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Australian of the Year and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been confirmed as a headline speaker for the 2026 Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition.
The first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia, will deliver a conference keynote focusing on the intersection of space and defence opportunities and the future of Australia’s space industry and workforce needs, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 to 28 May.
A director at the Australian Space Agency, Ms Bennell-Pegg will also address up to 1,000 school students as part of the conference’s Careers Day, sharing insights into her career journey and highlighting opportunities available through science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways.
IODS is Perth’s biennial international defence and security event, designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth.
“It is a great honour to welcome Katherine Bennell-Pegg, an Australian of such achievement and acclaim, to Western Australia for the 2026 Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition,” according to Premier Roger Cook.
“Now, more than ever, we want the next generation of Western Australians to be inspired by the exciting, impactful, and rewarding career opportunities available to those that study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“A career in defence offers a unique blend of purpose, stability, and opportunity, allowing individuals to serve our country, while fostering national pride and contributing to global security.”
Led by Defence West, in partnership with AMDA Foundation and the Perth USAsia Centre, IODS reflects Western Australia’s central role in shaping Australia’s Indian Ocean regional strategic defence and security leadership.
The Careers Day initiative will provide a valuable platform to inspire the next generation of Western Australian STEM talent, increasing awareness on future careers across all defence domains - space, sea, land, air and cyber. Ms Bennell-Pegg’s presence will be a standout moment, as she shares her journey and motivates students to pursue the opportunities ahead.
“The Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition brings together the partners, technologies, and ideas that define modern defence; an event that happens here in Western Australia because WA is where Australia’s defence future is being built,” according to Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia.
“Katherine Bennell-Pegg is an Australian with such an illustrious career, and within a critically important sector of national defence and security. It is a testament to the magnitude and calibre of IODS that she will attend as a keynote speaker.
“Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s journey is proof that STEM careers can take you further than you ever imagined. Her role at IODS will inspire Western Australians to see themselves in the industries shaping our national security and our future.”
