The festivities will showcase the Rose City’s community spirit and highlight the achievements of outstanding individuals.
The first event in Benalla kicks off in Mair St, 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.
After breakfast, the Flag Raising Ceremony will begin at 9am, accompanied by the prestigious Benalla Achiever of the Year award presentation.
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 Alice, a bush poetry recital by Col Milligan, the Australia Day Awards presentation, and a Citizenship Ceremony conducted by Benalla Rural City Mayor Cr 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 St on 5762 5515 to book.
In addition to the central festivities at Mair St, 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 the community as it comes together to commemorate Australia Day 2024 and honour the diversity, unity, and achievements that make Benalla Rural City a truly special place.
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