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 Lakeside Community Centre, Showgrounds on Monday 26 January, starting at 11.30am. The program includes the Citizenship Ceremony, Australia Day Award Presentations, entertainment by 2 Easy Duo and including the Australian National Anthem performed by Benalla P-12 College students, and lunch by Goldhammer Catering.
Mayor Cr Bernie 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.
“Australia Day is a time that the community comes together to appreciate the great people, and amazing country we are lucky to have.”
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, Flag Raising Ceremony and Presentation to the Devenish Achiever of the Year
- Goomalibee CFA Shed: 6pm – Community Barbecue Dinner and Flag Raising Ceremony
- Goorambat Hall: 8am – Community Breakfast, Flag Raising Ceremony and Presentation to the Goorambat Achiever of the Year
- Lima School Community Centre: 9.30am – Morning Tea, Flag Raising Ceremony and Presentation to the Lima Achiever of the Year
- Molyullah Hall: 8.30am – Community Breakfast, Flag Raising Ceremony and Presentation to the Molyullah Achiever of the Year
- Tatong Recreation Reserve: 8am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony
- Thoona Memorial Hall: 8am – Community Breakfast, Flag Raising Ceremony and Presentation to the Thoona Achiever of the Year
- Warrenbayne Community Hall: 8.30am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony
- Benalla Cinema: 2pm – Free movie screening
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.