Chris Picton MP
Minister for Defence & Space Industries
South Australian astronaut and Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg will headline a free event in Port Lincoln highlighting the Eyre Peninsula’s important role in future space exploration.
Ms Bennell-Pegg will address the community at the Nautilus Theatre tomorrow night, sharing her remarkable journey into the space sector and vision for Australia’s future in space.
The event will also showcase opportunities within the growing space sector through insights from leading South Australian launch and returns provider, Southern Launch.
Eyre Peninsula residents will be able to discover how local capability is helping shape the future of space technology as well as the exciting career opportunities and local benefits to come from the growth of the space industry.
The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) is in the region this week, connecting with the community and inspiring the next generation about future careers in STEM through the UniHub Career Roadshow being held at Port Lincoln Racing Club.
Ms Bennell-Pegg will join SASIC and Southern Launch at the Roadshow and also connect with students at school visits across the region, including Lincoln Gardens School, Koonibba Aboriginal School and Ceduna Area School.
The space industry plays a vital role in our everyday lives, supporting GPS mapping, banking transactions, monitoring of marine conditions, weather forecasting and emergency services.
More than 100 space industry companies are currently operating across SA, the highest concentration in the nation. These companies are doing everything from satellite manufacturing to launch and re-entry facilities.
Southern Launch, has partnered with the local Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation to develop operations at the Koonibba Test Range, near Ceduna. They have now been responsible for the successful end-to-end re-entry of four space capsules in just over 12 months at Koonibba.
Meanwhile just outside Port Lincoln, their Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is positioning the region at the forefront of space launches in Australia.
To learn more about career pathways in South Australia’s space sector, visit www.findyourplacesa.com.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
What better way to learn of the importance of Australia’s space industry than hearing from our very own astronaut.
The growing space industry in South Australia will create investment and long-term career opportunities in our state and we want young South Australians to see themselves in this industry.
SA is leading the way but we know real progress comes from bringing our communities with us. Connecting with people at schools, career expos and community events is the best way to get people excited about the opportunities ahead of us.
Quotes attributable to Katherine Bennell-Pegg
South Australia is already part of Australia’s space story, with local capability helping to shape Australia’s future in space.
The Eyre Peninsula is not on the sidelines of this, it’s a launchpad. Whether it’s through science, technology, trades or innovation, there are real opportunities for young people here to be part of something global.
If you’re curious about how things work, if you want to solve problems, if you want to make a difference – there is a place for you in space.
Quotes attributable to Lloyd Damp, CEO Southern Launch
The Eyre Peninsula and the Far West Coast are at the heart of Australia’s space industry. We are so proud that Katherine is able to visit the region and inspire the next generation with her incredible story.
Young people living in the Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast will be able to find a career in space right on their doorstep which is incredibly exciting.
We are excited to share the variety of different careers available for people to pursue and showcase the benefits this emerging industry will bring to the region.
It’s great that the Southern Launch team can help to inspire young people to pursue a career in space alongside someone as inspirational as Katherine.
