Your exclusive invitation to meet 2026 Australian of the Year!

Get ready to be inspired as PLC Perth welcomes 2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, through an exclusive partnership with Auspire and the Australian of the Year Awards. Katherine is a true trailblazer who is shaping Australia’s future beyond Earth. The space systems engineer-turned-astronaut is the Director of Innovation at the Australian Space Agency and is the first astronaut to officially represent Australia. This, along with being the first Australian woman to receive professional astronaut wings, Katherine is redefining what’s possible for our nation. Selected from tens of thousands of applicants, she graduated from the European Space Agency’s astronaut training programme in 2024. Her journey is one of ambition, resilience, and groundbreaking achievement. Now back in Australia, one of Katherine's key responsibilities is to also open more doors for the national space sector by showcasing its potential to the world. These historic accomplishments, along with her passion for inspiring the next generation to dream big and reach for the stars, led to her being recognised as the 2026 Australian of the Year.  

PLC parents, staff, old collegians, past parents, and students in Year 6 and above are invited to join us for this rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a pioneer of Australia’s space future, as she shares her remarkable story, insights from astronaut training, and her vision for innovation, leadership, and limitless possibilities. 

Date: Monday 25 May 
Time: 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm
Venue: Hazel Day Drama Centre
Cost: Free (bookings essential)

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