Benalla Sustainable Future Group - News

13TH Swanpool Environmental Film Festival, Saturday July 11 2026 at Swanpool Cinema, 11am until 8pm.

25/5/2026

After the successful 12th screening of the Swanpool Environmental Film Festival in 2025, BSFG is pleased to support another Festival in 2026, working in partnership with Swanpool Landcare with support from Benalla Rural City, Gecko Clan, Goulburn Broken CMA and the Victorian State Government.
Three sessions commence at 11am sharp at Swanpool Cinema and this year will include a light lunch, afternoon tea and finish at 8pm after dinner.

Tickets $40. Booking essential: www.trybooking.com/DMLQZ

Click the flyer image below to download the flyer pdf, or download here

BSFG Annual General Meeting - 7.30 pm Thursday 28 May 2026

16/5/2026

Benalla Sustainable Future Group invites Members and Supporters to attend our Annual General Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 28th May 2026 in the Benalla Uniting Church Meeting Room opposite Coles car park. We are aiming to screen a short environmental film after the business part of the meeting.

BSFG Membership
At AGM time we also remind our members to consider renewing their membership, and for supporters to think about becoming a member of BSFG.

Our website https://www.bsfg.org.au/ has information about membership. You can apply to become a member by following the JOIN tab / ONLINE MEMBERSHIP FORM or by following this direct link https://www.bsfg.org.au/online-membership-form.html

If you are aware of anyone who may be interested in our Group's activities who is not yet a member, please feel free to invite them to our AGM and of course to our ordinary meetings held quarterly throughout the year. As you know, we have a wide range of interests and in the current national and global situation our personal and collective actions as community members for ourselves and our descendants are of paramount importance.

Here are links to related information
*Nomination Form for Executive positions.
*Minutes - AGM 2025
*Financial Report - AGM 2025
*Agenda - AGM 2026
Also *Photos and Reports - AGM 2025

A light supper will be served at the end of the evening.

Please RSVP your attendance at [email protected] We hope you can join us for this occasion.

Judy Schwarzman
Secretary, Benalla Sustainable Future Group

Work with like-minded people in one of our Action Groups!

8/5/2026

It is now approximately 4 years since BSFG held its Strategic Planning Workshops with Cath Botta. At those workshops, many of our current Action Groups were formed, and considerable work has been done by those groups to further BSFG's Purposes. *Please read BSFG's Statement of Purpose.

After another Review of Action Groups at our 2026 February General Meeting, we now have the following Action Groups:

Food Co-operative - has an active membership participation and committee
Renewable Energy Benalla
Website / Social Media
Wastewise Benalla
Environmentally Sustainable Design and Development merged with Greening and Cooling, and is planning to include Sustainable Agriculture, with a new name to be decided.

We now ask that members and supporters seriously consider contributing to these Action Groups - particularly groups 2 to 5. If you have an interest in one or more of these groups, and some time to be involved, we would love to hear from you! Meetings are not overly frequent or burdensome, and you would have the opportunity to work with like-minded people.

The Action Groups will set a meeting date and time where they will

decide on a convenor,
review the original Terms of Reference, and if a new group will rewrite the group's terms of reference as the first thing on their agenda. Action Group information can be found at bsfg.org.au under the Action Groups tab.
use BSFG's Statement of Purpose to guide the Action Groups' Terms of Reference...see attached.

Your participation are sought to be part of this process if you are able. Why? ...this is from our 2022 review, and still applies:-

"Connecting with like-minded people,
To use our collective skills,
To act as good custodians for all generations, to ensure a future that is environmentally sustainable and liveable"

Please reply to this email address with your interest in being part of the action and the inspiration, and stay tuned for Action Group meeting dates and times.

Judy Schwartzman
Secretary, Benalla Sustainable Future Grouop

P.S. A poem from Drew Dillinger is attached for your consideration.

Gecko Clan Benalla Event: LAND CLASSING FOR PRODUCTIVITY & NATURAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT

5/5/2026

This event will be held at Gecko Clan Landcare Office, 72 Bridge St E, Benalla VIC 3672, Australia, Wednesday 6 May 2026, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.

PRESENTER KYLIE MACREADIE, Land Management, Extension Officer

An essential workshop for those new to farming or reviewing their grazing management
Learn about land classes on your property
Increase returns from your productive land
Options to improve farm natural capital

All details in the Flyer, Download.
Event bookings, https://events.humanitix.com/land-classing-for-productivity-and-natural-capital-improvement.
Or click on the flyer image below.

PS, Executive Officer Kerri Robson advises some local Landcare Groups may have recently had discussions about the Miyawaki Method of tree planting, including planting trials, www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-28/tiny-forests-miyawaki-method-solving-perths-tree-canopy-problem/104098600
This may be discussed during or after the meeting and may have relevance for the BSFG Greening and Cooling Group, https://www.bsfg.org.au/greening-and-cooling-our-urban-spaces

15 Year Anniversary - Celebration Lunch - Saturday 9 May

3/5/2026

The celebratory lunch to acknowledge the co-op’s 15th year is next Saturday 9th May, at 12.15 pm in the Supper Room of the Uniting Church.

