The first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, a man whose family experience of dementia is reshaping care and prevention of the condition globally, a young man inspiring millions through ultra marathon running to help solve homelessness, and a Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man changing lives through training and jobs have been named as the 2026 Australian of the Year Award recipients. 

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced the recipients, each of whom were recognised for their positive impact on our community and society.

The 2026 Australians of the Year are: 

Australian of the Year – Katherine Bennell-Pegg. 

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is making history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program, opening pathways for others to follow. 

Highlighting the broader strategic significance of space missions, Katherine states:  

“Space helps us see the connections across land and seas. It tracks bushfires and floods, safeguards first responders and guide farmers’ equipment, enabling us to unlock economic opportunity, care for our planet and each other”  

Katherine graduated from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a class of six trained by the European Astronaut Centre in Germany, chosen from over 22,500 applicants, becoming the first international candidate to do so.  

As a space engineer, she has advanced multiple space missions and technologies and is an energetic champion for STEM, regularly presenting to audiences of schoolchildren and industry leaders to inspire the next generation. With her determination and drive to succeed, she is a powerful example for young Australians. 

Senior Australian of the Year – Professor Henry Brodaty AO. 

Professor Henry Brodaty AO is transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia – improving countless lives, both in Australia and around the world. 

Emphasising the urgent need for prevention and coordinated support, Professor Brodaty states: 

“Dementia costs Australia over $18 billion annually and affects more than 430,000 people. We can ease the burden through national brain health promotion and a dementia navigator scheme.” 

In 1972, Henry’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 52 years old. At that time, people living with dementia and carers had little support and no pathway forward. His father’s experience has revolutionised Henry’s own field of psychiatry and the lives of people living with dementia.  

In 2012, Henry co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing and led internationally significant research that enhanced the world’s understanding of risk and prevention. His large Maintain Your Brain trial demonstrated that straightforward, cost-effective, targeted interventions can profoundly delay onset and even prevent dementia. 

Young Australian of the Year – Nedd Brockmann. 

Nedd Brockmann, then 23, an electrician, set out to run across Australia and inspire people to do more for themselves and for the homeless. 

His concern was sparked by weekly trips to TAFE, where he saw too many people sleeping rough. He wanted to do something to highlight homelessness, its complexities and prove that it’s solvable. 

Frustrated by how traditional funding models were operating, Nedd explains: 

Over 122,000 Australians sleep rough every night. Funds shouldn’t sit in red tape, they should change lives. That’s why fundraising supports Australia’s first direct cash transfer program to help people move into housing. 

In 2022, he ran from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, completing a 3,952km in 46 days. Nedd, now 27, has raised over $2.6 million from 37,000 contributors. 

He later launched Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge and has raised over $8 million for those experiencing homelessness.  

Australia’s Local Hero - Frank Mitchell. 

Frank Mitchell, a proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, is co-director of Wilco Electrical and co-founder/director of Kardan, Baldja and Bilyaa in the trades and construction industry. 

Wilco and Kardan have worked to be places where the mob are given opportunities and feels safe. 

“When people are given a genuine opportunity and culturally safe support, the outcomes can be life-changing not just for individuals, but for families and communities.” 

Starting with just eight staff and $1.5 million in turnover, Frank and his partners have created over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions in the electrical and construction industries, including 30 electrical apprenticeships, and awarded over $11 million to Aboriginal subcontractors. Today, all four companies employ over 200 full-time staff.  

Frank’s story integrates cultural values with business leadership, strengthening ties to the community and reshaping the construction industry, creating lasting impact and social justice.  

Australia Day Council of South Australia CEO Jan Chorley said this year’s recipients exemplify the power of purpose.  

“Each has recognised a challenge and stepped forward with courage and commitment. Their work strengthens our communities and inspires all Australians to consider the difference they can make.”