Australia Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding citizens.
The Benalla Rural City Australia Day Awards acknowledge the commitment, dedication and invaluable achievements of our many community members, who selflessly contribute, and make our Rural City such a special, positive, and vibrant place to call home.
Mayor of Benalla Rural City Council and Chair of the Australia Day Advisory Committee Councillor Bernie Hearn today announced winners of Benalla Rural City's Australia Day Awards.
The Benalla Town Hall hosted celebrations from 11.30am where the following award winners were announced:
- Benalla Rural City Citizen of the Year – Michele Ramage
- Benalla Rural City Junior Citizen of the Year – Mikayla Borradale
- Community Event or Project of the Year – Walk for Mental Health
- Benalla Rural City Community Group of the Year – Tomorrow Today
District Achievement awards were also presented:
- Benalla Achiever of the Year – Justin Daw
- Devenish Achiever of the Year – Rhonda Lowe
- Goorambat Achiever of the Year – Beverley Morton
- Molyullah Achiever of the Year – Michele Ramage
- Swanpool/Lima Achiever of the Year – Nick Henderson
- Tatong Achiever of the Year – Terry O'Brien
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said the nominations received this year were again of a high standard, proof of the commitment and dedication that exists within the community.
"This year we had 14 nominations that recognise the commitment and dedication of all those nominated to our community," Cr Hearn said.
"Being nominated for an Australia Day award is a great honour. Congratulations to all the nominees and to the winners. Each one of you is deserving of recognition," she said.
"Our community could not achieve what it does without their outstanding efforts."
Citations for 2025 award winners:
Citizen of the Year Winner – Michele Ramage
Michele Ramage's enduring commitment to the Molyullah community and the broader Benalla region has left an inspiring legacy of service and leadership. Michele has been a driving force behind countless local initiatives, from her dedicated contributions to the Molyullah Hall and Sports Committees to her unrelenting volunteer work at community events, luncheons, and the cherished Molyullah Easter Sports.
A former Assistant Principal and pioneering leader at the Benalla Flexible Learning Centre, Michele's extraordinary educational career has impacted generations of students.
Her passion for community is evident in projects like the Molyullah Hall roof extension and playground construction, as well as her life membership with the Benalla Pony Club, where she has supported its growth through innovative grant projects. Michele's generosity, determination, and love for her community make her a truly deserving winner of Citizen of the Year.
Junior Citizen of the Year Winner – Mikayla Borradale
Mikayla Borradale's exceptional dedication to her community and inspiring leadership make her a standout nominee for Junior Citizen of the Year. As a leading member of 420 SQN Airforce Cadets, Mikayla mentors and motivates young cadets to excel, while her participation in the School for Student Leadership Marlo has developed her skills in community building and social engagement.
Mikayla has helped raise over $8,500 for mental health support through Liv4Life Benalla and is an active member of the Full Impact Squad, organising initiatives like community clean-ups and youth markets. Her involvement in the Liv4Life crew and suicide prevention training highlights her passion for improving youth mental health.
Mikayla's extraordinary efforts, including participation in Connect 9 and other leadership programs, reflect her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. She is a shining example of young leadership and community spirit.
Community Event or Project of the Year Winner – Walk for Mental Health
The Walk for Mental Health, led by five inspiring Year 9 students from Benalla P-12 College, has made a remarkable impact on the community. Held on 16 November 2024, this 12-hour event brought over 100 participants together, from young children to seniors, to raise awareness of youth mental health and break the stigma surrounding it.
Through walking, conversations, and community engagement, the event highlighted critical issues such as bullying and mental health support. Raising over $10,000 for Benalla's Live4Life program, it directly benefits Teen Mental Health First Aid training for local students. Supported by more than 45 local businesses and entirely student-organised, the Walk for Mental Health exemplifies the power of youth leadership, unity, and compassion to drive positive change, making it a worthy winner of Community Event or Project of the Year.
Community Group of the Year Winner – Tomorrow Today Foundation
The Tomorrow Today Foundation has been a pillar of support and transformation in Benalla for over 20 years, addressing social disadvantage through education and community initiatives. Its holistic, long-term programs such as PEEP, Kinderpals, Hands on Learning, and Reading Buddies ensure children start school ready to learn, improve literacy and numeracy levels, and enhance student wellbeing.
Through community grants, over $112,000 has been distributed to local organisations in the past year, further strengthening Benalla's social fabric. The foundation's support for youth engagement, exemplified by the Full Impact Squad, has empowered young leaders to organise events like the Youth Market and Spring Clean. With over 80 volunteers contributing nearly 3,000 hours in the last year alone, Tomorrow Today Foundation exemplifies collaboration and care, improving the lives of more than 1,500 children, youth, and families annually.
Their contributions make them a truly deserving winner of Community Group of the Year.
