Australian of the Year Breakfast 2026

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.
The morning will also feature South Australia's 2026 Australian of the Year recipients:
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.
Presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia, the breakfast celebrates leadership, service and individuals shaping Australia's future.
Guests can expect a full sit down breakfast and to leave inspired and proud to be Australian.