Grace’s Guided Tour: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes at Australian Parliament House with Hon Darren Chester MP
When Grace Ng arrived at Australian Parliament House yesterday morning, little did she know that being announced as a member of the Australian team competing in the 2024 International Biology Olympiad was just one of the amazing things she would experience that day!
Before being selected for her hard-earned place on the team, Grace started her journey by undertaking the Junior Science Olympiad (JSO) Exam in 2020. She was then selected for the JSO Training Squad in 2020/21, an acceleration program for younger students in regional, remote, and low socioeconomic schools who show promise. In 2021, she sat the Big Science Competition, and the JSO Exam for a second time. Grace was selected to participate in Curious Minds – girls in STEM in 2021/22 program.
In 2022, Grace sat the JSO Exam and the Australian Science Olympiad (ASO) Exam in Biology. In 2023, she sat three ASO Exams, in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and was selected to attend the ASO Summer School for the Biology discipline. Her results, attitude and dedication led to her selection in the team representing Australia in the 2024 International Biology Olympiad.
Grace was fortunate to have her family and Gippsland Grammar School science teacher, Kylie Lambert, come to Canberra to celebrate her achievements. Also in attendance was the Honourable Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland, who generously gave Grace and her brother, Paul, a whirlwind tour of Australian Parliament House.
As Grace was given the grand albeit brisk tour, there were many glossy doors to pass through, beautiful artworks to glimpse, elegant furniture to sidestep and shortcuts through refreshing courtyards. Around every corner were echoes of Australian history, balanced with reminders that this majestic building is a functioning place of governance and democracy.
This was demonstrated by the red and green lights flashing to indicate voting was taking place in the chambers, along with the bustling people, such as Members of Parliament and their teams who play a crucial role in the functioning of the government. Unfortunately, Grace did not get to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as we passed his office, but as it turns out, he was otherwise occupied.
A gathering of important people and photographers alerted us to a special event taking place. The official portrait of His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia was unveiled in the Member’s Hall at Australian Parliament House. This area is often used for significant events and ceremonies within the Parliament House precinct, and yesterday was filled with the clicking of cameras and the banter of commemoration.
An opportunity presented itself as Hon. Darren Chester congratulated His Excellency the Governor-General and introduced Grace. In that moment, Grace beamed with pride at her achievement and the honour of meeting such esteemed figures. Whilst she may not have realised it at the time, it was a special encounter to meet the Governor-General, the 27th Governor-General of Australia since 2019, who ends his term in office in July. Proudly wearing her green blazer, embroidered with the Australian Coat of Arms, Grace posed with His Excellency for a photo.
Hon. Darren Chester introduced Grace to Speaker of the House, the Honourable Milton Dick MP. Grace explained her visit and her selection on the team that will represent Australia at the International Biology Olympiad from 7 to 14 July 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
In the remaining minutes of this whirlwind tour, a most impromptu but important connection was prioritised… Grace and Paul must meet Bailey the therapy dog! Bailey is a friendly, furry delight from Therapy Animals Australia’s PAWS at Work Program. Belly rubs and head pats calmed everyone down. He must have known that Grace needed to hurry back to the bus, which would take her to the next step of her blazing journey through Canberra!
The Australian team competing at the International Biology Olympiad were honoured at the Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on 24 June 2024. The ceremony was attended by the students and their families, program teams and distinguished guests from science, math and informatics communities, along with Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic MP and other Members of Parliament. Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb gave an inspiring Special Address and congratulated each student as they were called and made their way across stage.
UPDATE: Read the results of the Australian teams who competed in the 2024 International Science Olympiads.
Profile: Grace Ng
Gippsland Grammar, VIC
Grace can’t wait to travel to Kazakhstan for the International Biology Olympiad, to meet other biology teams, explore Kazakhstan and continue fuelling her passion for science across learning and lab skills!
She is particularly fascinated by how interconnected various scientific disciplines are, and how their integration can lead to innovative problem-solving. Despite an equal love for all scientific disciplines, Grace is especially interested in CRISPR technology. She admires how this groundbreaking discovery holds potential for curing diseases and improving nutrition, across the exciting and collaborative nature of scientific advancements, particularly the significant contributions made by women in this field.
Supported by mentors like her school biology teacher, Kathryn White from Australian Science Innovations, and her Curious Minds STEM coach, Grace has learned the importance of perseverance and seeking help. Despite the occasional setbacks in experimental and theory exams at summer school, she remained resilient, always moving forward and doing her best. Grace advises others to seek feedback, plan ahead, and use self-talk to stay calm and focused in the lab.
Outside the realm of science, Grace enjoys a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, playing music, helping out at Landcare, and spending time at the beach. She dreams of owning a kayak someday. With interests in both emergency medicine, particularly in rural or remote areas, and research on neurological disorders, Grace hopes to find a way to merge these passions in her future career.
Her message to fellow science enthusiasts is clear: “Go for it! If you love science, sitting the exam will probably be a lot of fun, and you never know where it could take you!”
ASI Achievements
Grace started her journey by undertaking the Junior Science Olympiad (JSO) Exam in 2020. She was then selected for the JSO Training Squad in 2020/21, an acceleration program for younger students in regional, remote, and low socioeconomic schools who show promise. In 2021, she sat the Big Science Competition, and the JSO Exam for a second time. Grace was selected to participate in Curious Minds – girls in STEM in 2021/22 program.
In 2022, Grace sat the JSO Exam and the Australian Science Olympiad (ASO) Exam in Biology. In 2023, she sat three ASO Exams, in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. She was selected to attend the ASO Summer School for the Biology discipline. Her results, attitude and dedication led to her selection in the team representing Australia in the 2024 International Biology Olympiad.
Learn more about Australian Science Olympiad program here.
Learn more about the 2024 International Biology Olympiad team here.
Australia’s International Science Olympiads programs are run by not-for-profit Australian Science Innovations.
The Australian Science Olympiad program is supported by our Major Funder, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and our University Partner, The Australian National University.
