On a balmy evening in Sydney, we meet Australian model and ocean advocate Astrid Holler at Delwood Beach—a secluded cove lined with rockpools and sweeping views of Manly Harbour, already humming with Friday night energy. 

A seasoned model with an impressive résumé, Astrid has been featured in the pages of L’Officiel and Vogue and walked for international labels including Burberry and Chanel in Paris. But beyond runway shows and long days on set, her passions run deep. A former competitive swimmer, she discovered freediving while travelling the world, forging a strong connection with the ocean and a growing commitment to protecting it.

In conversation with Astrid, we dive into her experiences beneath the surface, the moments that set her on the path to ocean conservation, and why she believes word of mouth has the power to drive meaningful change.Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to the ocean? What fuelled your journey into ocean conservation and your interest in environmental science?

Growing up, I used to love watching David Attenborough documentaries, which piqued my interest in nature, particularly our beautiful oceans and all their inhabitants. As I got older and more involved in modelling internationally, I spent a lot of my time in transit, on planes and trains, and this is where I started to read a lot. 

One of the books I picked up in London was called Deep by James Nestor and this was where my free diving journey started. I remember sitting on the train after a long day of work and I could not take my eyes off this book. When I got back to Sydney, I signed up for a freediving course and joined an amazing freediving community. 

From there, I started travelling to different parts of the globe to free dive. I discovered how stunning the underwater world is, but I also witnessed first-hand the prevalence of trash in our oceans everywhere I went. After doing some research, I realised I needed to do something to contribute to protecting our oceans, so I signed up for an Environmental Science degree to further my knowledge, and I started volunteering for various ocean conservation groups.

“I discovered how stunning the underwater world is, but also witnessed first-hand the prevalence of trash in our oceans everywhere I went.”

Could you share some recent ocean conservation initiatives you’ve supported and the organisations you feel most passionate about?

I have been involved in a few initiatives over the years. There are so many people out there doing amazing things to help conserve our oceans. The ones that resonate with me the most are the ocean clean-up initiatives such as Seabin Foundation and Emu Parade. This is where you can really see the impact you are making as you work.

Seabin is an ocean waste collection initiative deploying smart bins in plastic pollution hotspots across numerous cities. These bins capture microplastics and monitor plastic pollution daily.Emu Parade is an initiative that organises rubbish clean-up events, where volunteers are rewarded with free delicious coffee! At these weekly clean-ups, there is a real focus on celebrating connection through conservation whilst we rehabilitate the surrounding habitats. This is where I have seen the true positive effects of our collective effort as a community, picking up bucket after bucket of rubbish.

Is there a specific ocean conservation project or a moment that holds special significance for you?

I can’t say there has been one specific ocean conservation project or event that has been significant for me. Rather, it has been a build-up of meaningful moments over the years from attending many ocean conservation events, being involved in several ocean-related projects and seeing the community grow as a whole. This cumulative exposure has had the most impact on me. I’ve also seen a lot of compassionate brands, companies and individuals trying to make a difference in the fashion space, which is so profound and beautiful to witness.

“I love the feeling of being weightless and suspended in the water while watching the sea life go by. Every time I go diving in the ocean I see something new.”

What do you love most about freediving?

I love the feeling of being weightless and suspended in the water while watching the sea life go by. Every time I go diving in the ocean, I see something new, and it never gets dull. My favourite spot to dive is in the Philippines, where I got to swim with turtles, huge schools of sardines and see beautiful reefs.

However, the Philippines is also where I truly witnessed the plastic pollution issue. There was tons of plastic everywhere—on land and in the ocean. I remember I was line diving down to 20 meters one day, and I noticed plastic waste floating past me the whole way down and the whole way back up. It was so sad to witness. This was definitely a shocking moment that deepened my commitment to protecting our oceans.

“I remember I was line diving down to 20 meters one day, and I noticed plastic waste floating past me the whole way down and the whole way back up.”

Can you share a moment when the ocean’s beauty or power left you in awe?

My favourite moment was freediving with sardines in Moalboal, Philippines. Diving down

through a wall of fish was amazing. Watching them swim together and surround you feels like you're in space.

I also have to mention my Whale Tail bracelet from SARAH & SEBASTIAN! I received this piece as a gift for one of your launch campaigns, which I was part of. That night was the first time I truly saw my passion for ocean conservation, free diving and modelling come together. 

It was a happy moment for me and it was also a full-circle moment. Twelve years ago, I met co-founders Sarah and Robert for the first time at Dion Lee’s show, which was held at the Sydney Opera House. I wore a beautiful headpiece that they created and walked the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. Twelve years later, I found myself standing in front of a huge screen outside their newly refurbished Paddington store, which projected a campaign film of myself diving, wearing their beautiful ocean-inspired jewellery.

“That night was the first time I truly saw my passion for ocean conservation, free diving and modelling come together.”

If you could share one powerful message to inspire action in protecting the ocean, what would it be?

I would encourage readers to educate themselves on ocean conservation and get involved in community events and initiatives whenever possible. Watch ocean-related films, attend ocean-related exhibitions, and go to the aquarium! Start conversations with friends, loved ones, and work colleagues about what you have learned and seen. Word of mouth is so impactful, and I have been influenced by so many amazing people working tirelessly to conserve our planet. By communicating, educating and learning, we slowly start to implement these ideas and positive actions into our daily lives.

“Start conversations with friends, loved ones, and work colleagues about what you have learned and seen. Word of mouth is so impactful.”

What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon?

Now that I've completed my Environmental Science degree, I'm excited to dive deeper into ocean-related conservation efforts. Whether it's participating in marine biodiversity studies, ocean clean-up initiatives, or working with organisations focused on preserving coral reefs and marine life, I’m eager to contribute to preserving our oceans for future generations.