Education
"Education for sustainability develops the knowledge, skills, values and world views necessary for people to act in ways that contribute to more sustainable patterns of living.   It enables individuals and communities to reflect on ways of interpreting and engaging with the world. 

Sustainability education is futures-oriented, focusing on protecting environments and creating a more ecologically and socially just world through informed action.   Actions that support more sustainable patterns of living require consideration of environmental, social, cultural and economic systems and their interdependence."*
Benalla Sustainable Future Group actively engages in a range of educational activities which contribute to a more sustainable community: 

Speakers

Speakers at BSFG meetings have included geographer Carol Hall, who spoke about her trip to the Arctic in 2010;   Neil Garrett, owner builder of a Hempcrete house; Professor Deli Chen on his research into reducing nitrogen emissions from agriculture; Dr Nick Aberle   on Environment Victoria's 'Six Steps to Climate Leadership' report; John Liddell from Beyond Zero Emissions; and most recently, Pablo Brait who is a Community Organiser at
Market Forces: Your Money As A Force For Good.

Forums

BSFG's Sustainable Building Action group actively works with Benalla's Council to present educational community forums on Sustainable Housing.  Forums in 2014, 2015 and 2016 have focused on encouraging people building new homes to seriously consider sustainable energy efficient approaches to designing and building their home and people who are retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy efficient and more comfortable. .

Festivals

BSFG partners with Swanpool Landcare and the Gecko CLaN ​in running the annual Swanpool Environmental Film Festival at the Swanpool Cinema.

The 2016 event, held on the 25th June, screened three thought provoking films - 'Polyfaces', 'Anthropocine' and 'Tarkine In Motion' - alternating with an excellent choice of presentations by inspirational guest speakers. Prof Kate Auty opened the festival and facilitated a Q&A session following the screening of 'Polyfaces' with its Co-Director Isaebella Doherty and Cinematographer Andreas Overdahl.  Dr Kerryn Higgs' presentation  ‘Collision Course: The Growth Delusion’ and Prof Michael Clarke's presentation  ‘Ecological Literacy, ambivalence and inspiration’ were very highly valued and greeted with hearty applause.

***The 2017 Festival is being held on Saturday the 24th June.  The first film,  'The Age of Stupid' featuring Peter Postlethwaite, was  selected by opening speaker, Julian Cribb, writer of ‘Surviving the 21st Century’.  When Dr Richard David Hames heard the title of Julian’s talk he opted for ‘Burying the 20th Century’, the title of his own second book.  The film ‘The Age of Consequences‘  fits well with Richard’s theme.  Our final speaker, Prof Sharon Beder, an engineer interested in environmental issues, will  speak on ‘Business-Managed Democracy’ to be followed by the film ‘The Bentley Effect‘.***

Catering by Swanpool Catering Team volunteers sustains Festival audiences during breaks which provided opportunities for audience members to network and catch up with friends.  
Individual Benalla Sustainable Future Group members also engage in educational activities which contribute to a more sustainable community: 

Projects:  BSFG members have active links to the educational Regent Honey Eater Project in its work to protect, restore and connect significant remnants of native habitat in the Lurg Hills near Benalla and to Winton Wetlands, the largest wetland restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere.

Schools:  BSFG members make themselves available to school educators in educating for sustainability, drawing upon resources such as  Cool Australia; Educating for a Sustainable Australia.   School Environment Day, Term One, Benalla 2013 is an example of BSFG involvement with schools. 

University of the Third Age:  U3A Benalla and District's  'Towards a Sustainable Future' course is facilitated by BSFG President John Lloyd and most participants are also members of BSFG. 
*Source - ACRA- Cross Curriculum Priorities 'Sustainability' accessed 20 August 2015