History

Highfields Village began in 1999 with the purchase of approx 33 ha of land at Highfields, just north of Toowoomba, by local property development company Lauder Pty. Ltd. which was founded by John & Jill Stirling.  The land was purchased from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) who originally obtained the property through bequest.  Mr. Stephen Bowers of Innovative Development Solutions (IDS), a long term consultant and friend of the Stirling family was instrumental in introducing the Stirlings to the property and assisted to guide Lauder Pty. Ltd. through the development process in future years.

The land comprised of approx. 4 ha of designated Town Centre (future Commercial) with the balance suitable for residential development.

The name Lauder Pty. Ltd. came from the family’s history of association with the area of Scotland near Haddington to the Lammermuir Hills where the small village of “Lauder” is located.

The Stirling family thought that the rolling hills and panoramic views from the acquired land at Highfields reminded them of this area of Scotland.

Lauder Pty. Ltd. is a family company and since the passing its founder, John Stirling in 2003, the Directors are now Jill Stirling and her children Kim, Maree and Mac.

The Stirlings are a long standing Darling Downs farming and pastoral family who have undertaken other residential and commercial development in Toowoomba and the Brisbane areas.