Australia Day 2024

Australia Day 2024

Published on 18 January 2024

Each year, Benalla Rural City comes together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals, groups, events, and projects through the Australia Day Awards program.

The event, starting at 11.30am at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre (BPACC) on Friday 26 January, will feature performances by the Benalla Theatre Company and Dallas Allice, bush poetry recital by Col Milligan, the Australia Day Awards presentation, and a Citizenship Ceremony conducted by Benalla Rural City Mayor Councillor Danny Claridge.

Cr Claridge said this year's Australia Day celebrations holds special significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship.

“Prior to 26 January 1949, when the Nationality and Citizenship Act came into effect, there was no legal status as an ‘Australian citizen’ we were simply considered to be British subjects.”

“For 75 years Australian citizens have been working together to build a strong, united and prosperous Australia, and I look forward to welcoming our eight newest citizens from China, Finland, the Philippines, and Indonesia to our community on Australia Day,” Cr Claridge said.

Cr Claridge, also emphasised the importance of the Australia Day Award Presentations forrecognising the achievements of community members and groups who contribute to making Benalla Rural City a positive and vibrant place to live.

The award presentations, presented by the Chair of the Benalla Rural City Australia Day Advisory Committee Cr Bernie Hearn, will recognise the achievements of outstanding community members.

Nominations for awards in 2024 are:

Citizen of the Year:

Robyn Clark Greg Dennis Nea Hicks Ross Hill Janette and John Knapper Sue Kucia Russell Lowe Larissa Montgomery Peter and Margaret Poels Phillip and Joanne Thomson Jenny Wapling Young Citizen of the Year (age 18 – 25): Thomas Hill Millicent Scriven. Junior Citizen of the Year (age 12 – 17): Hayley Cooper Oliver Hall Abbey-Rose Richards Emily Snell Kelsey Scriven. Community Group of the Year: Full Impact Squad Molyullah Community Moorngag Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Mt Bruno Picnic Committee. Community Event or Project of the Year: Benalla Botanical Gardens Parkrun Diwali @ the Mural Moorngag Music Stage and Hot Air Balloon Night Glow Shared Stories – the 3rd National Heritage Festival in Benalla Small Town Sing.

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.

A free Aussie barbecue lunch will be provided by Rotary Club of Benalla at the conclusion of the event.

Entry to the event is free, but tickets are essential. Call Benalla Cinema on 03 5762 5515 to book or search Eventbrite for tickets. 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australia-day-awards-ceremony-tickets-766604654157

Australia Day events across Benalla Rural City

Benalla Rural City is gearing up for a spectacular Australia Day celebration, with a range of exciting events planned across the region. The festivities will showcase the community spirit and highlight the achievements of outstanding individuals.

The first event in Benalla kicks off at Mair Street, Benalla where the day begins with a community breakfast at 7.30am. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Benalla, the breakfast invites locals to come together and enjoy a delicious morning meal, with a gold coin donation supporting community initiatives. Following the breakfast, the Flag Raising Ceremony will commence at 9am, accompanied by the presentation of the prestigious Benalla Achiever of the Year award.

This will be followed by the Benalla Rural City Australia Day Awards Ceremony, starting at 11.30am at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre (BPACC). This event will feature performances by the Benalla Theatre Company and Dallas Allice, bush poetry recital by Col Milligan, the Australia Day Awards presentation, and a Citizenship Ceremony conducted by Benalla Rural City Mayor Councillor Danny Claridge.

For movie enthusiasts, Benalla Cinema joins the celebration by offering two free Australian movie screenings. At 2.15pm, catch the family-friendly "Scarygirl" (PG), and at 4.30pm, the gripping thriller "The Dry" (M). Tickets for these screenings are free but bookings are essential. Contact the Benalla Cinema box office at 14 Mair Street on 5762 5515 to book.

In addition to the central festivities at Mair Street various communities within Benalla Rural City are hosting their own Australia Day events:

Baddaginnie Fire Shed: 8am – Community Breakfast, Presentation to the Baddaginnie Achiever of the Year, and Flag Raising Ceremony.

Devenish Bicentennial Park: 9am – Presentation to the Devenish Achiever of the Year, Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea.

Goomalibee CFA Shed: 7.30am – Community Breakfast 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 – Flag Raising Ceremony, Presentation to the Lima/Swanpool Achiever of the Year, and Morning Tea.

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, Presentation to the Thoona Achiever of the Year, and Flag Raising Ceremony.

Warrenbayne Community Hall: 8.30am – Community Breakfast and Flag Raising Ceremony.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in these events, fostering a sense of community and celebrating the achievements of remarkable individuals. Join us as we come together to commemorate Australia Day 2024 and honour the diversity, unity, and achievements that make Benalla Rural City a truly special place.