Australian of the Year

When Katherine faced two major floods in March 2026, local business owner Ben Hockey turned a simple offer of help into an extraordinary community response. 

After initially filling and delivering 200 sandbags through his landscaping business, Ben called on residents and businesses to volunteer. Working alongside emergency services, he coordinated sandbagging, deliveries and flood recovery efforts, using social media to connect those needing assistance with people willing to help. 

During the first flood, approximately 5,000 sandbags were prepared or distributed. When Tropical Cyclone Narelle threatened further flooding, Ben returned to coordinate another response involving volunteers, emergency services and Defence personnel. A further 18,000 sandbags were prepared, helping protect homes, businesses, schools and critical infrastructure. 

Across both emergencies, 800 volunteers contributed to the response, preparing around 23,000 sandbags. Ben's leadership demonstrated the strength of Katherine's community and the extraordinary difference Australians can make through mateship and collective action.