Reflecting on 2025
Our first year has been about building momentum and strengthening connections.
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.
Beyond our monthly catch-ups, we hosted two after-hours events, ‘Reimagining Local Spaces & Events’ and ‘Future of Benalla’. Both sessions generated thoughtful discussion, fresh ideas, and new connections, reinforcing the value of coming together to talk about where our town is heading and how business plays a role in shaping it.
A key focus for BBN has been supporting initiatives that keep spending local. Through Benalla Business Dollars, BBN has donated and provided over $2,000 in prizes, ensuring funds circulate within the Benalla economy rather than leaving town.
The Shop Benalla First Christmas campaign, delivered in partnership with BRCC’s Supporting Benalla Business, brought together a range of festive activities designed to support local businesses and encourage the community to shop locally throughout December. Customers were able to go in the draw for any purchase made in Benalla, with the chance to win a share of $1,000 in Benalla Business Dollars, with winners announced weekly.
The campaign was supported by a vibrant Benalla Main Street Market across Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December, featuring footpath trading, live music, business specials, games, and kids’ activities. More than 20 stallholders participated each day, creating strong foot traffic and a positive atmosphere in the town centre. The program was further enhanced by a Window Decoration competition, along with busking and live entertainment, adding to the festive feel and encouraging people to spend more time in the CBD.
A significant amount of work went into planning and delivery, and BBN thanks the local businesses, performers, volunteers, and partners who helped bring these events to life through coordination, setup, and pack-down.
Throughout the year, we’ve also had honest conversations about the challenges many businesses are facing — including costs, staffing, confidence, and foot traffic. There are no quick fixes, but BBN’s role is to listen, share insights, and provide support where we can. Creating space for these conversations has been an important part of the year.
For most of 2025, BBN has been led by a small and committed committee consisting of Nathan Holliday, Karen Nankervis, Joel Spencer, and Annette Borradale. We say farewell to Annette, who has resigned from the committee, and thank her for being part of the group that helped restart BBN in July 2024. We also welcome two new committee members, Yonnie Miechel from the Benalla Vet Clinic and Annie Gibbs from AG Support Services, and look forward to their contributions.
As we reflect on the year, we encourage members to take a moment to recognise their own wins — no matter how small. If the year included challenging or stressful periods, consider what was learned and what could be done differently moving forward. Growth often comes from navigating the tough moments, not just celebrating the good ones.
Looking ahead, we’re looking forward to presenting BBN’s new strategy for 2026 in February, outlining how we will continue to support our members and the wider Benalla community.
Thank you to our members for attending events, participating in initiatives, and supporting BBN in what we do. The network only works when businesses are involved. We’re stronger when we back each other — and that’s what we’ve continued to build this year.
Quotes
“Having the opportunity at our coffee connections and after hours events, to meet so many business owners this year has reinforced the diversity of businesses we have in Benalla and the talents of their owners. There is a warmth there too, a willingness to support each other, to share ideas and collaborate. I'm pleased to be part of the BBN Committee and to work closely with Catherine Macmillan from BRCC, and I'm excited to see what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond.” Karen Nankervis, Treasurer, Benalla Business Network.
“It’s been a great year of connecting with people and businesses, working with the talented people in the community, talking about ideas, creating events based on members feedback to foster a stronger network.” Joel Spencer, Secretary, Benalla Business Network
“It’s been a challenging year for many in business due to cost of living and global economy, but by shopping local first we can each do our bit to support our Benalla businesses. There’s some exciting new businesses and investment coming to town in 2026. Whether you’re winding down for Christmas or gearing up if in retail and tourism, we wish everyone a safe and peaceful new year.” Catherine Macmillan ‑ Business Development Coordinator, Benalla Rural City Council
