Benalla Ensign
CFA is singing praises
Only a week before what was described as the most catastrophic fire day in a decade, Benalla CFA was fighting an out-of-control fire at Goomalibee. While still working to ensure that fireground was safe, temperatures peaked above 40°C and high winds...
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Connecting our Rural City
Construction is underway on the new Benalla Saleyards Dog Park, delivering a larger, purpose-built space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Shaped by community feedback, the project responds to strong local demand for a safe, welcoming and accessible...
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Barking mad for dog park
Construction is under way on a new, large dog park at Saleyards Rd, creating a dedicated space for Benalla’s furry residents and their owners to exercise, socialise and play. The project addresses strong community demand for more off-leash areas...
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The Benalla community is coming together to support a family that lost its home during the recent Goomalibee fire. What started as a grass fire took more than 24 hours to bring under control, as dry conditions and wind saw it move easterly, just north...
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Issie to book in a new chapter
On Thursday, December 18, Issie Hill will switch off her computer and turn the key in the Ensign door for the last time. Issie has been the smiling face behind the Ensign’s front counter for many years, greeting locals and assisting with their...
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The gift of giving
There’s few things more heartbreaking than the thought of kids waking up to no presents at Christmas. Given the current costof-living crisis, an increasing number of families will struggle to get gifts under the tree this year. Ray White Benalla does...
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Top-tier team player
Heather Peck is more than just a smiling face behind the counter at Coles Benalla. Her friendly chats, product knowledge and helpfulness have recently led to her being named a winner of Coles’ Christmas Recognition campaign. She placed 11th in the...
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Landmark restored
Benalla’s Ceramic Mural is one-of-a-kind. Listed as part of Benalla Art Gallery’s collection, it’s much more than simply a work of art It’s a landmark, a meeting place, a concert venue, a musical instrument and an iconic part of the Rose...
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Festival hits new heights
The 2025 Benalla Festival has wrapped up after nine vibrant days of celebration, showcasing the very best of Benalla Rural City under this year’s theme Live Local, Love Local. From November 1 to 9, more than 27 events and six exhibitions filled the...
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Contestants line up for the inflatable animal costume race at Devenish Market on Sunday. as the Benalla Festival got under way. Story, page 8.
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Heartfelt help
The North East Victoria Blue Ribbon Foundation has recently funded seven overhead bed hoists for Benalla Health. And, it’s busy preparing for a special event in November, raising funds for its next local project. Committee member Wendy McCarthy said...
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Plaques revealed
Margaret Lewis sat proudly on one of the benches her late husband, former Benalla RSL president Jeff, helped fund on Wednesday, October 15, with a big smile on her face. Members of the Benalla RSL sub-branch had invited her along as they unveiled...
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Don’t be alone
Room at the Table’s name describes perfectly what it stands for. And at Chrismas it takes that idea to the next level. The popular gaming group is open to all, and provides a safe space for like-minded people to play card and board games in a relaxed...
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New skip steps up
For over two decades, Benalla Fire Brigade’s newly appointed captain has been dedicated to volunteering. “I started in 2003 ... In the western district of Victoria, in the Grampians, and when I moved here I just transferred,” Charlie Sexton said. “I...
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Great times at cup
There were smiling faces and extravagant RXWWV OOLQJ Benalla Racecourse for the Bet365 Benalla Gold Cup on Friday, September 26. More photos on page 8 and a full report in sport.
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Last royal wave
Monday, September 15 marked the end of an era at Peranbin Primary College. A royal-themed morning tea had been arranged at its Baddaginnie Campus to farewell “Princess Robbie”, aka Robin Harrison. Ms Harrison had agreed to fill in, temporarily, as an...
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Silo trail takes on street cred
Benalla has been added to Victoria’s North East Silo Art Trail with the addition of a mural at the Bertalli's Alpine Bread Bakehouse on Carrier St that was completed as part of the 2025 Benalla Street Art Festival. Benalla Rural City Council said the...
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Gallery puts art and soul into it
How do you keep an art gallery and its priceless collection in people’s hearts and minds while the gallery itself is closed? That was the conundrum facing the Benalla Art Gallery Foundation as it prepared for Victoria’s premier regional gallery to...
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Introducing the modern media app for a Benalla view of the world
This is about much more than where you get your news. This is where your community and the wider world come to life. Stories that matter. Voices that inspire. Podcasts, playlists, videos, puzzles — all in one perfectly simple place. For staying close....
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CFA saves day
Benalla CFA attended a car fire on Bridge St West on Wednesday evening, August 13. It was quickly extinguished once CFA were on the scene. A Benalla Police spokesperson said the fire was not being treated as suspicious. Benalla CFA Captain, Charlie...
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Recreation move
Benalla Rural City Council has endorsed Churchill Recreation Reserve as the preferred site for the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre. The decision, made during confidential business at the council meeting on Wednesday, August 6,...
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Jobs to be axed
There will be significant job losses at ForestOne in Benalla, which has confirmed it will close the manufacturing operations of its dry sawmill and particleboard lines. The company has, however, stated the lines could be reopened in the future if...
