More than 600 South Australians gathered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Breakfast, an inspiring celebration of curiosity, courage, leadership and community impact.
Bringing together ADCSA members, partners, sponsors, business leaders, government representatives and students from across the state, the event served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people dare to dream big.
Guests were privileged to hear from 2026 Australian of the Year and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, whose extraordinary journey from Australia to the frontier of space captivated the audience. Sharing insights from her career and experiences, Katherine challenged us to think beyond perceived limitations, embrace curiosity and step confidently into the unknown.
One message resonated deeply throughout the room: “Space is not about escaping the Earth, but helping us to see it more clearly.” Katherine’s story demonstrated that ambition, perseverance and a willingness to pursue the impossible can open doors to opportunities once thought out of reach. For many in attendance, particularly the students in the room, Katherine’s journey is a powerful reminder that being Australian is no barrier to reaching the highest ambitions.
Attendees were also thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 2026 SA Australian of the Year Award recipients: James Currie, Malcolm ‘Mac’ Benoy, Ayesha Safdar and Chloe Wyatt-Jasper. While their stories are diverse, they share a common thread – a commitment to creating positive change and improving the lives of others. Through advocacy, innovation, creativity and service, each recipient has made a lasting impact on their community and inspired those around them to contribute in meaningful ways.
The excitement continued beyond the stage with immersive STEM experiences from Southern Launch and the Australian Space Agency. Guests experienced the rumble of a rocket launch through a high-tech haptic activation featuring footage from the historic SR75 mission, while Roo-ver the sketchbot transformed photos into hand-drawn portraits that will ultimately become part of a mission to the Moon!
The 2026 Australian of the Year Breakfast highlighted the collective power of community, leadership and the importance of championing those who reimagine what’s possible, break down barriers and create opportunities for future generations. The stories shared throughout the morning reinforced a powerful reminder: when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things are possible.
We acknowledge the invaluable assistance from the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and support from the Government of South Australia. A special thanks to our supporting partners – without your support and commitment, events like this would not be possible: Adelaide Cemeteries, Maras Group, St Peter’s College, Accenture, Find Your Place SA, Harcourts Premium Group and Kytons Bakery.
Photo credit: Andrew Beveridge, asbCreative
Music ensemble: Adelaide Youth Orchestra
