The 2026 Australian of the Year Awards finalists have been announced for South Australia, including the first Australian astronaut to qualify under Australia’s space program, opening pathways for others to follow, a preeminent sound designer whose five-decade career shaped SA’s film industry, a volunteer meteorological researcher contributing to global climate change research, a young mental health advocate who helped secure $5 million in funding for improved youth mental health services and a community leader building stronger connections for migrant and refugee women.

SA Australian of the Year – Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Trailblazing space engineer Katherine Bennell-Pegg has advanced multiple space missions and championed Australia’s emerging space industry. She actively inspires the next generation through outreach to students and industry alike, helping young Australians see their future in science and space.

“Becoming an astronaut is the culmination of a childhood dream. It evolved from a desire for adventure, to a curiosity and love for science, to, as a space engineer, the realisation of how critical space utilisation and exploration underpins society and our planet.”   Katherine Bennell-Pegg

SA Senior Australian of the Year – Malcolm ‘Mac’ Benoy

A devoted citizen scientist, Mac has spent two decades preserving South Australia’s meteorological history, digitising more than 90,000 historical records that now support international climate research.

SA Senior Australian of the Year – James Currie

With a filmography spanning South Australia’s most successful films, James’ award-winning sound design and pioneering use of location sound have defined a uniquely Australian soundscape while mentoring emerging practitioners and strengthening the state’s film industry.

SA Young Australian of the Year – Chloe Wyatt-Jasper

At just 16, Chloe is transforming lived experience into advocacy, challenging stigma, supporting survivors of domestic violence and successfully lobbying for $5 million to improve youth mental health services.

South Australian Local Hero – Ayesha Fariha Safdar

As the founder of the Adelaide Pakistani Women’s Association, Ayesha empowers migrant and refugee women through language support, educational pathways and community connections.

“On behalf of the Board of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, I congratulate our state’s recipients and all of South Australia’s finalists who have all shown courage, purpose and dedication, raised awareness of vital issues, and worked tirelessly to build stronger, more inclusive communities.” Michelle Cox – Chair, Australia Day Council of South Australia

The recipients for South Australia will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2026. Visit the Australian of the Year Awards to learn more about our state’s winners and finalists

Finalists and Acknowledgements

Nominees:
Paul Broadbridge, Professor Marion Eckert, Dr Mohammad Afzal Mahmood, Rosa Matto, Dr David Paton AM, Hayley Frazer, Amelia Griffin, Amira Shahin, Linda Fisk and Anna Kemp, Callum MacPherson, Ella Stratton.

Supporters and Partners:
The Australian Government, through the National Australia Day Council, Youthgovau, Australian Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Salty Dingo