2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, has been confirmed as a headline speaker for the 2026 Indian Ocean Defence and Security (IODS) Conference and Exhibition to be held in Perth from 26 to 28 May.
As the first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia, Ms Bennell-Pegg (pictured) 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.
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 (STEM) pathways.
Led by Defence West, in partnership with AMDA Foundation and the Perth USAsia Centre, 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 includes a regional strategic conference, trade exhibition, Veterans Day, and the dedicated Careers Day program to connect students with STEM and defence pathways.
“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,” said 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.”
