Doris Billingsley and Hamoudi Al Saghir have been named this year’s Benalla Achiever and Young Achiever of the Year.
They were given the awards at the Benalla Australia Day breakfast and flag-raising held at the Lake Benalla foreshore.
Awarded: Tatong Achiever of the Year 2023 Robert Erskine.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Events were hosted in townships through Benalla Rural City across the morning, where district achievers were announced.
Those included:
- Paul Dingemans - Goorambat Achiever of the Year;
- Shaun Murphy - Lima/Swanpool Achiever of the Year;
- Robert Erskine - Tatong Achiever of the Year;
- Barrie Irvine - Thoona Achiever of the Year.
Proud: Barrie Irvine picked up the Thoona Achiever of the year, and Benalla Rural City Citizen of the year award for 2023.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Doris said she was shocked to hear her name read out at the Australia Day breakfast.
“I nearly cried,” Doris said.
“It is such an honour. You do these things to help the community not to win awards.
“But it really touched my heart. It’s really nice to be recognised.”
Winner: Benalla young citizen of the year 2022 welcomes Goorambat Achiever of the year for 2023 Paul Dingermans.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Hamoudi said a former teacher of his, Mrs Branigan, had told him she had nominated him.
“It is a great thing and a big honour for me to be named Young Achiever of the Year.
Recognised: Lima/Swanpool Achiever of the year 2023 Shaun Murphy.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“I’m going to get on the beers to celebrate. The ginger beer that is as I don’t drink.
“I’m very proud, this is a big honour for me.”
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