Benalla Rural City announces 2026 Australia Day Award winners

Benalla Rural City Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising exceptional service, leadership and community spirit across our municipality. 

The awards were presented during the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre on Sunday. 

Mayor of Benalla Rural City, Cr Bernie Hearn, said the awards reflect the dedication, generosity and quiet leadership that strengthen Benalla Rural City’s towns and villages. 

“These awards are about celebrating the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our community stronger,” Cr Hearn said. 

Cr Hearn congratulated all winners and nominees, expressing gratitude for their service. 

“Congratulations to every person and group recognised in these awards. Our community is grateful for your service and proud of the community spirit you represent. You inspire us all.” 

2026 Australia Day Award Recipients 

Citizen of the Year – Russell Ellis (Thoona) 
Russell Ellis has dedicated a lifetime of service to the communities of Thoona, Chesney Vale and Goorambat. His contribution includes more than 50 years with the CFA in senior leadership roles, foundational leadership in Landcare, and long-standing support for local sport and community music. His quiet leadership and advocacy have left a lasting legacy. 

Young Citizen of the Year (16–25 years) – Amber Armstrong 
Amber Armstrong has shown outstanding resilience and leadership through sport, volunteering and her studies. She has played representative hockey, coached junior players since 2020, and served as School Captain in 2025. Amber also raised more than $5,900 for the Leukaemia Foundation and completed a School-Based Apprenticeship at Benalla Health, earning a Certificate III in Individual Support and securing employment. 

Community Group of the Year – For the Good of Devenish 
For over 37 years, For the Good of Devenish has delivered vital community, charitable and wellbeing initiatives. These range from Australia Day, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services to Seniors Month activities, Tai Chi classes and Carols in the Park. The group has also enhanced the town by upgrading entry signage to showcase the Silo Art and building lasting assets like park facilities, the rotunda, and the T.C. Trewin Agricultural Museum. 

Community Event or Project of the Year – T-Bros’s Movember 
Founded by Tyler Brodie in 2015, T-Bros’s Movember has become a powerful local movement for men’s mental health. The initiative creates safe spaces for open conversation and has raised more than $26,000 over ten years, including $7,325 in 2024. It unites families, friends and businesses to reduce stigma and strengthen community connection. 

District Achievement Awards 
These awards recognise significant contributions within our local townships. 

• Benalla – Gavin Perry: For decades, Gavin Perry has exemplified quiet leadership. A Life Member of the Benalla Gardens Tennis Club, he has been instrumental in securing grants, upgrading courts and lighting, and his service was recognised with the clubhouse named in his honour. He continues to support grounds maintenance, flood recovery efforts and the Benalla Uniting Church. 

• Devenish – Max Howard: A trusted volunteer since 2012, Max has transformed the Devenish Silos precinct with new visitor facilities, memorials, signage and lighting. He supports wider town maintenance and events, serves with the CFA, and regularly checks in on elderly residents. 

• Goorambat – Amelia Gall: A long-standing contributor across sport, emergency services and youth development. Amelia is Vice President and a respected coach at the Goorambat Football Netball Club, an active CFA volunteer, and a mentor in the local equestrian community. 

• Lima/Swanpool – Dan and Margaret Zaal: The Zaals’ generosity has enriched their community through shared grape-harvest traditions, catering for major events, and kitchen extensions at Swanpool Memorial Hall. They also established the Ladies’ Morning Coffee initiative and built a pizza oven at Albert Heaney Oval for monthly community pizza nights. 

• Molyullah – Brett Glazebrook: A tireless volunteer across multiple committees and events. Brett has been an active CFA member and reliable first responder since 2017. He is well known for cooking at community functions, including the Molyullah Sports Day, and for maintaining local halls and grounds. 

• Thoona – Russell Ellis: Russell’s decades of CFA leadership, Landcare advocacy and community involvement have enriched the district and inspired others to serve. 

These individuals exemplify the spirit of selflessness and dedication that strengthens our communities. Their efforts, whether through emergency response, environmental advocacy, or maintaining shared spaces, remind us of the importance of working together for the common good. We celebrate their contributions and hope their stories inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their own local areas.