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Australian of the Year Breakfast for Students
Posted on March 31, 2026
Open Access College has secured a table at the 2026 Australian of the Year Breakfast – a unique opportunity for students to start the day with inspiration.
Event Details
Wednesday 10 June 2026
7:00am - 9:15am
Adelaide Convention Centre
About the Event
This year’s key note speaker is Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut through Australia’s national space program.
Chosen from more than 22,500 applicants, Katherine completed Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 at the European Astronaut Centre as its first international candidate. A lifelong space enthusiast and accomplished engineer, she has contributed to multiple missions and now travels across Australia inspiring the next generation to explore careers in the country’s rapidly growing space industry.
Students will also hear from the 2026 South Australian Australians of the Year, whose work is creating meaningful change in our communities:
- Malcolm 'Mac' Benoy – Meteorological researcher contributing to global climate change research
- James Currie – Award-winning sound designer who has helped shape South Australia’s film industry
- Chloe Wyatt-Jasper – Youth mental health advocate who secured $5 million in funding for improved services
- Ayesha Fariha Safdar – Founder of the Adelaide Pakistani Women's Association, empowering migrant and refugee women
Each speaker will share their story, offering students fresh perspectives, powerful insights and inspiration for the future.
We would love for you to join us for a morning of ideas, connection and stories that celebrate the people shaping Australia.
Students if you would like to be one of the nine students attending this event please respond to the following questions using the form provided by May 27th 2026.
- Why are you interested in attending the Australian of the Year breakfast?
- What does being an active and responsible citizen mean to you?