Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut through the country's space program, has been named Australian of the Year for 2026. The announcement was made at the National Arboretum in Canberra on Sunday, alongside three other award recipients.
Professor Henry Brodaty AO was named Senior Australian of the Year for his pioneering work in dementia treatment and prevention. Ultra-marathon runner and charity champion Nedd Brockmann received the Young Australian of the Year award, while Indigenous construction leader Frank Mitchell was honored as Australia's Local Hero.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO described all four recipients as 'visionaries,' stating that their motivations and goals extend beyond personal achievements to benefit others. Bennell-Pegg, 41, completed basic astronaut training in 2024 at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany, selected from over 22,500 applicants worldwide.
Bennell-Pegg, who works as a space engineer, emphasized that space exploration helps address challenges on Earth, such as monitoring bushfires and floods, supporting first responders, and enhancing national security. She noted that she has not yet been to space but remains ready for the opportunity.
Fraser praised Bennell-Pegg for shaping the future through research and inspiring the next generation. Bennell-Pegg urged Australia to engage all curious minds, regardless of gender, background, or postcode, to address global issues.
