Australia’s first astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, visits Boulder Primary School

Australia’s first astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, made a special visit to Boulder Primary School as part of the Aussie of the Month program while on a regional tour of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia.

Katherine, who is the 2026 Australian of the Year, presented to students at the special assembly, during which she announced the Aussie of the Month and met with previous recipients from 2026 so far.

Following the assembly, Year 5 and 6 students were then given an opportunity to ask Katherine questions about astronaut training and the space environment during a Q&A. Katherine encouraged students to apply themselves and that it’s ok to not find all the answers.

Katherine’s visit was made possible thanks to the affiliation between Aussie of the Month and the Australian of the Year Awards. Find out how you can inspire your students with Australian of the Year Alumni.