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Plea strikes chord
When Benalla’s Susie Float went to work on Tuesday, July 15, she found her salon ransacked and much of her hairdressing equipment stolen. She then turned to look at where she proudly displayed a family favourite, a 1968 guitar. It was gone. Susie is...
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CONNECTIONS MADE
Benalla’s inaugural Creating Community Connections Expo in February aimed to address social isolation in the Rose City. It offered a platform for local groups, clubs and services to showcase themselves to the community, while offering the public a...
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SUPPORT ON MENU
Feeding Benalla’s most vulnerable, learning valuable life-lessons and forging a path to future employment. The Rose City’s latest collaboration ticks all the boxes for one local school. In recent weeks, students from Benalla’s Flexible Learning Centre...
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WETLANDS IN LIMBO
The temporary closure of the Mokoan Hub and Cafe and pausing of environmental research at Winton Wetlands has come as a shock to the Benalla Community. DEECA Hume regional director, Courtney Bertram, today confirmed that those measures were taken...
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THE UNSUNG HERO
In 2022, the Benalla Historical Society was offered a huge collection of costumes and related items by Ann Dixon, from Melbourne. The offer was immediately accepted by the collections and conservation committee, particularly as some items had been...
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SWEET SUCCESS
Getting a school award can be a great motivator, and a proud moment for the student and their parents. Kids in Benalla, however, can also get a delicious free ice cream, thanks to one local business. For more than two years, Spot 4 Ice Cream has been...
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SCALING HEIGHTS
Benalla CFA members are preparing to swap firefighting for a different challenge: conquering 28 floors to support a good cause. On Saturday, September 6, firefighters, volunteers and emergency service personnel from across Australia, and overseas,...
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VANISHING ACT
A charming critter along the Lake Benalla walking track was flourishing with promise, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace. On Sunday, May 11, the first mention of Rocky the Snake was uploaded to the Benalla Community Noticeboard Facebook group...
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BIGGEST TALLY YET
When Shannon Goss was arranging her third Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea, she set herself a goal of raising $3000. When the community found out, Benalla did what it does best and showed generosity over and above what she hoped for. On the morning...
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VITAL SUPPORT
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody that’s not been affected by cancer.” Those are the words of Shannon Goss who, for the third time, will host a Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, in Benalla, on Monday, May 25. The fundraiser will be...
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SKILLS ON SHOW
The Lake Benalla foreshore was a hive of activity on Thursday morning as a group from The Centre’s Ability Me class enjoyed some fun, games and a barbecue. While the outing was enjoyed by all, if the amount of smiling faces was anything to go by, it...
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STILL INDI-PENDENT
Incumbent Independent Helen Haines swept to victory in Indi at the weekend’s federal election, securing 58.49 per cent of the two-party vote and an increased primary vote. In the electorate where Australia’s independent movement began, she saw a 2.35...
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DECADES OF DEDICATION
Benalla’s Good Friday Appeal brought in $53,790, thanks in no small part to one 50-year veteran of the local fundraiser. Ron Schultz has been organising the CFA’s local Good Friday Appeal efforts for five decades. Benalla CFA First Lieutenant Charlie...
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MURAL MAGIC
The Benalla Street Art Festival had the Rose City buzzing at the weekend. Stories and photos, pages 4 to 10.
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Batteries plan a key cost-of-living policy
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has welcomed incentives for cheaper home batteries after the government adopted her policy to help reduce power bills for households, small businesses and community groups. Labor has revealed a plan to provide...
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LES CELEBRATING 95 YEARS IN STYLE
Despite picking up an injury, Benalla’s Les Saunders decided to pop along and cheer on the other carpet bowls players at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre on Tuesday, March 23. And it’s a good job he did, as other members had arranged a...
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SELINA CELEBRATED
Many people would want a day off on their birthday, and many more would like to have finished their working life by 80. But for Selina Courtney, there are few places she’d rather be than with her friends and colleagues at Benalla Health. Speaking at...
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SPECIAL BONDS
There were plenty of smiles and great friendships on display at Benalla’s Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, March 12. Waminda house, and its link-up group, celebrated 12 months of the successful social inclusion program and International...
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New Benalla police station open
The new Benalla police station officially opened its doors on Tuesday, March 11. A Benalla police spokesperson said the public would be able to attend the reception counter at the new building, at 1 Martin Place, while the old station at 13–19 Bridge...
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ROCK SURPRISE
When Lindy and Leigh Sutherland moved to Benalla they wanted to do something fun for the community. Lindy had experimented with mandala rock painting in Bali, where the couple was living, and thought of sharing some of their fun, and quirky painted...
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CREATING CONNECTIONS
Colour runs, food, games, careers advice, help connecting with services, clubs and volunteer organisations — there was something for everyone at the Benalla Showgrounds on Friday, February 21. Organised by Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC), the...
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PLANS GAIN PACE
A well lit, safe and wide underpass, a central platform, the realignment of the XPT line, improved access and a bigger car park. These are just some of the improvements to Benalla Train Station being undertaken as part of the Inland Rail...
