The Benalla Business Network (BBN) reflected on a year of renewal, collaboration and progress at its recent Annual General Meeting.

Since taking on committee roles in July 2024, the focus has been on building a sustainable organisation that delivers value to members while recognising the realities of volunteer capacity.

It’s been fantastic to see both regular attendees and new faces at our monthly Coffee Connections, delivered in partnership with Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC)’s Supporting Benalla Business. These sessions have become a safe and valuable space to hear what’s happening across local businesses — the wins, the challenges, and everything in between — and to support each other through open conversation.

The Benalla town centre came alive in December with the Main Street Markets, delivered as part of the Shop Benalla First Christmas campaign by the Benalla Business Network (BBN) in partnership with Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC).

Benalla’s community of business owners, creatives and local leaders came together to explore a reoccuring question: How can we unlock the hidden potential of our town through events and activations?

Tomorrow Today is Benalla’s independent community foundation. We connect people, resources and ideas to create a bright future for our great rural community. The foundation has been going strong for 22 years and is well-established and trusted in the community.

We had a fantastic turnout of 26 people at our first event for 2025, including non-members, which was great to see as the community joined us for the evening.

Benalla Street Art Festival Returns in 2025! Mark your calendars for April 11th to 13th and get ready for another incredible celebration of creativity, community, and culture.

As a relatively new resident of Benalla, this is my second year living here, and it has been a time of discovery—experiencing the community, supporting local businesses, and understanding the opportunities that lie ahead.