“We are a job creation machine, and seeing manufacturing and agriculture in your top five growth sectors is rare. That’s a dream scenario for a regional community.”Simon Kuestenmacher, Co-Founder of The Demographics Group
Our first Rising and Leading Series guests rose before the sun to gather at the Armitage Centre for what proved to be an energising and thought-provoking breakfast.
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Australia on the Global Stage
Simon opened with a wide-angle view of where Australia sits in the world, and it was more optimistic than expected.
“You picked the right corner of the globe,” he told the room. “It is utterly impossible to keep Australia out of the top 10 countries on Earth. No matter how you filter it, we are a very stable, attractive destination.”
He pointed to Australia’s four core economic pillars — mining, agriculture, tourism and international education — and noted that none are at structural risk. But he also challenged regional communities to push beyond simplicity.
“We’re not a complex economy. We rank just after Uganda on the Global Economic Complexity Index. We could do with a bit more value-added manufacturing, in agriculture, in mining, in pharmaceuticals. There’s work to be done.”
Toowoomba’s Demographic Advantage
Turning his focus closer to home, Simon spoke to Toowoomba’s unique demographic profile.
“You are outrageously young for a regional town,” he said, noting that while many communities lose their young people and don’t see them return, Toowoomba does. “You’re doing quite a few things right in terms of attracting young families and young couples back.”
He described a familiar pattern of young people leaving for university or work, then returning with families to replicate the lifestyle they grew up with. “And that’s something you want to keep encouraging because the alternative of aging is quite shocking.”
Growth, Spending and Economic Shifts
Queensland is expected to grow by 750,000 people over the next decade, but that growth won’t be uniform.
Millennials are entering their peak spending years and the number of people aged 85 and over will double.
“This decade, the biggest generation is entering the most expensive phase of life — the mid-40s,” Simon said.
“Every dollar they earn goes straight back into the economy. Great for business, but terrible for the RBA. We’re going to keep consuming and that’s inflationary.”
Workforce Pressures and Skills Gaps
Simon didn’t shy away from the workforce challenges ahead. He outlined the impact of retiring baby boomers, a slowing pipeline of young workers and critical shortages in aged care, transport, vocational education and agriculture.
“Retention is the name of the game. Be nice to your staff,” he said. “And all those buzzwords, AI, automation, robotics, they are your friends. These technologies won’t lead to mass unemployment. We simply don’t have enough people to be unemployed.”
Toowoomba’s Strategic Opportunity
What stood out was Simon’s view of Toowoomba’s unique economic future.
“You are a job creation machine,” he said. “Healthcare, social assistance, yes, that’s a given. But manufacturing and agriculture in your top five growth sectors? That is extremely rare. It’s a dream scenario for a regional community.”
He challenged educators and industry leaders to show young people a clear pathway into those sectors. “Let them go frolicking in London, sure, but make sure when they come back, there’s a career waiting for them.”
Planning with Purpose
Simon closed with a compelling case for long-term infrastructure thinking, sharing the story of his hometown Munich and the decision to build a train network into undeveloped land ahead of the 1972 Olympic Games. The result was decades of well-planned growth.
“If you build it, they shall come,” he said. “Build before the people arrive, not after. That’s the difference between efficiency and chaos.”
He reminded us that Toowoomba’s inclusion in the 2032 Olympics, hosting equestrian events, may bring more than just sporting moments. “You get growing Brisbane. You get the overflow. If we plan well, that translates to long-term opportunity.”
What This Means for Education at TGS
Simon’s insights reinforce the critical role schools play in shaping the future of our region. At TGS, we are deeply committed to preparing boys not only for success in their studies but for meaningful, future-ready careers in a changing world.
Whether it’s developing communication and critical thinking skills, building pathways into industries such as agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing, or encouraging global curiosity and local impact, our focus is on ensuring that our students are well-equipped to lead in a region poised for growth.
The Rising and Leading Series is not just about hearing from leading voices. It’s about asking what comes next — and how we as a School can help shape it.
