Isabella Bain has been announced as the Balranald Shire Australia Day Ambassador for 2026, bringing her expertise in design innovation, technology and community leadership to the regional community.

Bain brings an impressive portfolio to the role. Named the 2025 NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year, she has built her reputation on a core philosophy; that creativity, design and technology can drive meaningful social change when paired with empathy and understanding.

Her professional journey includes senior design roles at major organisations like the Macquarie Group and IBM, where she championed inclusive, human centred approaches. But it's her belief in design's transformative potential, particularly for young Australians, that defines her work.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Bain collaborated with the Critical Care Consortium to develop tools supporting ICU clinicians globally. The experience deepened her commitment to collaboration and reinforced her view that Australia excels when innovation meets purpose.

As a University of Sydney graduate and ambassador, Bain advocates passionately for education that blends creativity with STEM disciplines. She particularly encourages young Australians, especially girls, to see themselves as designers, problem solvers and future leaders, championing pathways that build both confidence and meaningful contribution.

Her co-founding of Ambient & Co has shaped Australia's creative landscape through award winning light installations at festivals including Vivid Sydney and Singapore's iLight Marina Bay. Meanwhile, her achievements as a five time World Champion athlete in Dragon Boating have taught her invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline and community spirit.

In recent years, Bain has navigated life with multiple sclerosis, using her journey to advocate for accessibility and challenge stigma. She emphasises that strength manifests quietly and steadily in deeply human ways, an approach that informs all her work.

Recognised as one of the University of Sydney's International Women's Day "Women to Watch", Bain continues championing inclusion in STEM fields, equitable access to education, and nurturing creativity as an essential life skill. Her appointment as Australia Day Ambassador reflects the shire's commitment to celebrating leadership and positive community impact.