Benalla Rural City is set to celebrate Australia Day with a vibrant program of events across the region, showcasing community spirit and recognising outstanding contributions through the Australia Day Awards.
The main event will be held at the Benalla Town Hall on Sunday, 26 January, starting at 11.30am. The program includes performances by the Benalla Theatre Company and 2 Easy Duo, the presentation of the Australia Day Awards and a Citizenship Ceremony conducted by Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn.
Mayor Hearn emphasised the importance of acknowledging the achievements of community members on this significant day.
"The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the commitment and dedication that exists in our towns and villages, recognising the invaluable achievements of so many community members who contribute to making our rural city a positive, vibrant place to call home," Cr Hearn said.
"I hope our community comes together this Australia Day to appreciate the great people, great community, and amazing country we are lucky to have."
Nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards highlight the exceptional efforts of individuals, groups, and events:
Citizen of the Year:
▪ Tyler Brodie
▪ Rhonda Lowe
▪ Terry O'Brien
▪ Justin Daw
▪ Bev Morton
▪ Nick Henderson
▪ Michele Ramage
▪ Andrea Stevenson
Junior Citizen of the Year:
▪ Mikayla Borradale
Community Event / Project of the Year:
▪ T-Bro's Movember
▪ Walk for Mental Health
▪ 200th Anniversary of Hume and Hovells Exhibition
Community Group of the Year:
▪ Devenish Market
▪ Tomorrow Today
The day begins at 9am with a Community Breakfast outside the Visitor Information Centre on Mair Street, hosted by the Rotary Club of Benalla for a gold coin donation. The Flag Raising Ceremony and a special presentation to the Benalla Achiever of the Year will follow, setting a celebratory tone for the day.
In addition to the events in Benalla, surrounding towns will also host celebrations, including refreshments, flag-raising ceremonies, and presentations to honour local achievers:
▪ Baddaginnie CFA Shed: 8am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Devenish Bicentennial Park: 9am – Morning Tea, Presentation to the Devenish Achiever of the Year and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Goomalibee CFA Shed: 5.30pm – Community Barbecue Dinner and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Goorambat Hall: 8am – Community Breakfast, Presentation to the Goorambat Achiever of the Year and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Lima School Community Centre: 9.30am – Morning Tea, Presentation to the Lima/Swanpool Achiever of the Year and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Molyullah Hall: 8.30am – Community Breakfast, Presentation to the Molyullah Achiever of the Year and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Tatong Recreation Reserve: 8am – Community Breakfast, Presentation to the Tatong Achiever of the Year, and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Thoona Memorial Hall: 8am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony
▪ Warrenbayne Community Hall: 8.30am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony.
The celebrations continue at 2pm at the Benalla Cinema with a free screening of the Australian film Runt (PG). Tickets are available from the Benalla Cinema Box Office or by calling 03 5762 5515.
The Benalla Rural City Australia Day Award Presentations are made possible through funding from the National Australia Day Council's Australia Day Community Grants Program, with the assistance of the Australian Government.
The event promises to be a day of celebration, reflection, and community spirit, bringing together residents to honour the achievements of their fellow citizens.
