Benalla Rural City Australia Day Award Winners

Published on 29 January 2024

Australia Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding citizens.

The Benalla Rural City Australia Day Awards acknowledge the commitment, dedication and invaluable achievements of our many community members, who selflessly contribute, and make our Rural City such a special, positive, and vibrant place to call home.

Chair of the Benalla Rural City Australia Day Advisory Committee Councillor Bernie Hearn announced winners of Benalla Rural City’s Australia Day Awards at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Australia Day.

The Award winners were:

▪ Benalla Rural City Citizen of the Year - Jenny Wapling

▪ Benalla Rural City Young Citizen of the Year - Millicent Scriven

▪ Benalla Rural City Junior Citizen of the Year - Oliver Hall

▪ Community Event or Project of the Year – Diwali @ the Mural

▪ Benalla Rural City Community Group of the Year - Full Impact Squad

▪ Merit Award Community Event of the Year - Shared Stories - the 3rd National Heritage Festival in Benalla.

District Achievement awards were also presented at events across the district:

▪ Baddaginnie Achiever of the Year - Greg Dennis

▪ Benalla Achievers of the Year - Peter and Margaret Poels

▪ Benalla Young Achiever of the Year - Emily Snell

▪ Devenish Achiever of the Year - Russell Lowe

▪ Goorambat Achievers of the Year - Phillip and Joanne Thomson

▪ Molyullah Achiever of the Year - Thomas Hill

▪ Swanpool/Lima Achiever of the Year - Sue Kucia

▪ Tatong Achiever of the Year - Larissa Montgomery

▪ Thoona Achiever of the Year - Mt Bruno Picnic Committee.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Cr Danny Claridge said the nominations received this year were again of a high standard, proof of the commitment and dedication that exists within the community.

“This year we had 28 nominations that recognise the commitment and dedication of all those nominated to our community,” Cr Claridge said.

“Being nominated for an Australia Day award is a great honour. Congratulations to all the nominees and to the winners. Each one of you is deserving of recognition,” he said.

“Our community could not achieve what it does without their outstanding efforts.”

2024 Australia Day Award Winners

Benalla Rural City Citizen of the Year - Jenny Wapling

Jenny Wapling, an integral member of the current Benalla Scout group, serves as a beacon of dedication and leadership. As group leader since 2008, she invests seven hours weekly, ensuring active participation in youth meetings. Beyond her role, Jenny provides inclusive transportation to activities, exemplifying her altruism. Engaged in hospital auxiliary work and environmental initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day, she goes beyond scouting duties. Jenny's philanthropy extends to civic contributions, including Australia Day events and educational programs. Whether hand-sewing scout scarfs or leading community fundraisers, she stands as an inspirational role model, epitomising selfless service.

Benalla Rural City Young Citizen of the Year - Millicent Scriven

Millicent actively contributes to her community, showcasing remarkable leadership and dedication. As the former school captain and recipient of numerous awards, including the Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs and Rotary Young Achiever awards, she excels in various roles. Millicent engages in volunteer work, serving at the Winton kiosk for Rotary Benalla and participating in projects like Full Impact and Tomorrow Today Digital. As a Rotex member, she coordinates social media and mentors exchange students. Beyond local initiatives, Millicent's global impact includes volunteering in Gapuwiyak and India, embodying her commitment to youth issues. Accepted into the Australian Defence Force Officer Training, Millicent stands as an inspiring role model for young individuals, emphasising the possibilities through dedication and perseverance.

Benalla Rural City Junior Citizen of the Year - Oliver Hall

Oliver, a dedicated Year 12 student at Benalla P-12 College, actively contributes to both his school and wider community. Excelling academically, he completed advanced coursework and demonstrated resilience in tackling challenging STEM subjects through distance education. As the 2023 School Captain, Oliver efficiently managed assemblies and events, displaying integrity and responsibility. His involvement in the Rose City Band and representation of the school in swimming showcases his all-round abilities. Oliver engages in extensive community service, fundraising for the Leukemia Foundation and supporting initiatives like 'Wear it Orange Day' and Kokoda trek subsidies. As a Cadet Under Officer, he leads and mentors, earning accolades from the Benalla Rotary Club for his community work. Passionate about youth issues, Oliver actively participates in Live 4 Life Crew and Full Impact, advocating for mental health and organising youth events. His empathetic nature and commitment to public education equity make Oliver a notable contributor to his community.

Community Event or Project of the Year – Diwali @ the Mural

Diwali @ the Mural (meaning festival of lights) was a celebration of South Asian culture held on the foreshore of Lake Benalla on Friday 3 November 2023. At dusk, the Benalla Art Gallery, Ceramic Mural and the Museum were illuminated with a moving laser light show; with community members designing and contributing their own artworks. Entertainment included traditional music and food, children’s entertainment and henna and face painting. Diwali was organised by the Benalla Migrants Association, with support from the North East Sri Lankan Association, and Benalla Uniting Church volunteers.

Benalla Rural City Community Group of the Year - Full Impact Squad

The Full Impact Squad (known as The Squad) is a passionate group of young people, aged 11 to 19, who reside in the shire of Benalla Rural City. The Squad, who give a voice to young people, meet regularly to discuss youth issues, help organise youth and community events, take part in leadership forums and self-development activities. The Squad currently has 18 members who attend school locally.