Georgina Rackemann - Q&A

Year 12 student Lilli Hamilton is a star on the rise, making a name for herself in the cricket world. From debuting for Australia to making waves in the T20 Spring Bash, and even playing for the Queensland Fire, her journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring. We caught up with Lilli to chat about her journey, juggling school and sport, and what lies ahead. When asked about the standout moments of her whirlwind summer, Lilli shared that it was hard to pick just one. “It’s been a fantastic summer of cricket,” she says. “For me, the highlights are shared between the T20 Spring Bash and my debut for the Queensland Fire. As a female player, traveling interstate and playing a sport you love is such an amazing experience. Both opportunities really helped me grow as both a person and a cricketer.” For Lilli, cricket wasn’t just a hobby—it was in the family. “My dad used to play cricket when he was at school, so I suppose it was always in my family,” she explains. “When I was 6, he saw how much I loved being outside and noticed I was fairly coordinated. He threw me a ball, and that was pretty much it—cricket has been a part of my life ever since.” From the age of 7, Lilli has been playing for both club teams and representative teams, and it’s clear that those early days set her on a path for success. With all the travel, games, and training sessions, managing school and cricket at such a high level is a challenge, but Lilli has learned to make it work. “It’s definitely a juggle at times,” she admits. “Luckily, most of the cricket season coincides with the summer holidays, so it’s a little easier. I make sure to stay really focused when I am at school and try not to let my homework and assignments pile up. When I do miss school for cricket, it can get pretty stressful, but I’m really lucky to have supportive teachers who help me catch up.” So, what does a typical week of training look like for Lilli? Well, it varies a lot depending on her commitments. “Usually, I train with my club on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Brisbane, and we play a club game on Sundays. If I have representative duties, I might train on Monday or Wednesday as well. I also sometimes fit in a personal training session on Saturdays, but it all depends on the week and the competition I’m involved in.” Given the demands of both her academic life and cricket career, we asked Lilli for some tips on managing it all. Her advice? “Don’t procrastinate. Get your work done whenever you can find the time. Also, make sure to dedicate time for yourself and don’t let school or sports consume you.” As for what’s next in the world of cricket, Lilli has some exciting events on the horizon. “We’re vying for club finals at the moment, which is really exciting,” she says. “The Queensland Fire also has a home grand final coming up, and if I get the chance to play in that, it will be pretty cool.” Looking further ahead, she has her sights set on a few key goals. “Obviously, I want to do my best in my final year of school and keep managing cricket as well,” she shares. “I’m not super goal oriented, though. I like to take each day as it comes and stay in the present, rather than get too far ahead of myself.” “I would love to pursue cricket professionally after school. But if that doesn’t work out, I’d like to go to university and work in business or politics after I graduate.” And now, with her final year of school on the horizon, she’s feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “I’m a little nervous because Year 12 can be a pretty stressful time,” she says. “But I’m also looking forward to embracing the challenges, and I’m excited to finish. I really want to enjoy the last moments of being at school, spending time with my friends, and soaking in all those last little moments at Fairholme.” No matter where cricket or life takes Lilli, one thing is certain—she is ready to take on whatever comes next. With her combination of talent, determination, and a grounded perspective on life, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future.

For our Head Girl Gracie Mack her journey at Fairholme began like many others—nervous but excited. Despite having two older sisters who had walked the same path before her, the first day still came with its challenges. ‘I remember two of my classmates and I spending far too long trying to find out where the classroom DC1 was,’ Gracie recalls with a laugh. ‘We walked around the school for half the lesson because we were too scared to ask for help. Spoiler alert: it’s the Drama Centre opposite the Library!’ That first day was a whirlwind of new faces and experiences, including meeting her teachers. One encounter particularly stood out. ‘I realised I had Mrs Wallis for Humanities, which was a bit awkward because I had unknowingly told her during the Boarding tours in Moonie that history was by far my least favourite subject. Lucky she didn’t hold it against me though!’ Some of Gracie’s most treasured memories come from the traditions that make boarding life at Fairholme so special. The first weekend of the year is always a closed weekend, filled with activities designed to help boarders settle in and form new friendships. One of the standout events for Gracie was the watermelon-eating competition, where she and her friend Anna Street would eagerly devour slice after slice in a spirited attempt to win—often ending up with sticky faces in the process. ‘Holme Day in the Boarding House was another highlight, with an early morning and a lip-sync competition to determine who got to go to breakfast first.’ And of course, Christmas Dinner was a special tradition: ‘The kitchen staff cook up a feast, and the night is filled with karaoke and each year performing a funny Christmas-themed dance.’ Given her deep connection to Fairholme, it’s no surprise that Gracie was inspired to take on the role of Head Girl. She had always loved being involved in school events and saw this role as an extension of that passion. Seeing past Head Girls on stage in Assembly had always been a highlight, and she admired those who had come before her. As the opportunity approached, she realised that the role would not only allow her to give back to the school but also offer invaluable personal growth: ‘Having mentorship and growing as a leader is an irreplaceable experience. And as I continued to appreciate Fairholme for how amazing it is, being chosen to represent that felt like an incredible privilege.’ When considering the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Gracie’s focus is on kindness and encouragement: ‘I want to promote bucket-filling, not just for future leaders but for the whole school. I want to leave behind a legacy of getting involved and being a cheerleader for everyone.’ Managing the demands of Year 12 alongside her responsibilities as Head Girl requires a strategic approach to time management. Gracie believes that preparation is crucial, noting that staying ahead of deadlines before exam blocks or major events always proves beneficial. However, she acknowledges that balancing commitments isn’t always easy. ‘Understanding your own limits is key,’ she explains. ‘Knowing how busy you are helps you recognise when to step back and when you have the capacity to assist others.’ Above all, she prioritizes rest. ‘Sleep is non-negotiable for me. It’s made a huge difference over the past few years, and I plan to keep it that way.’ She is also grateful for the strong support network around her, knowing they will always encourage her to take care of herself. And as a final fun fact about our Head Girl? ‘Over the years, I have taught myself how to raise one eyebrow and move my ears,’ she shares. ‘But I still cannot, for the life of me, whistle!’