The Rural City of Wangaratta was formed from the merger of the City of Wangaratta, the Shires of Oxley and Wangaratta and parts of the Shires of Beechworth, Benalla and Yarrawonga. Originally known as the Shire of Milawa when the municipality was created on 18 November 1994 it was renamed the Rural City of Wangaratta on 29 June 1995.