Speeches
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Australian of the Year Breakfast
Rod and I are pleased to join you this morning to celebrate the 2026 Australian of the Year, our 2026 Australians of the Year for South Australia, and to mark the opening of nominations for the 2027 awards.
As Patron of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, I am deeply encouraged by the Council’s dedication to recognising people who strengthen the fabric of community life.
The Australian of the Year awards are not simply about individual achievement. They recognise people who see a need and choose to act.
Every community depends on people who contribute beyond their own interests, and the stories celebrated today remind us of what is possible when talent is matched with service and a genuine desire to advance our society here in South Australia, and beyond.
I note the diversity of contributions represented by this year’s South Australian recipients, from whom we will hear today, beginning with 2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
Katherine has realised an extraordinary goal, becoming Australia’s first astronaut to qualify under our national flag.
She is also an outstanding advocate for STEM education, inspiring young people to pursue careers in the field, and inviting Australians of every age to think boldly about what our country can become.
Space has captured the Australian imagination. I am told that 26 per cent of Australians watched the Artemis II launch, more than the 22 per cent who watched the AFL Grand Final.
Space is also hugely significant to South Australia’s economy and reputation for innovation and technology.
For Katherine to travel to the International Space Station would bring global attention to Australia’s space sector, based right here in Adelaide.
It would be a defining national moment and something I believe we should do.
I look forward to hearing Katherine speak this morning, as I do our three other Australians of the Year for South Australia.
Malcolm Benoy, meteorological researcher, and James Currie, award-winning film sound designer, are joint Senior Australian Australians of the Year for South Australia – the first time this award has received joint recognition.
Malcolm’s dedication to climate science as a citizen scientist, leading a group of volunteers who digitised over 90,000 synoptic charts, demonstrates that everyday people can make significant contributions to the advancement of science.
James’ work on a range of iconic Australian films over decades, and his role in developing a uniquely Australian soundscape in film, helped to solidify South Australia’s respected place in our national film sector.
Our Young Australian of the Year for South Australia is mental health advocate, Chloe Wyatt-Jasper. Chloe’s advocacy has secured $5 million in funding for youth mental health services, demonstrating that age is no barrier to leadership.
Our 2026 Local Hero, Ayesha Safdar, is a community leader supporting migrant and refugee women, and the founder of the Adelaide Pakistani Women’s Association. Her belief in the power of belonging drives her work.
Our 2026 recipients come from different fields. They’ve had different journeys. The common thread - each has endeavoured to improve people’s lives and the world we live in.
Their stories demonstrate that leadership is not confined to one profession, one generation, or one background.
It can emerge in laboratories, classrooms, community halls, creative studios and family networks.
Our state’s greatest resource is not what lies beneath our soil, but the character, imagination and generosity of its people.
I encourage us all to see today’s recipients not as exceptions, but as examples.
Every recipient began with a passion, an idea, or a desire to help.
I think you’ll find that Katherine’s story, in particular, reminds us that the limits we perceive are rarely hard barriers.
The future belongs to those willing to imagine it and then work to create it.
Friends,
I thank the Australia Day Council for its unwavering pursuit of excellence in recognising the best of who we are.
Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year opened on June 1st. I encourage each of you to think of someone in your community, your workplace or your school who deserves recognition, and to take the time to put their name forward.
I thank the Australia Day Council for bringing us together this morning.
Let us all be inspired by our 2026 recipients, and take action in our own unique ways.
If we do, I am confident South Australia’s best days are very much ahead of us.