In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the rising case numbers at local, state and national levels and the associated unpredictability of the current strain, Benalla Rural City Council will scale back its 2022 Australia Day celebrations.
The Council will now hold a reduced capacity Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony for the Australia Day nominees and new citizens which will be live streamed on the Council’s website for the community to view.
Chair of the Benalla Rural City Council Australia Day Advisory Committee and Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said, “Given the continuing impacts of COVID-19 and with the safety of the community as our primary concern, our award presentations will be streamed to allow the community the opportunity to celebrate some of our best and brightest”.
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to recognise the achievements of those who serve our local community. It’s inspiring to consider the level of community involvement that has led to the high calibre of Australia Day award nominees this year,” Cr Hearn added.
The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the commitment and dedication that exists in our towns and villages, recognising the invaluable achievements of so many community members who contribute to making our rural city a positive, vibrant place to call home.
Benalla Rural City’s Australia Day Award presentations can be watched online on our website from 10.00am on Wednesday 26 January.
