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-op - 'Over 40 of 68 member households shop regularly at the Food Coop'

"The Benalla Food Co-op is in its 13th year of operation and currently has a membership of 68 households with over forty of them shopping regularly....

Our ability to improve storage is hampered by lack of spacespace. Initially we planned to purchase an extra cupboard, however that idea changed and have bought extra shelving. A safety step is on the shopping list....

Our product list had a few changes with instant coffee becoming unavailable.

We are currently trialling dried mushrooms from Markwood Mushroom and buckwheat kernels....

The Co-op continues to open earlier on Monday afternoons during winter due to shorter daylight hours and colder weather. This commenced in May.

...Continue reading the full  Food Coop Report to 2024 AGM

October Update - WasteWise Benalla's Recycling Deposit Points in Benalla 

Waste Wise Benalla's Report to the AGM  "Over the past year our Group has focussed on setting up systems for recycling the items listed in our Master sheet copy (at left). As a result of the work done to establish collection points (for plastic bottle tops among other items at the Senior Citizens & Community Centre, for example) we are now measuring the recycled volume collected in cubic metres compared with the shopping bags collected when we first started, which is very exciting.

In November four of our group attended a NERSA meeting and site visit to Halve Waste Albury, at which Kay Blore made a presentation on the work we are doing in Benalla. After keen interest from other attendees and many questions, a North East Waste Alliance (NEWA) was initiated. This body aims to share ideas, possibly exchange items where possible and again if possible lobby (for example) pharmaceuticals to implement recyclable medication packagings for sustainability. ...

It is great to see the new can and bottle recycling point, Foott Waste CDS depot, up and operating. WasteWise is now registered at the Benalla CDS for donations from any credits for cans and bottles! ...We look forward ... to Council to establish a central collection point as other municipalities have done. We would also like to see a "Tip Shop / Green Shed ” established at the Resource Recovery Centre to further facilitate the revolving economy, but again are waiting for BRCC to make a decision on this possibility."
...Read the full Waste Wise Benalla report to the BSFG AGM

General Meeting - Thursday 12 September - Sustainable Farming Systems - Serenity Hill       

At our general meeting on Thursday 12th  September, guest speaker, Serenity Hill spoke about Sustainable Farming Systems.  Serenity A report on the meeting will be available soon.  

​Inside

Reports presented at the BSFG AGM Friday 24 May - President's Report and Action Group Reports
'Gardening on the Verge' - Report on Andie Guerin's Presentation, March 2024
​Feedback on Extended Drives in our loaned Electric Vehicle
​ACF's Guide to Sharing 'Heart of Country' - A documentary about First Nations people protecting Country'
​BSFG Submission to Council's Climate and Environment Plan
​'Outstanding Talk Given By Dr. Greg Moore' - Peter Holmes
​BSFG Climate Emergency Petition ​
Banner - Benalla Food Coop Committee members farewell retiring Coordinator, Susanne (centre), June 1 2024
​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.