Unearthing Benalla’s past at National Heritage Festival

By Simon Ruppert

Apr 25, 2025

Meet the ghost of Miss Switzer while exploring Benalla’s 1878 homestead, Moira House, as part of the 2025 National Heritage Festival. Photo by Simon Ruppert

The Australian National Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community celebration of heritage.

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And for the fifth time, the Benalla Heritage Network has curated a rich and engaging local program for the 2025 event, which it is calling ‘Unearthed Benalla — A celebration of heritage, history and heart’.

With over 30 volunteer-run groups and individual historians involved, the network has arranged 14 events in and around the Rose City.

The festival kicks off with an official public opening on Friday, May 2 from 11am at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.

It will begin with a welcome to country from Winton Wetlands Koorie cultural officer Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James and Auntie Cheryl Cooper’s fascinating yarn, where she will discuss the stories behind a kangaroo skin that she is decorating.

Following that, Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn will formally open the festival.

‘Unearthed Benalla’ offers immersive stories from Indigenous custodianship to colonial streetscapes, revealing the town’s layered past.

Most events are free or by donation, and while bookings aren’t essential, they’re recommended for a smooth experience.

Expect a program full of ‘I didn’t know that’ moments.

The festival closes at 3pm on Sunday, May 4 with a community celebration highlighted by keynote speaker Alana Johnson.

Festival program

Friday, May 2

11am to noon: Festival opening ‘Unearthed Benalla — A Celebration of Heritage, History, and Heart’ at the Visitor Information Centre, 14 Mair St. Free entry.

12.30pm to 1.30pm: Reel History — Benalla’s story on screen. Experience Benalla’s past through captivating short films and documentaries. Reel History offers historical footage, re-enactments, and personal stories —bringing the town’s heritage to life on screen. At Benalla Cinema, 14 Mair St. Tickets: $10. Under 15s free.

2pm to 3pm: Benalla’s grand design: A township built for greatness. Discover the story of surveyor Thomas Wedge’s 1848 vision for Benalla — an ambitious blueprint that shaped a town with aspirations for regional greatness. Explore how this vision still influences Benalla today. Free entry.

Saturday, May 3

9am to 5pm: Un-Earthed Benalla — The William Howship Collection. Step back in time with an extraordinary photographic exhibition featuring over 2000 images taken between 1900 and 1930 by early Benalla photographer William Howship. Explore long-lost buildings, adapted streetscapes and a trove of portraiture— many subjects unknown, awaiting your help to be identified.

10am to 3pm: CWA, Devonshire tea and craft. Enjoy a timeless Devonshire tea and discover the warmth and creativity of Benalla’s CWA members. Explore decades of craft, stories and community spirit at the beloved CWA Hall. At 117 Bridge St East. Free entry.

Noon to 5pm: Meet the ghost of Miss Switzer. Explore the grand 1878 venue Moira House, once a men-only club and now a welcoming social hub. Hear the whispered tales of Miss Switzer and enjoy drinks, garden vibes and a festival-only two-for-one social membership offer. Free entry.

1pm to 2pm: Worship, history and many stories. Marvel at stunning stained-glass windows and hear Victoria’s oldest pipe organ in Benalla’s historic Uniting Church. Learn the stories of Benalla’s founding families and enjoy the warm welcome of a church at the heart of community life. Free entry.

1pm to 2.30pm: Walk with us to discover the history of Bridge St. Take a guided tour of Bridge St and uncover the original Post Office, the once-numerous hotels and the history of Miller’s Department Store. Learn who designed the buildings that now form the heart of Benalla. Free entry.

5pm to 6pm: Reel History — Benalla’s story on screen. Description above.

Sunday, May 4

11.15am to 12.30pm: Unearthed — Tales of a gravedigger. Gravedigger and storyteller Mark Beazley shares fascinating tales of burial customs, grave-digging challenges and the lighter side of farewell. A lively, surprising celebration of one of history’s most misunderstood roles. At Winton Cemetery, Wattle Creek Rd, Winton. Free entry.

12.30pm to 1.30pm: Reel history — Benalla’s story on screen. Description above.

1pm to 2.30pm: Walk with us to discover the history of Bridge St. Description above.

1pm to 3pm: Walking on country: Aboriginal and early colonial Benalla. Join historian Hamish McPherson and Yorta Yorta community members for a moving two-hour guided walk along the Broken River. Learn about thousands of years of Aboriginal connection to country and the violent upheaval that followed colonisation. An unforgettable truth-telling experience. Meet at 2 Fawckner Dve. Free entry, but booking essential.

3pm to 4pm: Festival closing event at the Visitor Information Centre, 14 Mair St. Reflection — What did the festival tell us about our past, and how might we design our future? Looking forward to the 2026 festival, with guest speaker Alana Johnson. Entry free.