Become a member

Benalla Sustainable Future Group encourages anyone interested in climate change issues and the
development of a more sustainable lifestyle to join our group and
​become involved in our activities.  

Meetings

General Meetings held are each year on the 4th Thursday of March, May (AGM), July, September and November.   These meetings, which are open to the public, are held at 7.30  pm in the meeting room at the Uniting Church, Carrier Street, Benalla (opposite Coles Supermarket).  The Committee meets six times a year commencing on the second Tuesday of February,  

Interests

​Benalla Sustainable Future Group members have interests across the sustainability spectrum, and may be involved in action groups including the Benalla Bulk Food Cooperative; Renewable Energy Benalla; Benalla Local Food Group and Plastic Wise Benalla.

Biodiversity     Biodiversity issues are regularly represented on the BSFG guest speaker program. You will also find BSFG members amongst many of the groups concerned about biodiversity including the Regent Honey Eater Project, Friends of Winton Wetlands, Save our Forests, Land Care groups and more.  

Education  Do you like to keep informed about issues and current developments relating to sustainability? Join other BSFG members in attending bi-monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, festival events and topical forums which feature on the BSFG calendar.  Catch up with them at the diverse range of sustainability related educational activities in the community, including Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.  Read and submit articles to the BSFG quarterly newsletter.      

Food and Agriculture  -    The Benalla Food Cooperative, BSFG's most active group, enables members to buy mainly Australian produced non-perishable foods without packaging, while the Benalla Local Food Network  explores ways in which local food growers, retailers, organisations and community members can come together to supply the town with healthy food..  If you are interested in land care; agriculture and forestry management; biodiversity; soils; water and regenerative and other sustainability related farming practices across the spectrum from organic to conventional, you will find like minded people at BSFG.  

Media/Lobbying  - Do you find yourself writing letters to the editor or posting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about environmental matters.  You'll find other letter writers, advocates and lobbyists at BSFG who write media releases and letters to local media; produce the  BSFG newsletter; manage the BSFG  website and disseminate ideas and resources about sustainability through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Interested in joining the Web Team?  Contact Peter Maddock: 

Renewable Energy  Many members of BSFG have been 'early adopters' of renewable energy and continue to explore renewable energy options, both for themselves andfor  Benalla.   Renewable Energy Benalla, an action group of U3A,emerged from a  forum 'Benalla's Renewable Energy Future' in October 2016.  REB is actively engaged in 'kickstarting Benalla's journey to zero carbon emissions',  REB  has its own website - https://reb.org.au  This group meets regularly - Contact: John Lloyd.

Sustainable Building   Are you interested in sustainable housing design and retrofitting for energy efficiency?  These are clear interests of many BSFG members, who are always happy to share ideas based on their experiences.  BSFG  members have initiated and organised forums promoting sustainable housing, while member Howard Bartlett regularly participates in Sustainable House Day.  

​Transport/Travel -  Are you concerned to reduce the carbon footprint of Benalla, whether through cycling, electric vehicles, the use of public transport?   There are a number of keen bike riders in BSFG, particularly Mike Hillenaar, who some years ago participated in planning networks to consider ways to improve cyclists’ safety and encouraging cycling participation by overcoming barriers that prevent cycling. These days members can be heard discussing electric vehicles.  If you are interested in reviving BSFG's  Bicycle Action Group, or developing a group related to Electric Vehicles or Public Transport, please contact Peter Holmes.

Waste/Plastic -  What to do about waste?  It's clearly about the 3 R's, Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, but there are many other R's, such as rebuild, recondition, refurbish, refuse, rehabilitate, reinvent, renovate and more!   BSFG's action group  Plastic Wise Benalla works with the community, local media and businesses and Council  to reduce the use of single use plastic.  Plastic Wise Benalla shopping bags are sold at the Benalla Food Cooperative, BSFG stalls at local festivals, markets and events.  Articles from the group featured in the Ensign during Plastic Free July 2021.    Contact:  wendibaker30@gmail.com.

Membership

One year membership of Benalla Sustainable Future Group (BSFG) is only $25 per household. Or $60 for three years. Full time student 18 years or younger, and unemployed, $5 per year.  Members receive the quarterly BSFG Newsletter before it is released online.
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BECOME A MEMBER - POST/EMAIL

BECOME A MEMBER -  ONLINE

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