Local Actions Have Global Consequences 

The Benalla Sustainable Future Group was established in 2010 by Benalla & District residents concerned about
​environmental sustainability and the lack of action on climate change both locally & nationally. 
​By coming together we can work towards a more sustainable future & a cleaner planet. 

Benalla Food Co-operative 

PATTERN FOR FOOD CO-OP OPENING DATES
The pattern is-
  • first Monday of each month
  • 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
  • a middle Thursday of each month
The co-op has a summer break, so stock up your pantry soon!
Last shop for 2025 will be Thursday Dec 18.
First shop for 2026 will be announced shortly.
INFORMATION - BUCKWHEAT KERNELS 
  • are not true grains but seeds from a plant related to rhubarb.
  • have a mild, nutty flavour
  • can be cooked like a grain, added to soups, used in dishes such as porridges and salads, or toasted to add to to muesli etc.
  • are nutrient-dense with a distinctive nutty flavour.
  • are rich in protein, fibre and essential minerals.
  • have an excellent glycemic index.

 Winton Wetlands and its Ongoing Management

BSFG is concerned that problems concerning the ongoing management of Winton Wetlands are resolved and that vital research and ecological rehabilitation and restoration of species over decades be continued.  On Thursday 24 July,  Dennis O'Brien (CEO Winton Wetlands) gave members an overview as to how Winton Wetlands has come to the current state of impasse and the future role of DEECA at Winton.   Information was also shared relating to some meetings Peter, Jane Rushworth and Hamish McPherson had with DEECA and State Government.  

BSFG AGM, 26 June 2025 - President David Blore's report and other reports to AGM 

WasteWise Benalla's List of Recycling Deposit Points in Benalla 


Download PDF Here

Update - Recycling Plastic Lids

There's a labelled yellow lid bin at the rear of Rambling Rose for (ONLY) clean plastic milk, water UHT, soft drink, Metal wine caps and crown seals.  It's a charitable effort by Benalla and Kilmore Rotary Clubs.  Please don't contaminate with the wrong lids!

Benalla Rural City Waste App

Have you downloaded the Benalla Rural City Waste App? As well as being able to check which bin goes out when there are some great advantages. The best is the A to Z which tells you which item goes to which bin. Even better is the little black pin which indicates where the item can be directed for the best outcome. Wastewise Benalla is continually updating the ideas for this app. Give it a try next time you are wondering where an item should go!
WasteWise Benalla  is also busy  continuing to update their
  • List of Recycling Deposit Points in Benalla 
  • Information relating to Opportunity Shops 

WasteWise Benalla has its own FB page!

Weekly tips are being posted by BSFG's Waste Wise Action Group  on  https://www.facebook.com/WasteWiseBenalla/
They are informative and often timely reminders!

Swanpool Environmental Film Festival 2025 - a sold out success!

"This year's Swanpool Environmental Film Festival was a sold-out success, featuring two dynamic guest speakers, and four thought provoking films.   The Master of Ceremonies was the multi-talented Ramey Hengen, who many will have met doing his day job at the Benalla Library.  Ramey is studying Environmental Science, so was excited to accept our invitation to be the MC and filled the role with warmth and humour. Festival host Rhona introduced and welcomed Ramey as our MC who proceeded with an acknowledgement of  Taungurung country.

The first film, 'Climate Extremes' explored factors that contribute towards tipping points for climate catastrophe or climate recovery.  The website has information about Planetary Boundaries and Tipping Points, you can watch the film again, and share, and take the Quiz! More on Planetary Boundaries, https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html

Themes from Climate Extremes were explored by our first speaker, Dr Philip Lawn, an ecological  economist from Torrens University Australia, who discussed a move away from the emphasis on economic growth to sustainable improvement..."
...To continue to read this report, and reports on festivals over the decade, click here : - Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.

​Inside

'The Art of Connection' - 2024/5 Summer Workshop Series ​
BSFG Submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the supply of Housing in Regional Victoria.
​'Building Hope in a Warming World' - Narelle Martin - BSFG General Meeting 28 November
'Sustainable Farming Systems' - Serenity Hill - BSFG General Meeting 12 September
​Another Successful Swanpool Environmental Film Festival in 2024!
Reports presented at the BSFG AGM Friday 24 May - President's Report and Action Group Reports
'Gardening on the Verge' - Andie Guerin
​Feedback on Extended Drives in our loaned Electric Vehicle
​BSFG Submission to Council's Climate and Environment Plan
​'Outstanding Talk Given By Dr. Greg Moore' - Peter Holmes
​BSFG Climate Emergency Petition ​
Banner -Dennis O'Brien, CEO of Winton Wetlands, speaking at BSFG General Meeting on 24 July, 2025.  Find out more...
​Benalla Sustainable Future Group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work and meet, the Taungerang, Yorta Yorta and Bpangerang people ​of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.