Getting a school award can be a great motivator, and a proud moment for the student and their parents.

Kids in Benalla, however, can also get a delicious free ice cream, thanks to one local business.

For more than two years, Spot 4 Ice Cream has been giving out a free ice cream to any student who brings along an award they have won at school.

Benalla P-12 College student wellbeing adviser Elise Nolan said the initiative was an incredible act of kindness.

“This is such a generous gesture, and I would love for (business owners) Jessica Noonan and Luke McFarlane to get some recognition,” she said.

“By Jessica and Luke doing this, student achievements are not only being recognised by their school community, but by the wider community in which they live.

“It fosters a sense of value, pride and belonging in the students.

“They also get to relish in their achievements a little longer by being given the special treat, in turn encouraging them to strive towards achieving again.

Ms Noonan said the idea behind the initiative was to give something back to the Benalla community.

“Luke and I have got seven kids ourselves, from 10 up to 25,” she said.

“We know what it’s like when they come home excited with an award.

“So we just thought, well, why not? We’ve got an ice cream shop, so why not give them an ice cream to celebrate their achievement.

“It’s been amazing. The kids come in with the biggest smiles on their faces.

“The parents are very appreciative and it’s just been a real feel-good moment.

“The kids genuinely love it. So it’s really exciting for us.”

Ms Noonan said Spot 4 Ice Cream also had an agreement with Dorevitch Pathology and a couple of local dentists.

“So children that have to have really extreme dental work, or if they’ve never had a blood test before, then they get a certificate and can come down and get a free ice cream.”

Ms Nolan said the initiative had had a positive effect on students from all P-12 campuses.

“At Benalla P-12, students receive awards for not only displaying the school values of respect, responsibility, integrity and high expectations as well as excelling in general and specialist subjects,” she said.

“But, importantly for doing their personal best, giving work a red-hot go, showing kindness towards others and taking care of the environment.

“We are truly grateful to Jessica and Luke for helping us celebrate these wonderful achievements of our students.”

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Monday, 16th June 2025

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