Australian of the Year Breakfast 2026

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FEMALE ASTRONAUT TO HEADLINE AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR BREAKFAST

South Australia’s own Katherine Bennell-Pegg will headline the Australian of the Year Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre, in one of her first major appearances in South Australia since being named Australian of the Year.

Selected from more than 22,500 applicants, Bennell-Pegg made history as Australia’s first female astronaut to qualify under the national flag. Now working with the European Astronaut Centre, she is travelling the country with a clear mission — to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in Australia’s rapidly growing STEM sector.

The breakfast offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Bennell-Pegg, as she shares her journey from lifelong space enthusiast to astronaut, along with the mindset, preparation and perseverance behind one of Australia’s most remarkable career paths.  

The morning will also feature South Australia’s 2026 Australian of the Year recipients, whose work is creating meaningful impact across the state:

• Malcolm ‘Mac’ Benoy — meteorological researcher contributing to global climate change research.
• James Currie — award-winning sound designer who has helped shape South Australia’s film industry over five decades while mentoring emerging talent.
• Chloe Wyatt-Jasper — youth mental health advocate who secured $5 million in funding to improve youth mental health services.
• Ayesha Fariha Safdar — founder of the Adelaide Pakistani Women’s Association, supporting migrant and refugee women.
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Presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia, the breakfast celebrates leadership, service and the individuals shaping Australia’s future. The event also marks the launch of nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards.

Guests can expect a full sit down breakfast and to leave inspired and proud to be Australian.

Wednesday 10 June 2026

7:00am – 9:15am

Adelaide Convention Centre

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