On 3 June, more than 200 attendees from Port Lincoln and surrounding communities came together at the Nautilus Arts Centre for our free community event, Find Your Place in Space. The evening provided an opportunity for a shared conversation about Australia’s future in space and the exciting opportunities emerging within this rapidly growing industry.
Attendees heard from Katherine Bennell-Pegg, 2026 Australian of the Year and Australia’s first astronaut, who shared her personal journey into the space sector and the rigorous, multi-year training pathway required to become an astronaut. She spoke about the challenges and discipline involved in preparing for human spaceflight, as well as the importance of curiosity, persistence and embracing opportunities as they arise, highlighting how these qualities can help shape a career in a rapidly evolving field.
The program also featured Lloyd Damp, CEO and Founder of Southern Launch, who explored the broader space industry landscape and the diverse pathways emerging across science, engineering and technology. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation as the sector continues to expand.
The event welcomed students, educators, professionals, business owners and community members alike, all eager to learn more about the future of Australia’s space industry. Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the many ways people from regional communities such as the Eyre Peninsula can connect with and contribute to emerging industries.
A particular highlight was the Q&A session, which was driven by the thoughtful and insightful questions submitted by audience members ahead of the event. The questions reflected the curiosity, ambition and enthusiasm of the local community, particularly among young people exploring future study and career pathways.
We sincerely thank the Port Lincoln community and surrounding regions for their strong support and attendance. We also extend our gratitude to the organisations, community groups, councils, clubs, local businesses and schools that helped promote the event and encourage participation. The success of the evening was truly a collective effort, and your support played a vital role in making it such a memorable occasion.
It was a honour to deliver this event in partnership with Defence SA, SASIC and FindYourPlaceSA.com, and supporting partners Australian Space Agency, Southern Launch, Uni Hub Spencer Gulf and City of Port Lincoln.
