Bunbury student is one of four in Australia selected to take part in International Earth Science Olympiad Rose PataneSouth Western TimesThu, 26 February 2026 2:00AM
Passion and dedication for earth and environmental science has paid off for a Bunbury student, securing her spot in a prestigious international competition.
In August, Bunbury Catholic College Year 12 student Mali Hart will make her way over to Turin, Italy for the International Earth Science Olympiad.
Mali will be one of four students representing Australia in the 2026 competition, marking the first time a student from BCC has been selected.
Mali’s significant achievement comes after she attended an invitation-only summer school in Canberra in January after her outstanding performance in the 2025 science Olympiad exam.
The summer school was an experience Mali said was incredible, as she was given the opportunity to explore geology, climate modelling, astronomy, palaeobiology and more.
“The two-week summer school course was highly intensive, with eight to 10 hour days, field trips, and a final five-hour exam,” she said.
“To be selected for the international team, I was judged on my academic ability and my ability to work efficiently with others.
“I consider myself extremely lucky to have been selected from the 24 other equally capable and intelligent students to attend the International Earth Science Olympiad and represent Australia.”
Mali said the Olympiad in August would be exciting and challenging as she is set to collaborate with students from around the world in a field excursion, take on extensive exams and make a final presentation for the judges.
Bunbury Catholic College head of science and earth and environmental science teacher Dr Kelly Usher said Mali was an outstanding student, with her achievements reflecting both her ability and hard work.
“Selection for the Australian team is incredibly competitive, and she has earned this through discipline, resilience and academic excellence,” she said.
“We are extraordinarily proud of her and excited to see her represent Australia and Bunbury Catholic College on the world stage.”
Principal Ben Priest congratulated Mali on her achievement and said she would make a wonderful ambassador for Australia.
“Mali has many talents and her success in science is a reflection of the way our college encourages students to pursue their own pathways and passions in education,” he said.
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