Growing up in Curl Curl, Katherine Bennell-Pegg looked up at the stars at night and dreamt of reaching them. Not only is she set to achieve her dream, she’s just been awarded Australian of the Year!
When Katherine Bennell-Pegg looks up at the sky, she does so with a perspective few Australians can claim – and one shaped, in part, by growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In 2026, that lifelong fascination with space and possibility has taken her all the way to being named Australian of the Year, recognising her extraordinary achievements and her role in opening new frontiers for the nation.
At 41, Bennell-Pegg has made history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program. Her journey to the stars began far from launch pads and laboratories, in Curl Curl, where wide horizons and a strong sense of community helped foster big dreams. From a young age, she harboured a clear ambition to become an astronaut – a dream that never dimmed, even when the path seemed impossibly distant.
That determination saw her selected from more than 22,500 applicants to join the European Astronaut Centre’s Basic Astronaut Training program in Germany. In 2024, she graduated as part of a class of just six astronauts, becoming the first international candidate to complete the program – and firmly placing Australia on the global space map.
A highly accomplished space engineer, Bennell-Pegg has contributed to the advancement of multiple space missions and cutting-edge technologies. But her impact extends well beyond technical achievement. She has become a passionate and energetic advocate for Australia’s emerging space industry, regularly speaking to schoolchildren, students and industry leaders to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.
Her commitment to sharing her story and creating opportunities for others was a key reason she was awarded the nation’s top honour. National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO described her as a visionary whose motivations go far beyond personal success.
“Katherine is forging new frontiers for Australians in space engineering, research and exploration,” he said. “She leads by example, openly sharing her story to inspire the next generation and reminding us all of the power of a dream, and where determination can lead.”
Katherine had some inspirational words to share with students everywhere after her Award, which she shared with Mama Mia’s The Quicky: “Curiosity and talent have no postcode, no gender, no background. Aspiration is limited though. We need to give young people the confidence and ability to strive. Science, engineering – they’re not in text books… they’re in the world around us and you don’t have to wait to be top of the class to go and participate. If something interests you you should pursue it without hesitation.”
From the Northern Beaches to the European Astronaut Centre – and now Australian of the Year – Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s journey is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, and no starting point too small when you’re shooting for the stars!
Main image: Anthony Albanese via Facebook
