News

Outstanding community contributions recognised in Australia Day award nominations

By Contributed

Jan 19, 2026

Benalla Rural City’s 2025 Australia Day award winners with Mayor Bernie Hearn. Photo: Christin Knight.

Benalla Rural City will celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals, groups and events at the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Monday, January 26, at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the nominations reflected the dedication and spirit that made Benalla Rural City a vibrant and connected community.

“These awards acknowledge the people and groups who go above and beyond to make a difference. Their commitment strengthens our community and inspires others to get involved.”

2026 Australia Day award nominees

Citizen of the Year:

Max Howard
Laura Nelson
David Risk
Tyler Brodie
Dan and Margaret Zaal
Gavin Perry
Russell Ellis
Amelia Gall
Brett Glazebrook
Sue Pendergast

Young Citizen of the Year:

Amber Armstrong

Community Group of the Year:

For the Good of Devenish
Devenish Market
Yarnbombers
Benalla All Abilities Football

Community Event or Project of the Year:

Inflatable Animal Race
T-Bro's Movember
Luna New Year
Devenish Market

The awards will be presented during the official program, which also includes a Citizenship Ceremony, entertainment and lunch catered by Goldhammer Catering.

Australia Day events across Benalla Rural City

Community Breakfast: 9am outside the Visitor Information Centre, Mair St, Benalla.
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony: 11.30am at Benalla Lakeside Community Centre.
Rural township events: In Baddaginnie, Goorambat, Tatong, Thoona, Molyullah, Warrenbayne, Devenish, Lima and Goomalibee.
Benalla Cinema: Free screening of Kangaroo (PG) at 2pm.

Tickets for the awards and citizenship ceremony are free, but booking is essential, via events.humanitix.com/2026-benalla-australia-day-and-citizenship-ceremony

News

Outstanding community contributions recognised in Australia Day award nominations

2026 Australia Day award nominees

Australia Day events across Benalla Rural City

Benalla fundraising event to thank CFA whilst raising funds for bushfire recovery

Discover the artistic bond and breathtaking landscapes captured by two local talents in Benalla’s latest exhibition

Advocacy successful for 2026 Victorian bushfire inquiry

New four-year plan strengthens responsible pet ownership across Benalla Rural City

Most Popular

News

Outstanding community contributions recognised in Australia Day award nominations

2026 Australia Day award nominees

Australia Day events across Benalla Rural City

Related Stories

Benalla fundraising event to thank CFA whilst raising funds for bushfire recovery

Discover the artistic bond and breathtaking landscapes captured by two local talents in Benalla’s latest exhibition

Advocacy successful for 2026 Victorian bushfire inquiry

New four-year plan strengthens responsible pet ownership across Benalla Rural City

Newsletter

Most Popular

Rose City stories | Sabine Smyth’s journey to Benalla

Police seek assistance over fire outside a Benalla supermarket

Sentence delivered after man killed and body burnt in car

Benalla fundraising event to thank CFA whilst raising funds for bushfire recovery

Fears children could be stranded if buses are full