July
July 2
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The community was shocked when environmental research at Winton was paused as the Mokoan Cafe and Hub closed its doors.
Benalla’s Kevin Harper was joined by friends and family to mark the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Korean War.
In football, Benalla Under-14s Red defeated Mansfield.
July 9
Students from Benalla’s Flexible Learning Centre collaborated with the Benalla Homelessness Response Group to help feed local people in need.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited LS Precast to announce the creation of 75 new local jobs.
Benalla’s Rob Adelberg won his 10th X-Games gold medal in Salt Lake City, Utah.
July 16
Benalla celebrated NAIDOC Week with a range of activities, including a flag raising and an event at the Glasshouse.
A historic railway marker was uncovered during renovations at Benalla Train Station.
The All-Blacks picked up their first win of the season.
July 23
A local family put out a plea for the return of a guitar, stolen during a shop break-in.
Staff at Coles took part in the Ice-Bucket Challenge, raising money for MND.
In sport, there was a preview of the upcoming Victorian Motor Racing Championships.
July 30
Significant job losses were announced at local mill Forest One.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn announced the opening of a new flying-fox.
August
August 6
Students across the region celebrated their first 100 days of Prep.
The Benalla yarnbombers decorated the CBD with colourful creations.
The Benalla All-Blacks thirds 1984 premiership team, its 1985 runners-up and 1986 premiers held a reunion.
August 13
Benalla SES member Colin Croxford was honoured for 48 years of service.
Georgina ‘Ena’ Gardiner celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Former Carlton and North Melbourne AFL player Jarrad Waite announced he was stepping down as coach of the Saints.
August 20
Benalla CFA saved the day when a car burst into flames on Bridge St West.
Benalla paused to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
Benalla’s Bently Saunders returned to the Rose City after winning the Under-13 Junior Axe Person event at the Royal Brisbane Show.
August 27
Benalla CFA members Nick Panuccio, Kallan Horton and Riley Mayes prepared to take part in the annual firefighters’ stair climb.
Benalla P-12 College officially opened its new, modern learning spaces.
Brothers Ben, Will and JD Hayes were named Country Racing Victoria’s trainers of the year.
September
September 3
The ‘Our Gallery’ initiative kicked off at Benalla Art Gallery, with members of the community choosing, and speaking about, their favourite pieces of art.
Police continued their search for ‘Dezi’ Freeman, who was wanted for the alleged murder of two police officers.
In football, Benalla Under-12 Red secured a place in the grand final.
September 10
Benalla was added to the silo art trail, which now includes Ultraviolet by Creature Creature, in Carrier St.
The Devenish Market committee gave a donation to the Benalla Suicide Awareness and Prevention Network.
Benalla All-Blacks’ under-15 and B-reserve netballers made it through to their respective grand finals.
September 17
‘Princess’ Robbie Harrison was given a special morning tea to celebrate her retirement from Peranbin Primary College, after 30 years.
Waminda House hosted a special, footy-themed lunch at the CWA hall.
Benalla All-Black’s B-Reserve netballers won their grand-final against Bonnie Doon.
September 24
Ray White, Benalla, Tomorrow Today and the Salvation Army joined forces for the Community Christmas Cheer initiative.
Benalla Rotary began its Say No to Domestic and Family Violence campaign.
The Benalla All-Blacks celebrated the 2025 season at their annual awards night.
October
October 1
Local firefighters were honoured for their efforts during the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires.
The Benalla Salvation Army returned to its newly renovated Corps Hall.
Benalla Racing Club celebrated a successful Gold Cup, with a record attendance.
October 8
Benalla CFA Captain Charlie Sexton spoke to the Ensign about his new role.
Benalla RSL thanked Rettke’s Carrier St Meats for its regular donations.
The Benalla Bushrangers prepared for their upcoming season.
October 15
Benalla’s Room at the Table prepared for its biggest ‘Don’t be Alone at Christmas’ event yet.
Benalla honoured former Commercial publican Silvano Bruzzese, who passed away on September 30.
Benalla’s Zac Best put in a ‘stunning’ drive at the Bathurst 1000.
October 22
Benalla RSL unveiled new plaques at the cenotaph. One honoured all those who fought in wars since World War II, the other recognised former president Jeff Lewis’ contribution to the site’s new benches.
Rotary honoured Benalla Homelessness Response Goup president Kate Holmes with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
The Benalla Saints celebrated their season with their annual awards night.
October 29
The North East Blue Ribbon Foundation was celebrated for donating seven overhead bed hoists to Benalla Health.
Waminda House’s high tea and fashion parade was hailed a success.
The Benalla Breakers had six teams competing at a recent junior basketball competition.
November
November 5
Benalla Rural City councillor Nathan Tolliday resigned.
A book on the life of Weary Dunlop was launched at the Visitor Information Centre.
A number of local youngsters were named in the Murray Bushrangers’ under-14 and under-16 squads.
November 12
Benalla celebrated another successful festival.
More than 150 people gathered at Benalla Racing Club to celebrate the achievements of the Tomorrow Today Foundation.
The A-Grade Benalla Bushrangers picked up their first win of the season.
November 19
Restoration work continued on Benalla’s iconic ceramic mural.
The latest ‘Benalla Treasure’ was a popular local, former postmaster John Binion.
The Benalla Breakers’ under-12 division two girls and under-14 division three girls were undefeated at the Wangaratta Basketball Inc junior tournament.
November 26
Benalla’s Heather Peck was honoured as one of the top 12 Coles employees, nationwide, for customer compliments.
Three Ability-Me classes from across the north-east took part in a sports day at The Centre’s new campus.
A group of Benalla Rotarians travelled to Bengal to support the Awake and Shine school, for children from Prep to Year 4.
December
December 3
Benalla Rotary held its inaugural Say No to Domestic and Family Violence walk.
Local vintner Mark Foletta picked up two awards at the Australian Alternative Wine Show.
Benalla Hockey Club wrapped up another successful summer program.
December 10
The Benalla RSL thanked the Benalla Woodies for helping to restore a memorial cross, which was installed outside the group’s rooms on Nunn St.
Local teacher Vince Branigan was elected to the vacant spot on Benalla Rural City Council.
Benalla’s Tyson Cromie became the Australian National Men’s Champion at the Bowls Australia National Championships in Tasmania.
December 17
Page one celebrated the Ensign’s Issie Hill, who retired at the end of 2025, after 30 years with McPherson Media.
Benalla P-12 College and FCJ College celebrated their classes of 2025 and respective dux and runners-up.
Benalla SES’ Graham Milner urged drivers to be safe over Christmas.
December 24
Sadly one house and six sheds were lost, and five CFA vehicles were damaged, after a grass fire got out of control at Goomalibee.
The Ensign featured a gallery some of the best Christmas lights in Benalla.
The Benalla Lawn Tennis Club was busy planning for its 100th annual tournament.