Year 6 student, Sophie, is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Her Round Square Citizen project has brought the community together to help save critically endangered Black Cockatoos, whose habitats were lost due to construction in the area.

Sophie’s journey began after noticing an increase in Black Cockatoos on her school grounds. She discovered that tree clearing for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road had left the birds without homes. Motivated to act, Sophie reached out to Black Cockatoo expert Mr Dean Arthurell to see how she could help.

“I asked if we could put up some of Mr Arthurell’s artificial breeding hollows in the trees at school,” Sophie explained. “Mr Arthurell came to speak to my class and brought his birds to help us learn why they are so important.”

Word of Sophie’s initiative spread through social media, inspiring other Gelorup residents to get involved. Many donated funds to install breeding hollows, not just at the school but also on private properties near the affected forest. What began as a school project quickly grew into a citizen science initiative, with locals working together to support the survival of these iconic birds.

Looking ahead, Sophie has big dreams for the future. “I hope that the birds are now more happy and have lots of babies,” she said. “I also hope that maybe more hollows can be placed around our school in the future.”

The project is a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can create positive environmental change. For Sophie, the experience was more than just a school project:

“It felt great knowing that I might make a small difference to these birds and help our forests.”

Her project is a shining example of how young people can inspire their communities to take action—one small step at a time.