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. 

​New Renewable Energy Benalla action group solar panel installation project completed 

​​Benalla Sustainable Future Group (BSFG) is delighted to announce completion of a new solar panel installation project on a Benalla community building at EdSpace (24 Carrier Street). 

​This development continues action group Renewable Energy Benalla’s commitment to the generation of solar power in our community and follows past REB projects which installed solar panels on Bernard Briggs and Munro Avenue kindergartens.
​EdSpace is an Independent Specialist School and a project of Capability Building Incorporated, a Public Benevolent Institution providing family centred support in health and education for young people with a medical diagnosis affecting their success in mainstream schools.
​The installation was funded by a no-interest loan from BSFG to EdSpace, which will be repaid by energy cost savings over the next four years or so.  The installation was undertaken yet again by SolarGain Wangaratta.
Pictured are EdSpace’s Chair Maggie Fanning,  BSFG’s President Brian Harker, and David Blore (REB).

March General Meeting - Film 'Old Growth Forests - Nature's Biotic Water Pump'
Did you miss the screening of  New England Forests' film "Old Growth Forests - Nature's Biotic Water Pump" at our March general meeting?  You can watch it in full here! 
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For decades now, we've been hearing how greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, cause climate change. But what has been almost totally ignored is the effect that alteration of land cover has on our climate. It's not just about carbon.

Held bimonthly in the meeting room at the Uniting Church, BSFG meetings provide the chance to catch up with like minded members over supper.  Hope you can come!

Benalla Food Co-operative - Updated product list for shoppers now available 

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Click on image to find out more about the Benalla Food Co-op!
We are looking for another co-op member to join our team of computer operators. The work entails transferring the written information from members’ shopping lists to the computer system and taking payment, either by card or cash. If you have the confidence and skills required, call Chris  0438 624 866.

​Supplies can be impacted by factors that are out of our control.  Products which have been unavailable through our supplier, include organic w/m flour, plain flour & chickpeas. However delicious, large Australian fancy dried apricots are finally back in stock. These cost $43.50 per kilo. The apricots we have been stocking were $25 per kilo. 

Thank you to our Coordinator, Sonia, for your efforts in keeping the coop well stocked and for the updated product list, an ever changing document with prices fluctuating. 

Winton Wetlands March Update 

It is so good to be able to have coffee and meals once again at the beautiful, sustainably built, Mokoan Hub Cafe while looking out over the Winton wetlands. 

The Winton Wetlands - Hume Engagement (DEECA) March News Update has been sent out to subscribers on its mailing list.  The update describes  developments in  the ongoing management of Winton Wetlands.  It  is included in full in our news blog and includes a link to subscribe to future updates.
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For further reading - check out  ​We are looking forward to continuing updates from DEECA!​

BSFG Action Groups - What have they been doing? What are they planning to do?

At our General meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday  26th February members revisited  BSFG's Purpose Statement and began a process of reviewing our currently listed, considering whether they are still active,  what they have been doing, and any plans for ongoing work.  
 BSFG's current operating or in-recess Action Groups: -
  • Benalla Food Co-operative; 
  • Renewable Energy Benalla; 
  • Wastewise Benalla; 
  • Ecological Sustainable Design and Development; 
  • Connected and Engaged Community; 
  • Greening and Cooling Benalla;  
  • Sustainable Farming Systems.
Details of the outcomes are still firming up, with progress reported on at our next meeting - the BSFG AGM on Thursday 28 May  - 7.30 pm at Benalla Uniting Church, Carrier Street (opposite Coles car park.     .....Find out more___ 

Swanpool Environmental Film Festival 2026 - planning begins! 

An information session was held on Thursday 12 March for people interested in joining the Swanpool Environmental Film Festival Team this year. 

Always held in June, last year's Festival was a sold-out success, featuring two dynamic guest speakers, and four thought provoking films.  Master of Ceremonies Ramey Hengen  filled the role with warmth and humour.

Themes from the first film, 'Climate Extremes' were explored by  speaker, Dr Philip Lawn, an ecological  economist from Torrens University Australia.  The second film,  'Roots So Deep',  looked at attitudes to sustainable and regenerative farming in the US.   This was followed by a lively interview and Q&A with local farmer Mark Foletta and MC Ramey in which Mark spoke about his  ventures in diversification and passion for involving his local community. 
 
The third film before the dinner break was 'Takayna - The Heart of Lutruwita', followed after dinner by the  final film of the 2025 festival, 'Ocean'  with David Attenborough.

For more detail about the 2025 Festival and earlier festivals, follow this link : -  Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.

WasteWise Benalla's List of Recycling Deposit Points in Benalla - October 2025


Download PDF Here

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!

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 , its A to Z tells you which item goes into 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 

Update - Recycling Plastic Lids

There's a 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!

​Inside

It's the 4th Anniversary  of the Bernard Briggs Pre School Solar Panels - a BSFG Project!
BSFG AGM - Thursday 26 June 2025 - President's Report, Action Group Reports and Photos
​Swanpool Environmental Film Festival in June 2025 - A Sold Out Success!
​BSFG Submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the supply of Housing in Regional Victoria.
​'The Art of Connection' - 2024/5 Summer Workshop Series ​
'Sustainable Farming Systems' - Serenity Hill 
'Gardening on the Verge' - Andie Guerin
​Feedback on Extended Drives in our loaned Electric Vehicle
​'Outstanding Talk on the Benefits of Trees  by Dr. Greg Moore' - Video Recording
​BSFG Climate Emergency Petition ​
Banner - Did you know we are half-way through the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration?
​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.