An Iranian-Australian surgeon specialising in pelvic health, Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison, has been named South Australia's 2027 Australian of the Year at a ceremony in Adelaide. Last year's winner, space technology director Katherine Bennell-Pegg, used the event to argue that space travel is an economic opportunity rather than a cost. Last month, the federal government made an undisclosed financial offer to the European Space Agency to send her to space.
Dr Behnia-Willison was recognised for helping develop a safer method of pelvic floor reconstruction and for her advocacy in restoring dignity for women seeking healthcare. She founded Desert Flower Australia, which provides no-cost restorative surgery to survivors of female genital mutilation. She said her upbringing informed her career aspirations, and that she noticed women's health issues were taboo wherever she went. “Me wanting to be a voice for the women made me a surgeon,” she said.
Other award recipients include palliative medicine specialist Dr Roger Hunt as SA Senior Australian of the Year, 23-year-old space educator Edward Robinson as the state's next Young Australian of the Year, and violence prevention advocate Neil Davis as Local Hero.
Bennell-Pegg, who was honoured in 2026, said the accolade had opened conversations about Australia's space ambitions. Last month, the federal government made an undisclosed financial offer to the European Space Agency to send her to space, a mission expected to cost around $100 million, which the South Australian government would also contribute to. Bennell-Pegg said the choice between space and cost-of-living concerns needs reframing. “In fact, by making our economy more resilient and more productive, space helps reduce our cost of living,” she said. She said a bold national endeavour can capture the imagination and bring people together.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Dr Behnia-Willison's recognition highlights ongoing stigma around women's health and the need for accessible care.
- The government's funding offer for a space mission represents a significant bet on Australia's space industry.
- The debate over space spending versus cost of living reflects a broader tension in national priorities.
Background
The Australian of the Year Awards are held annually at state and national levels, honouring Australians who contribute to the community. South Australia's ceremony selects state winners who proceed to the national awards.
Key Perspectives
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison: says women's health is often a taboo subject and she became a surgeon to give women a voice.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg: argues that space travel is an economic opportunity that can reduce the cost of living by boosting resilience and productivity.
What to Watch
- Whether the federal government's financial offer to the European Space Agency is accepted.
- The final cost of the mission and the SA government's contribution.
- The conversation around space spending versus cost-of-living as the proposal develops.