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. 

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.

Benalla Food Co-op - Memberships now due!  Also, 'Just Figs' product update ...  

Memberships now due:  
$25 for members who help out during shopping times. $80 for members who elect not to do duty. Members aged over 80 pay annual membership, but may choose not to do duty. If using direct debit, please include your name and ‘Food Co-op'. ​
Product update:   JUST FIGS- Grown, harvested and dried locally by Gaye and Don Zappia in Cabarita, near Mildura. 30 years ago the Zappias gave up grapevines and developed a fig tree agribusiness. They hand harvested and produced lots of figs, sending pallets of figs to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The supermarkets were very demanding. Every fig had to be a perfect oval, no marks and not soft. Sometimes whole pallets of fruit were thrown away because the fruit didn’t meet the protocols. So the Zappias began drying their delicious figs. From having 1200 trees, they reduced to 100 Black Mission figs. The figs have nothing sprayed on them (but herbicides are used on surrounding weeds). Why not try some when you next shop at the food co-op!

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!

​Inside

'The Art of Connection' - 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 - Swanpool Environmental Film Festival 2025 host Rhona Rose introducing MC Ramey Hengen to the audience.
​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.