Looking to What’s Next
The Rising and Leading Series continues to bring meaningful conversations and influential voices to our community. We are delighted to announce our next two events, Rising and Leading in Medical Research on Tuesday, 22 July and Rising and Leading in Sport on Friday, 15 August. For more details please keep checking our School's website.
Latest Blog
Single-Sex Education and Boys’ Learning: Why It Matters
While many boys appear settled and compliant while studying, research from organisations including the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the University of Melbourne and UNESCO suggest boys are increasingly at risk of disengaging from learning over time, particularly in literacy, motivation and academic confidence. Importantly, this disengagement is not always visible through poor behaviour or disruption. More often, it appears quietly through reduced confidence, reluctance to…
Nurturing Curious Minds
Children are naturally curious about their world and always eager to explore. Harnessing that energy and enthusiasm is key for us in the Junior School. We want our boys to expand their knowledge base and approach learning with a passion that will set them up for the Senior School and beyond. First, let’s clarify some terms: extension and enrichment. Extension is curriculum-focused; it’s where a student’s knowledge, understanding and skills are advanced. Students feel a sense of “stretch” and…
Where it Began
Two of the three books that Louis has published are tucked into the Fantasy section in the W.M. Dent Library I really think my enthusiasm began in the younger grades, when an annual writing competition encouraged all boys to think creatively. This was where I was first truly introduced to writing fiction. These competitions planted a seed of creativity in my mind that would later grow. That seed first flourished in Years 5 and 6, when I wrote my first book with help from a friend called…
A Steady Rhythm, Exceptional Results
When Henry Geise first picked up the clarinet in Year 4, playing an instrument was compulsory at his primary school; he simply gave it a go. What followed has been shaped less by a single decision and more by years of steady commitment. Henry’s love of clarinet started when he was around eight years old He started on clarinet and bass guitar at the same time, and those two instruments have remained his favourites despite trying piano and picking up acoustic guitar more recently. “I would have…
2026 College Baudoux Visit
Early this term, we were delighted to host 24 students and two teachers for a week-long exchange, an experience made possible through the generosity of TGS families and our valued partnership with Fairholme College. What makes this exchange so special is the richness of the cultural experience. While 15 boys were immersed in daily life at TGS, the nine girls attended Fairholme College, allowing both schools to play an active role. Across the week, students participated in lessons, school…
Beyond Achievement: Cultivating Humanity in Boys’ Education
Mark Oliphant, Head of Senior School and Acting Deputy Headmaster and Luke Rawle, Head of Teacher Learning presenting in Adelaide The International Boys’ School Coalition Australasian Regional Conference was co-hosted by Prince Alfred College and St Peter’s College in Adelaide, South Australia between 3-5 May. The conference theme of Cultivating Humanity: A Compelling Responsibility in Boys’ Education drew over 150 educators from boys’ schools across Australia and New Zealand. Many of the…
Echoes of Home: Boarding is who we are
It's there in the early mornings before the day has properly begun, in the noise of boys lining up in the dining hall and in the easy banter that carries them back from sport in the afternoon. Just as often, it shows up in the quieter moments, the ones that tend to go unnoticed at the time but, slowly and steadily, shape who they become. There's also a shared understanding that doesn't need much explaining. What good rainfall means after a long dry spell, or how strong cattle prices on a Friday…
Fiji Rugby Tour 2026: Lessons in Adaptability and Gratitude
Set against the stunning backdrop of Fiji, the tour, held from 3 to 10 April 2026, blended high-level competition, cultural immersion and unexpected challenges. Two demanding matches against local opposition tested adaptability and resilience, while a late-season Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu forced significant changes to plans and schedules. Throughout the disruption, the boys’ behaviour was exemplary, drawing praise from hosts and reinforcing the values at the heart of the program. Based in…
Musicians First, Teachers Always
When the lights came up on & Juliet at the Empire Theatre, more than 6,700 audience members were treated to a bold, high‑energy production backed by an extraordinary team of professional musicians. Among them were two familiar faces from Toowoomba Grammar School: Ms Teresa Brix and Mr Mark Chalmers. For the TGS community, their involvement in one of the region’s largest theatrical productions is something to celebrate, not simply as a professional achievement, but as a powerful reminder of…
