Bella Williams Class of 2021

World at her feet

In the short time from graduating from Newcastle Grammar School in 2021, Bella Williams has already faced a range of challenges and experiences in her bid for success. From the Belmont-Swansea Surf Lifesaving Club to the International Surf Rescue Championships at South Padre Island, Texas, the last two years have been a whirlwind for the young ironwoman and nursing student.

Bella’s journey began before she even graduated when she was offered early entry for nursing to three universities in both New South Wales and Queensland. While she initially began a Bachelor of Nursing part-time, juggling her degree with her sporting commitments at home, the disappointment of missing out on the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series by a single point inspired her to commit entirely to her sport. In 2022, Bella deferred her university degree to move to the Gold Coast to work and train at the renowned Northcliffe Surf Club in Surfers Paradise. The move paid off, with Bella representing the Australian Surf Life Saving team at the action-packed international competition.

“Fast forward to today, I am back at University studying a Diploma of Health specialising in Nursing,” she states. “This allows me to keep pursing my academic and career goals alongside my busy schedule of being a professional athlete.” Bella credits much of her success to the support received by the staff at Newcastle Grammar School, as well as the PERMA* wellbeing framework and RISE** values: “Personally, these frameworks have provided a foundational role in my life today in terms of employment, excellence in my sport and everyday life of expressing my true self.”

Some of Bella’s favourite memories of NGS showcase her diverse interests, including a hiking camp in Year 9 which pushed her out of her comfort zone, and performing as Elphaba in the School’s production of Wicked at the Civic Theatre. “For the opportunities this school provided me to showcase my talents and have one of the most amazing experiences, I will be forever be grateful.” Bella was also recognised in 2022 for her artistic talents at the City of Newcastle Drama Association (CONDA) Awards for Excellence by a Musical Performer 18 and under – Musical.

As well as her hunger for competitive lifesaving, Bella has had a passion and desire to work in the health care industry since she was young. “I have always loved to give back to the community and help others in need” she says. “It works hand in hand with my character strengths and values, where relationships are at the heart of everything I do.”

With the support of her coaches, teammates, club, family and friends, Bella has the world at her feet. But she’s also “enjoying being young and seeing what the world has to offer.” When asked what advice she has for current NGS students, she encourages them to get involved as much as they can: “Grab every opportunity with two hands! It makes your school life richer with experiences and helps you find interests to potentially build upon in the future.”

*PERMA – Positive Emotion, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments
**RISE – NGS values are Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence