows_Nest/ Highfields Baptist Cemetery]

{{Toowoomba Region}}

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Category:Towns in Queensland

Category:Suburbs of Toowoomba

Category:Towns in the Darling Downs

Category:Toowoomba Region

Category:Localities in Queensland