Benalla is a town with many big families whose names are often found in historical documents and newspapers, with lineages stretching back decades.
However, often, as is the case with many country towns, the younger family members will head to a big city for uni or work and might make lives for themselves away from the Rose City.
Sue Gawley, whose mum Edna Green, nee Hunter, moved to Benalla as a child, said the family is very pleased to have five generations living in the Rose City, especially young Daisy-May McClean, born on July 17, 2023.
Sue’s daughter Tammy Gawley still calls the Rose City home.
As does her son Thomas McClean and his wife Emily.
Their daughter is Daisy May, Edna’s great-great-granddaughter.
Sue said none of the immediate family had moved too far away but mentioned there are 96 members of Edna’s extended family spread out across Victoria.
“Mum will be 94 in April,” Sue said.
“And it’s lovely to have the family close by. We’re always celebrating something.”