2026 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINEES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCED
Nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards for South Australia include a veterans advocate, a storyteller cultivating inclusion and celebrating diversity, a speech pathologist, a conservationist, a beloved cook, the sound designer behind some of Australia’s most recognised film soundtracks and an astronaut.
The nominees are:
2026 Australian of the Year for South Australia
Katherine Bennell-Pegg - Astronaut (West Beach)
Paul Broadbridge - Veterans advocate (Keswick)
Professor Marion Eckert - Health researcher (Adelaide)
Dr Mohammad Afzal Mahmood - Public health expert (Newton)
2026 Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia
Malcolm Benoy - Meteorological researcher (Mount Osmond)
James Currie - Sound designer (Carrickalinga)
Rosa Matto - Cookery teacher (Prospect)
Dr David Paton AM - Inspirational conservationist (Gilberton)
2026 Young Australian of the Year for South Australia
Hayley Frazer - Author and storyteller (Adelaide)
Amelia Griffin - Speech pathologist (Adelaide)
Amira Shahin - Humanitarian and educator (Burnside)
Chloe Wyatt-Jasper - Mental health advocate (Gawler South)
2026 Local Hero for South Australia
Linda Fisk and Anna Kemp - Women prisoner supporters (Adelaide)
Callum MacPherson - Mental health podcaster (Greenhill)
Ella Stratton - Palliative care supporter (Adelaide)
Ayesha Fariha Safdar - Community leader (Adelaide)
The nominees for South Australia are among 134 people being recognised across all states and territories.
The South Australia award recipients will be announced on Friday 14 November 2025 in a ceremony at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide which will also be available to watch online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
They will then join other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2026 in Canberra.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the nominees for the South Australia awards. “The nominees for the South Australia awards are extraordinary in their respective fields and endeavours,” said Mark.
“Humanitarians, advocates for those in need, researchers transforming lives through technology, and those who have devoted their lives to their passions, causes, and art.”
ENDS.
Nominee bios on the following pages and can also be viewed from australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominees have supplied photos which can be downloaded from this link: SA NOMINEE PHOTOS
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Browne 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au
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