Benalla Rural City Council celebrated the incredible contributions of its dedicated volunteers at the Volunteer Years of Service Awards, held last Thursday at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre.
The event was a chance to thank and recognise the efforts of volunteers who help make Benalla Rural City a connected, welcoming, and thriving community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn highlighted the vital role volunteers play across the community.
“Volunteers are a big part of what makes our Rural City so special. Their time, effort, and commitment makes a real difference in our community,” Cr Hearn said.
The celebration honoured volunteers for their years of service, with milestones ranging from five to 25 years. With involvement across sectors including the Visitor Information Centre, Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Cinema, the Botanical Gardens, litter gathering across the community, the TAC L2P Learner Driver Program, and community events such as the Benalla Street Art Festival.
Five years of service: started volunteering with Council in 2019 or 2020
David Blore, Kay Blore, Steph Brack, Wayne Brockwell, Rina Caddy, Sandie Chrimes, Annie Cuming, Patricia Fay, Coralie Gamble, Beth Heinrich, Margaret Jenkins, Paul Kelly, Helen Kiley, Barbara Kumar, Marita Larkin, Bob Mazurak, Andrew McFarlane, Alice Meravi, Sara Morrison, Barry O’Connor, Mike O’Connor, Ian Robertson, Shirley Robertson, Deb Robinson, Jim Van Den Bosch and Heather Wallace.
10 years of service: started volunteering with Council in 2014 or 2015
Doris Billingsley, Annemarie Broughton, Phyllis Doxey, Christine Glynn, Robyn Gould, John Hanrahan, Dale Jackman, Kay Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Lynne Lidgerwood, Margaret McCrohan, Cheryl-Anne Menere, Keith Menere, Claire Rudolph, Rodney Squires, Alice Tallis
15 years of service: started volunteering with Council in 2009 or 2010
Ellen Crocker, Val Dunin, Geraldine McCorkell, Pamela O’Connor, Michael Ross, Vicki Sheriff, Joy Shirley
20 years of service: started volunteering with Council in 2004 or 2005
Robyn Goudie, John Lindsay, Rex Nankervis, Lois Smith and Diane Young
25 years of service: started volunteering with Council in 1999 or 2000
Melissa Grimwade and Alan Monger
“We are so lucky to have so many volunteers helping in different ways,” Cr Hearn added.
The Volunteer Years of Service recognition is Benalla Rural City Council’s way of formally acknowledging the many individuals who contribute to the wellbeing of the community.
While the celebration honoured long-term service, it also shone a light on the collective efforts of all volunteers working across Benalla Rural City.
“On behalf of Benalla Rural City Council, thank you to our volunteers. Your work means so much to us and our community,” Cr Hearn added.
If you are interested in volunteering with Benalla Rural City Council, contact our Customer Service Centre by emailing council@benalla.vic.gov.au or call 03 5760 2600.