Two South Australians have been crowned Senior of the Year – thanks to what can only be described as the most politely chaotic awards blunder in recent memory, unfolding live at the state’s official Australian of the Year presentation.
Meteorological researcher Malcolm Benoy was first announced the winner on Friday and confidently confidently walked onstage to claim his moment in the sun – only to be hit with an unexpected cold front.
“Just hold that thought for just a moment,” a host can be heard saying over a loud speaker.
“There has been a controversy.”
In true awards-night fashion, the crowd was informed the wrong winner’s name had been placed in the envelope – and the actual recipient was sound designer James Currie.
Cue polite applause, mild panic, and then… plot twist.
National Australia Day Council (NADC) chief executive Mark Fraser stepped forward to deliver an update no one had on their bingo card.
“I don’t know what has transpired behind the scenes, but it’s incorrect information,” he said.
“It is Malcolm Benoy. I’m terribly sorry for the embarrassment.”
At this point, the envelope, the announcer, and possibly the entire state of South Australia needed a nice lie-down.
To their credit, the Council responded with grace, good humour, and a very diplomatic solution: both Benoy and Currie would now be honoured as joint winners.
An administrative error had led to meeting results being incorrectly recorded – not exactly fun for organisers, but an excellent outcome for South Australia’s seniors.
“The South Australian selection panel reconvened following the announcement and unanimously agreed that both Mr Currie and Mr Benoy were both worthy winners for Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia.”
Fraser said Benoy and Currie had stood out in a field of exceptional nominees for 2026, and extended an apology to both for the mix-up.
“We trust our mistake does not detract from their outstanding achievements and contributions to South Australia and the nation,” he said.
The newly minted joint recipients join three other South Australians recognised for 2026: Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Young Australian of the Year Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, and South Australia’s Local Hero Ayesha Fariha Safdar.
The national Australian of the Year awards will be held in Canberra on January 25 – where, with any luck, the envelopes will behave themselves.
Images: Nine News
