From Eco Sister to Environmental Changemaker
When Sascha Finlay-Collins (Class of 2023) first joined the Eco Sisters co-curricular program at Santa Maria College, she was not expecting to fall in love with sustainability. In fact, she joined “because my friends were in the club and I wanted a co-curricular so I could get service colours!”
But what started as a social activity soon became a life-changing passion. Today, just a year after graduating, Sascha is making waves in the City of Melville for her innovative approach to environmental advocacy, and it all began with a small step into Eco Sisters.
Discovering a New Perspective
“I went from someone who thought that caring for the planet was just a hippie tree-hugging thing,” Sascha reflects, “to understanding the global implications of the climate crisis and the role each of us plays in stopping climate change before it’s too late.”
A turning point came in Year 10, when she and fellow student Gabby helped organise a major Eco Summit at Aquinas College. Sascha was MC on the day, but it was the preparation that left a lasting mark.
“We talked to a whole range of organisations and community leaders, one of the most fun being a Zoom call with Costa from Gardening Australia,” she says. “It was during this time I first learnt about rewilding. The idea of reclaiming land for nature has become my passion since then.”
Turning Passion into Action
Now studying a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Political Science & International Relations, Sascha is building the foundations for a career in renewable energy.
She is also a member of Engineers Without Borders, Amnesty International, and the UWA Motorsport Team. Yet it’s her work in the local community that has caught public attention.
Through her involvement with the City of Melville Youth Steering Group, a connection she made while still at Santa Maria, Sascha recently designed and led a series of Youth Landcare Days at Piney Lakes. These events focused on restoring a cockatoo rehabilitation area, and were “designed for youth, by youth”.
In the words of the City of Melville:
“Sascha’s approach is to create inclusive, fun and achievable ways for young people to participate in local sustainability efforts.” (City of Melville, May 2025)
Launching Rewild Our World
Next year, Sascha is taking the next step, founding her own landcare group, Rewild Our World. The initiative will run regular weeding and planting days and aims to expand into more urban bushland areas over time.
“I’m starting to build a team of dedicated young people around me,” she says, “and together we’re going to continue revitalising the Cockatoo Rehabilitation area.”
Her longer-term dream includes developing a school program to inspire younger students and connect them with nature.
Staying Motivated
In the face of daunting global environmental challenges, Sascha stays grounded.
“One thing I love about landcare is how tangible it is. After spending a few hours weeding, you can step back and see the area you’ve cleared,” she explains. “That’s why I like to do advocacy work as well as hands-on volunteering. By doing both, I can think about global issues while having a real impact locally.”
Her Advice? Just Start
Sascha is quick to encourage other young people to take the leap.
“My advice is to take up every opportunity you can. When I joined the Youth Steering Group in Year 10, I never thought it would lead to all this. And sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you find for yourself and work hard to create.”
She adds with a laugh, “This is a shameless self-plug, but come down to one of Rewild Our World’s landcare days next year!”
Looking Back - and Ahead
“If I could talk to my younger self at Santa Maria, I’d say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks,” Sascha reflects. “You never know what you can do until you try.”
And what does she hope to see 10 years from now?
“I hope I’ve continued to grow my landcare group into a network of passionate people doing amazing things to help our environment. I’d love to look back and feel pride at the positive change we’ve brought about.”
From a curious student looking for service hours to a recognised environmental leader, Sascha’s story is a powerful reminder that every action counts, and that the seeds planted at Santa Maria College can grow into real, lasting change.
- AlumniSpotlight, CityofMelville, ClimateAction, CommunityEngagement, EcoSisters, Featured, Landcare, SantaMariaCollege, StudentChangemakers, SustainabilityEducation, YouthEnvironmentalLeadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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