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. 

Winton Wetlands Hume Engagement (DEECA) November Update 

The  'Winton Wetlands - Hume Engagement  (DEECA)'  update  of November 21  2025,  describes recent  developments in  the ongoing management of Winton Wetlands.  The update  is included in full in our news blog and includes a link to subscribe to future updates.
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​For background, refer to  former Winton Wetlands CEO Dennis O'Brien's July 24th  overview as to how Winton Wetlands came  to a state of impasse and to reports on meetings Peter Holmes, Jane Rushworth and Hamish McPherson had with DEECA and the State Government.  ​

Benalla Food Co-operative - Opening times  

​SUMMER  BREAK

  • First shop for 2026 will be Thursday January 15

CHRISTMAS BAKING 

MUSCATEL CLUSTERS  - Muscatel clusters are dried using a unique method of drying the grapes while still attached to the bunch. This method preserves the fruit’s true natural flavour.   Tasty and nutritious, muscatel clusters go well with any cheese and look great on Christmas platters.
GLACÉ CHERRIES  - Popular in baking fruitcakes and Chrismas puddings, glacé cherries are fresh cherries preserved by poaching them in hot, concentrated sugar syrup until the water content is replaced by sugar, giving them a glossy appearance and intense sweetness. 

General Meeting - 'The Lifecycle Cost of Renewable Energy', Tim Grant, Lifecycles 

BSFG  invited members and supporters to our General Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 27 November in the Uniting Church Meeting Room, where we welcomed Tim Grant as our guest speaker.   Tim is the founder and director of Lifecycles, a Melbourne-based consulting firm that works with government organisations, businesses and individuals to deliver positive environmental impacts.

Lifecycles' team of consultants use internationally recognised methods to assess the end-to-end environmental costs of products and strategies. Their work has been used in a wide range of projects including optimising waste management, dealing with the impact of plastic water bottles and managing the transition from plastic to paper bags. Tim's talk  addressed the lifecycle costs of renewable energy.   

A light supper was provided at the conclusion of the evening.  

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!

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

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

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 - BSFG General Meeting 12 September 2024
'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 - Tim Grant from 'Lifecycles' with the final slide in his presentation at the BSFG general meeting Thursday 27 November.  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.