Bella Sargeant (she/her)

Bachelor of Biological Sciences

Bella spent her early childhood in inner-western Sydney, with little green space. Moving to Wodonga in the Murray-Darling Basin opened her to the natural world. That contrast gave her a deep connection to nature and a belief that access to it shouldn't depend on postcode or income.

She is in her second year of a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at La Trobe University. She volunteers at Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary and with the Darebin Creek Management Committee. As vice president of the La Trobe Animal, Veterinary and Zoology Society, she co-led efforts to grow the club past 300 members.

As a Wattle Fellow, Bella is building a native biodiversity program for renters and young people. Indigenous plant starter packs, along with rental planting rights and propagation resources, will tackle the legal and financial barriers  often overlooked in restoration.

Off campus, she hikes with her dog Chowder, tends her habitat garden and tests her novice birding skills.