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MURAL FACELIFT
A place to sit in the shade, a musical instrument, an artwork in the Benalla Gallery collection and a great venue for local events — Benalla’s Ceramic Mural is many things. It also appears to be falling apart. Conceived in 1983, and completed in 2010,...
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HELP TO THRIVE
Since 2005, the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s Back to School voucher program has benefited thousands of students Australia-wide, helping them to purchase items they need for school. Throughout that time, Tomorrow Today has been a local...
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BENALLA’S BEST CELEBRATED
Benalla and district celebrated Australia Day on Sunday, January 26, with community events held across the region. Local townships joined the Rose City in honouring their achievers of the year for 2025 at community breakfasts. The Scouts and Guides...
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SPORTING LEGACY
What do X-Games gold medallist Rob Adelberg, AFL legend Tom Rockliff, WAFL star Becky Webster and cycling champ Baden Cooke have in common? Well, apart from performing at the highest levels in their chosen sports, all were given a helping hand long...
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DWYERS UNITE
Mick and Mary Dwyer moved to Benalla in 1951 and purchased a petrol station on the corner of Faithfull St and Bridge St West. Nearly 74 years later, more than 50 descendants returned to the Rose City from all corners of Australia for a family reunion...
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HE MEANS BUSINESS
Schneider Electric on Sydney Rd, Benalla has a new head of security — the Schneidernator. Actually, that’s not strictly true. While he is an imposing figure, the Schneidernator is officially the site’s mascot. And he’s so good at what he does, he’s...
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A NEW LIFELINE
Having been incorporated just over one year ago, the Benalla Homelessness Response Group has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local people without a roof over their heads. On Tuesday, December 17, thanks to a grant from the Winton Solar Farm,...
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HOUSE DESTROYED
As the wind started to pick up, black clouds appeared and heavy rain started to fall on Saturday, December 7, Arwen Hannaford headed outside to dance in the rain. Within moments, she realised the storm was going to be bad, and headed for the safety of...
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POLICE PROTEST
Police Association of Victoria members at the Benalla police station walked off the job for 30 minutes on Thursday, December 5, in its first walkout in 25 years. A police member, who was part of the Benalla protest and asked not to be named, said...
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XMAS WITH ART FROM THE HEART
If you’re looking for a place to share your artistic talents, or want to find a unique Christmas present, it’s worth a trip up Carrier St. Currently occupying the former Dogs4Life shopfront at 22 Carrier St, the Heart of Art Benalla is keen to let the...
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BERRY ON TOP
Benalla product Joe Berry realised his AFL dream last Wednesday night, when Port Adelaide selected the crafty forward with pick 15 in the 2024 AFL Draft. Berry received his Power guernsey from former club captain and coach Matthew Primus, before...
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ROLL REVAMPED
When it comes to remembering and honouring those who forged the way for today’s community an honour roll is often the best option. However, as new members become old hats, and the older members step aside, the ongoing cost to update those is often...
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RESULTS ARE IN
The results for the Benalla Rural City Council elections have been released. The computer calculation was held on Thursday, November 7, with many councillors and their supporters attending to hear the results. Of the 11,640 enrolled voters, 9128...
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TRIBUTE TO DONNY
Benalla Pony Club paid a heartfelt tribute to muchloved life member Donny Dowell at Benalla Racecourse on Sunday. Donny passed away peacefully at Northeast Health, Wangaratta, on October 22 at the age of 81. About 50 people gathered in the mounting...
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LEADING ROLES
Five Benalla students are taking a proactive step to raise awareness of mental health, and funds for Live4Life. Alex Briggs, Andrew Noyes, Mikayla Borredale, Sophie Winkler and Erin Jenkins recently had an opportunity to attend the School for Student...
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SHOW A WINNER
After a damp start to the Benalla Spring Show on Friday, October 18, the sun arrived on Saturday, enticing the community to the showgrounds. A bit of rain wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the two dog shows, and the hundreds of people who filed...
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ALL BUSINESS
Benalla’s future is in good hands, if Saturday’s Full Impact Squad Youth Market is anything to go by. With everything from cakes, handmade jewellery and mosaics to pre-loved items and even ‘Sip Squad’ cups designed by a world-renowned artist, the...
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X-TRA SPECIAL
Fresh off a successful X Games season, which saw him win gold and silver in the Moto X disciplines at the Chiba and Ventura stops, Rob Adelberg has returned to his hometown Benalla, where it all began. Now living on the outskirts of Benalla in Lurg,...
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STRIKING GOLD
The Benalla Racing Club has hailed this year's Gold Cup its most successful, and plans for expansion are on the horizon. General manager Cameron Symes said the club was thrilled with the day’s proceedings, culminating in five-year-old gelding Suizuro,...
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MAN ARRESTED FOR BENALLA WOMEN’S MURDER
A man has been arrested in Italy as part of the Victoria Police Homicide Squad investigation into the murder of two Benalla women at an Easey St, Collingwood property in 1977. A 65-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Greece, who has been identified...
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