Bella Bain received the Young Alumni Award at our Foundation Medal Dinner in 2024 for her remarkable professional achievements and contribution to the community since leaving Wesley.
Is there anything Isabella (Bella) Bain can’t do? In the world of sports, she became a five-time world champion in dragon boating, while also excelling in rowing, equestrian, hockey, and tennis. Her success on the field inspired countless young athletes, many of whom she has coached and mentored, encouraging them to pursue their passions and stay active. But Bella didn’t stop at sports - her journey went far beyond that.
Graduating from the University of Sydney with a degree in Design Computing, she made the Dean’s List for excellence in academic performance. Her energy and drive flowed into every corner of her life, spanning academia, technological innovation, community engagement, and environmental advocacy. Bella continued to give back, staying connected to Wesley College, mentoring students, attending formal dinners, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and designers as a tutor and lecturer at the University of Sydney.
At 24, Bella was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but she faced the challenge with remarkable courage. By openly discussing her diagnosis, she shattered misconceptions about the condition, becoming a powerful advocate for others living with disabilities. Over the years she has run fundraising campaigns that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for MS research, and she has become a shining example of empowerment for women and people with disabilities in STEMM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine).
Bella's innovation knows no bounds. She co-founded the design startup Ambient& Co, which crafted interactive light sculptures for festivals like VIVID Sydney and I-Light Marina Bay in Singapore. One of her works, 1,000 Cranes, was recognized as the second-best installation at VIVID 2018. In 2017, she led the development of FrogID, a groundbreaking crowd-sourcing app in partnership with IBM and the Australian Museum, which advanced scientific research and engaged the public in environmental conservation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bella worked with the Critical Care Consortium to launch the world’s first COVID-19ICU Dashboard, providing real-time data to over 400 ICUs across 53 countries. Her influence even extended to revolutionizing Australia's financial system with the creation of the RBA Banknotes app with the launch of the new Australian banknotes, transforming the way the public interacts with the new currency. Her achievements have been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science, the ISG Paragon Awards APAC, and the Sydney Design Awards.
As one of the youngest directors and Global Head of Product Design at Macquarie Group, Bella led the design strategy for digital products that impacted over 21,000 employees across34 markets. She was pivotal in shaping Macquarie's first-ever Accessibility Action Plan and Global Experience Language, creating more inclusive and accessible digital environments for all.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bella shines as an Australia Day Ambassador, dedicating herself to civic and philanthropic causes. Her work has garnered widespread recognition, including being named one of the 30 Most Influential People Under 30 by The Sydney Daily Telegraph, Woman of the Year at the 2024 Digital Experience Awards, and earning praise from The Australian Financial Review for her ability to "bring a human touch that makes technology a better experience for everyone."
