In the last edition, we shared part one of our year in review, featuring highlights and notable events from January to June 2023.
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This week, we have part two, July to December.
July 5
The Ensign’s front page features a touching story on local man Andrew Stubbs, who, despite living with ADHD, found meaningful employment at Munro & Sargeant Café.
It was announced that the Benalla Short Film Festival was up for a Community Achievement award.
Benalla’s Bill Sykes visited Papua New Guinea to give out 11 Brian Vial scholarships to school children.
July 12
Goomalibee’s Maureen Cottam shared a story of the positive effect cochlear implants had on her life. Specifically, that she could, once again, listen to Slim Dusty.
Hernan Pavez-Jorquera shared his story of migrating with his family from Chile and being able to build a future after being sponsored by Benalla’s Andrew Bertalli, who gave him a job in the family bakery.
After winning in Townsville, Zak Best remained the championship leader in the Dunlop Super2 series.
July 19
Darren and Melissa Russell spoke about their daughter, Montana, who was killed in a car accident.
The Ensign included a double-page special feature on Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, who passed away 30 years earlier.
Round two of the Victorian Motor Racing Championships was held at Winton Motor Raceway.
July 26
The ‘Benalla for Yes’ group spoke about why they felt it was important to recognise First Nations people in the constitution ahead of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
Plans for alterations to Benalla Train Station, as part of the Inland Rail Project, were released.
Benalla Saints’ A-grade netballers beat Mansfield.
August 2
Benalla’s famous Singing Cowboy, John Arandall, announced he was retiring from the stage.
The Rose City’s CBD was looking colourful after the Benalla Yarnbombers group finished its 2023 installation.
Benalla was announced as the host for an upcoming BMX skateboard and scooter competition.
August 9
Young students across the area dressed up to celebrate 100 days of Prep.
It was a tragic week in Benalla, with a teenager hospitalised after a hit and run and a man killed in a house fire. Sadly, the young man hit by the car would also pass away.
Benalla Racing Club was nominated for a Country Racing Victoria award in the category of Club of the Year.
August 16
The Ensign featured a photo spread and article on the spectacular FlameFest event held at Benalla Racing Club.
A 28-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound in Ballintine St.
This edition featured a photo spread on the successful 2023 Skate Park series.
August 30
An independent panel threw out six allegations of bullying within Benalla Rural City Council.
A new 24-hour 7-Eleven was given planning permission for a site on Bridge St West.
Benalla’s Jess Andrews planned a 150km ‘rideathon’ on her horse to raise awareness of autism and funds for Mansfield Autism Statewide Services.
September 6
Benalla’s historic railway signal box was earmarked for demolition following an independent engineer’s report.
Small Town Sing was hailed as a huge success.
Benalla Bowls Club and Benalla Toyota came first in this year’s Ensign footy tipping.
September 13
Benalla’s Nepalese community celebrated Teej.
Betty Nicol celebrated 77 years with the CWA.
The Benalla All Blacks defeated Greta in their Ovens and King football preliminary final.
September 20
Donohue Meats took out an award for the best short-cut bacon in Victoria.
Benalla’s new Visitor Information Centre and cinema complex was officially opened.
Benalla P-12 College opened its new STEAM building.
September 27
Benalla’s Aarunga Clydesdale Stud’s show team won several prizes at the Melbourne Royal Show.
The Benalla group opposing the Indigenous Voice to Parliament spoke about why it did not want the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum to succeed.
The Benalla All Blacks and the Goorambat Bats held their respective end-of-season awards nights.
October 4
Benalla’s Alan and Kath Saunders celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Australian Christian College Hume principal Sam Woods returned to school, spending a day as a student.
The Benalla Gold Cup was hailed as a massive success, with Not Usual Glorious taking the top prize.
October 11
Benalla’s Uniting Church held its annual fete, raising funds for the good work it does in the community throughout the year.
Western Ag donated a life-saving defibrillator to the Benalla Equestrian Centre.
The Benalla Breakers won their first game of the season.
October 18
Benalla’s George Norman won several prizes at the Melbourne Royal Show for his impressive roosters.
The Benalla community voted no to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which was defeated at the referendum on October 14.
The Benalla Saints held their annual awards night.
October 25
The Ensign featured a photo spread on the Benalla Show, which returned after a three-year break.
The Rotary Club of Benalla donated two bus shelters to the Rose City.
Priyank Chohan scored a century in the Benalla Bushrangers’ win over City Colts.
November 1
Scope Benalla celebrated the organisation’s 75th birthday with a day of activities.
Benalla Bowls Club raised more than $3000 for cancer charities.
The Benalla Breakers continued their unbeaten run.
November 8
The Benalla Festival kicked off with a Diwali event on the banks of Lake Benalla.
It was announced that Benalla West was getting an upgrade with the construction of 45 new homes.
The Baron of Benalla, Chris Lewis-Williams, claimed his fourth title in the Porsche 944 Challenge Series.
November 15
The Benalla Festival wrapped up following two weekends of events.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn confirmed she would not be standing for re-election.
The 3X3 Champions League Basketball competition ran as part of the Benalla Festival was enjoyed by all.
November 22
It was announced that Benalla was the storm capital of Victoria, based on requests made to the SES.
Benalla Toyota joined other businesses and organisations across the Rose City to raise funds for Movember.
The Australian Super Trucks VMCR series came to Winton Motor Raceway.
November 29
Benalla Woolworths and FCJ College donated food items to the Salvation Army ahead of the Christmas season.
Benalla’s miniature house, a piece of art made by Gay Stell, was destroyed by vandals.
The Ensign featured a profile on George Ross, manager of pperations at the Gliding Club of Victoria.
December 6
Dates were confirmed and artists shortlisted ahead of the 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival.
This edition featured an obituary on well-respected local Norma Grubb.
The Benalla Breakers beat Seymour to reach the North East CBL final.
December 13
Swanpool Creek’s Shiraz won two awards at the North East Wine Challenge.
The Lions Club of Benalla presented local Girl Guides with awards for their voluntary service in the community at the group’s Christmas party.
The Benalla Breakers defeated Myrtleford to take out the North East CBL title.
December 20
The site of one of Ned Kelly’s famous adventures at 64a Arundel St was put up for sale.
The Benalla P-12 College Year 12 class of 2023 celebrated its graduation.
The Benalla Table Tennis Club held its end-of-year awards.
Editor