Public Speeches By Katherine Bennell-Pegg
2026 Ralph Slatyer Address on Science and Society - 13 October 2026
“I’m often asked why we should focus on space, here in Australia – when we face so many challenges of our own. And we do have challenges:
Cost of living pressures
Climate catastrophes
Industries that need saving
National security to safeguard.
My answer is simple: space underpins how we address every single one of those.”
Transcript: https://www.cooperativeresearch.org.au/news-item/25623/2026-ralph-slatyer-address-on-science-and-society
Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell Pegg's visit to the Torres Strait - October 2026
During a recent four-day visit to Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), Australian astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg had the opportunity to learn from Elders, artists, cultural leaders, community members and students, while sharing her own experiences of space and astronaut training. Visit space.gov.au to read Katherine’s reflections on what she learned, the conversations that stayed with her, and why she believes there is much we can learn by bringing different knowledge systems together.
19th Australian Space Forum Keynote: Research and manufacturing in microgravity - July 2026
Previous speeches
International Women’s Day 2026
https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/speech/international-womens-day-breakfast (scroll to the bottom of the page) - Speech starts around the 27:00 mark.
2026 Australian of the Year: Acceptance Video and Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7JSk1iBr9emokF9D&v=QLv7kiS_cIo&feature=youtu.be
Air and Space Power Conference 2024: Integrating Civilian and Military Space Capabilities by Ms Katherine Bennell-Pegg
https://airpower.airforce.gov.au/videos/airandspacepowerconference2024-integratingcivilianandmilitaryspacecapabilities#:%7E:text=Conference%202024:%20Integrating%20Civilian%20and%20Military%20Space%20Capabilities%20by%20Ms%20Katherine%20Bennell%2DPegg
Building a Bigger Better State. Growing jobs, vibrancy, prosperity and population for our state are the aims of The Advertiser’s Future SA campaign. It champions growth and innovation – to build a bigger, better future for all South Australians.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/future-sa-2026-astronaut-and-2026-australian-of-the-year-katherine-bennellpegg/video/c36e0388f93d975d5379e66240cf4333?amp&nk=13fd77229e443aeea186c8e6231ca194-1775099091
Andy Thomas Space Forum: Keynote — Health In Orbit: The Microgravity Opportunity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB1ybjqr1Vw
SXSW Sydney: Space - How moments create a movement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=11GNLVU6AZIJz2OH&v=CGUmUjr40LE&feature=youtu.be
Regional Tour and Personal Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCs1U5Owgy4
Spotify Playlist with Speeches by Katherine Bennell-Pegg
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Te4Vg5CjAtBdOjAeWFtVr?si=D0nShABQSe678WMvaQY42A%0A&nd=1&dlsi=8daaa633ff584dc4