AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR HEADS TO THE SOUTH-WEST

CHARLEVILLE is preparing to welcome Australian astronaut and Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg.

She’s coming to town via a special Angel Flight mission, made possible by Tasc Community Legal Centre and Angel Flight, in partnership with the Queensland Government, and the Charleville community.

As the first professional astronaut to officially represent Australia, Ms Bennell-Pegg’s visit to Charleville highlights a shared mission — inspiring future generations while connecting rural and remote Australians with the vital medical, legal and social support services they rely on every day.

“As an astronaut, a space engineer, and an Australian I understand deeply the challenges of distance but also the power of space to ensure that distance doesn’t equal isolation,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

“I’m excited to come to Charleville to showcase how space is improving lives in rural and regional Australia, and to hopefully inspire young people to stick with science, technology, engineering and maths.

“For Australia to flourish over the coming years – the coming century – we need every curious mind engaged. Regardless of gender, of background or of postcode.”

Over two days, Ms Bennell-Pegg will inspire local school students through STEM-focused sessions.

A special community event, An Evening with the Australian of The Year – Katherine Bennell-Pegg, will also provide Charleville and district residents with the opportunity to hear firsthand about her unique journey to becoming an astronaut and most recently, the Australian of the Year.

The evening, to be held at the Town Hall on Thursday March 19, is FREE to the general public but the Murweh Shire Council is asking people to register their attendance beforehand.

For more information, please visit: www.murweh.qld.gov.au