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Total Fire Ban

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the North East fire district on Thursday 5  and Friday 6 February 2026.
No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01AM until 11:59PM.
More information: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firebans

Latest News

Benalla welcomes new Citizens on Australia Day 

27 January 2026

Benalla Rural City proudly welcomed 15 new citizens during the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, Showgrounds on Australia Day Monday 26 January. 

The Citizenship Ceremony is a highlight of the day, celebrating the diversity and strength of our community.  

Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn officiated the ceremony that saw the following residents take their pledge of commitment to Australia: 

  • Katia Braghini 
  • Airisten Bereso Falcon 
  • Aicie Falcon Raut-Raut 
  • Queency Falcon Raut-Raut 
  • Hao Thu Ha 
  • Angela Shu Min Chew 
  • Luxshika Kannan 
  • Jasmeet Kaur 
  • Sufia Khatun 
  • Nafiya Azhar 
  • Zainulabideen Mohammad 
  • Chi Weng Lou 
  • Ricardo Jr Martinez Malansing 
  • Azharuddin Mohammad 
  • Wiebke Reynolds. 

Mayor Hearn said the ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be part of the Australian community. 

“Welcoming new citizens is one of the most significant roles we have as a Council. It is a privilege to share this moment with people who have chosen to make Benalla Rural City their home.” 

Congratulations to all new citizens and thank you to everyone who joined us at Benalla Lakeside Community Centre.  

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

© 2025 Benalla Rural City Council