The Year 12 student at St Philip's Christian College in Waratah has made it to the national finals of Top Model Australia.

Bella, 17, will represent NSW at the nationals in Brisbane in November [depending on Covid], having progressed from the NSW state finals.

"I have been modelling since I was 13. Ever since my first photo shoot I have always loved the atmosphere of being surrounded by cameras, meeting new people and travelling to new locations," Bella said.

"Modelling has given me the ability to express different sides of myself through the dichotomy of editorial and commercial modelling. I personally have found that modelling has also given me the ability to love myself and find real confidence in who I am, especially when having to shoot natural shoots with no makeup."

She loves the social media side of modelling and the influencing culture.

"I have been able to grow a small social-media following of 8000 via Instagram, which has allowed me to basically model online through paid partnerships/collaborations with renowned brands," she said.

"I love being able to promote a positive lifestyle, whilst doing what I love as a career."

She said the modelling industry was "extremely cut-throat".

"I never thought I was going to be tall enough to be a professional model, as I am only 171 centimetres," she said.

"I am so proud of how far I have come already and I am open to saying yes to whatever new opportunities life throws at me."

She hopes to model internationally, while staying self-aware.

"Over my years in the industry, I have seen a lot of men and women consume themselves with modelling and it really impacts their mental health," she said.

"Obviously working hard to achieve your goals is important, although I would like to achieve some form of change in relation to the constant expectation of overworking yourself to the point it causes health concerns. It's OK to have an off day."

She hopes to leave a positive mark by promoting "equality, liberty, support for mental health and self-love".

"I have always been captivated by the individualism that fashion enables society to have. I love seeing the diversification of fashion within different cultures."

As well as modelling, Bella plans to study a double degree of law/philosophy, politics and economics at university.

"My work/study schedule is extremely hectic. What motivates me the most is the challenge, as modelling is an extremely competitive industry," she said.

Adam Liaw is known for his TV cooking shows, as well as winning series two of MasterChef.

He's also known for his cheeky tweets. Like this one: "I respectfully suggest we host the F1 in Newcastle".

Formula One has, of course, been in the news with the cancellation of the Australian grand prix in Melbourne in November, due to Covid concerns.

Some comments in reply to Adam's tweet were: "Nothing annoys Newcastle like bringing money, tourists and events to town".

"Maaate, bring it back to Adelaide."

"Could start with an F3 race on the F3."

"It's too upmarket for Newcastle, that's more monster trucks territory."

"Nah, V8s mate!" And this gem: "Bananaby can move it to Armidale surely?"

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