The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has expressed frustration over the decision to abandon a major munitions manufacturing agreement in Benalla, labelling it a devastating blow for the local community. The Department of Defence quietly scrapped its agreement with Thales Australia to manufacture 155-millimetre M795 artillery ammunition at the Benalla munitions facility. The deal,…
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa and Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, Annabelle Cleeland, has called on the State Government to restore birthing services at Benalla Health, raising the issue in Parliament this week. Benalla, home to around 14,000 people, is now one of the largest towns in regional Victoria without a functioning maternity service. Last…
My adjournment tonight is for the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is a commitment to restore birthing at Benalla Health through a midwifery group practice model so babies can once again be born in Benalla under safe, continuous care. Benalla is home to about 14,000 people and is now one of the…
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa and Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, Annabelle Cleeland, has called on the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria (RDAV) to advocate for the reopening of Benalla maternity services. The call follows a meeting in Parliament with RDAV President Dr Louise Manning to discuss critical challenges facing regional maternity care. The discussion…
It is absolutely devastating to hear that ForestOne Manufacturing will be ceasing its sawmill and particleboard operations in Benalla. This decision is placing hundreds of local jobs at risk. Over recent weeks, I’ve met with local businesses across our region who are battling to stay afloat in an increasingly hostile environment for Victorian industry. Rising…
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has raised serious concerns about growing disadvantage in Benalla as locals continue to lose access to essential services in their town. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) office on Church Street remains closed to the public, only open for appointment with outdated COVID signage still on…
The Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum has officially re-opened following its refurbishment, hosting a special event to unveil its upgrades with guests from across the region. This latest upgrade represents a $400,000 investment, drawn from government grants, council support, and philanthropic funding. The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, was a guest speaker at the…
The Benalla Street Art Festival has concluded after a three-day event full of walking tours, art classes, workshops, and live music. The festival, curated by Eddie Zammit, featured talented artists from the local community, across the country, and overseas, including Adnate, Aurora Campbell, and Gus Leunig, in a celebration of arts, culture, and creativity. The…
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, was in attendance as the long-awaited, newly built Benalla Police Station officially opened on Friday. The new police station has been highly anticipated by local police and residents for years now, with The Nationals’ advocating for the project as far back as 2016. Ms Cleeland said it was…
The much-anticipated roundtable discussion between Benalla’s community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and community leaders has been held to discuss the future of the town’s crucial support services. Organised by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, the roundtable discussion was scheduled following the closure of The Benalla Community Services Hub, which had served as a vital…
A roundtable discussion between Benalla’s community groups and not-for-profit organisations will take place later this month, with a focus on finding a dedicated space for residents to access crucial community services. The roundtable, organised by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, had become necessary following the closure of The Benalla Community Services Hub, a…
Orange Door family violence centres across Victoria were closed for a combined 39 days in the last year due to staff shortages, resulting in delays for people trying to access crucial support services. The news follows the closure of the Benalla Community Services Hub, home to one of the electorate’s only Orange Door Service, at…