Please indicate what food you will bring to share. Christine will collate the list of foods. The committee will then fill the gaps to ensure a balance of food.

RSVP Christine - [email protected] - by Wednesday 6 May at the latest.

Rhona Rose

Food Coop News - Product list update, call for computer operator

16/4/2026

We are looking for another co-op member to join our team of computer operators. The work entails transferring the written information from members’ shopping lists to the computer system and taking payment, either by card or cash. If you have the confidence and skills required, call Chris 0438 624 866.

Supplies can be impacted by factors that are out of our control. Products which have been unavailable through our supplier, include organic w/m flour, plain flour & chickpeas. However delicious, large Australian fancy dried apricots are finally back in stock. These cost $43.50 per kilo. The apricots we have been stocking were $25 per kilo.

Thank you to our Coordinator, Sonia, for your efforts in keeping the coop well stocked and for the updated product list, an ever changing document with prices fluctuating.

Extracted from the Food Coop's emailed News Update for members, April 15, 2026

'New REB solar panel installation project completed at Ed Space'

31/3/2026

Press Release

Benalla Sustainable Future Group (BSFG) is delighted to announce completion of a new solar panel installation project on a Benalla community building at EdSpace (24 Carrier Street). This development continues action group Renewable Energy Benalla’s commitment to the generation of solar power in our community and follows past REB projects which installed solar panels on Bernard Briggs and Munro Avenue kindergartens.

EdSpace is an Independent Specialist School and a project of Capability Building Incorporated, a Public Benevolent Institution providing family centred support in health and education for young people with a medical diagnosis affecting their success in mainstream schools.

Pictured are BSFG’s President Brian Harker, EdSpace’s Chair Maggie Fanning
and David Blore (REB).

The installation was funded by a no-interest loan from BSFG to EdSpace, which will be repaid by energy cost savings over the next four years or so. The installation was undertaken yet again by SolarGain Wangaratta.

BSFG General Meeting Thursday March 26, film "Old Growth Forests - Nature's Biotic Water Pump".

26/3/2026

Did you miss our General Meeting on Thursday March 26? At the meeting we screened the film from New England Forests "Old Growth Forests - Nature's Biotic Water Pump", which is available via the New England Forests Youtube channel and linked in full below: -

For decades now, we've been hearing how greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, cause climate change. But what has been almost totally ignored is the effect that alteration of land cover has on our climate. It's not just about carbon.

Change to land cover, especially the cutting and removal of forests, is what western Mediterranean region researcher and Atmospheric Physicist Millán Millán referred to as "the second leg of climate change." The greenhouse gas effect is just one half of the climate change story; land cover change is the other half, and just as important.

Millán Millán passed away in 2024, but we hear his words in the film thanks to audio from an interview with Alpha Lo of the Climate Water Project (on Substack),

In this film, Russian Physicist Anastassia Makarieva, renowned for her continuing research on the critical role of forests in climate change, adds more information about the biotic pump mechanism, she is also on Substack.

Winton Wetlands Reserve Community Update - March 2026

11/3/2026

We are sharing the Winton Wetlands Reserve Community Update March 2026 with our members and supporters. To subscribe, email [email protected].

The Winton Cafe and Events

The Winton Cafe and Events is now open for business at the site of the former Mokoan Hub and Cafe!

The venue was officially opened on Thursday 12 February, with more than 50 attendees. Benalla Rural City Deputy Mayor, Cr Justin King, attended the opening and reflected on the importance of the site for the local community.

Following an EOI process led by DEECA last year, DS Gill Pty Ltd was appointed as the successful operator. With more than 20 years of combined hospitality experience the team is looking to provide great food and community connection, all while honouring the importance of Winton Wetlands to locals and visitors.

The Winton Cafe & Events will offer locally roasted coffee, fresh regional food, and a high- quality venue for events and celebrations. Several former staff members have also returned to the cafe.

A high priority of the new operators is to reinstate the bush kinder program supported by Nikki James, a proud Yorta Yorta woman. In exciting news - bush kinder and other education events will start in a few weeks.

L-R: New operators, wetlands rangers and Benalla
Rural City Deputy Mayor Cr Justin King

“Our vision is to create more than a cafe, we want to build a genuine community space,” said Miriam Tinaru from the new operator team.

Opening hours are currently Wednesday-Sunday 7.30am-3.00pm.
For bookings and enquiries: mobile: 0466 602 461 and email: [email protected]

Follow The Winton Cafe and Events facebook and instagram accounts to keep up with what’s happening and any changes to their operating hours.

Rangers’ update
The summer weed programme is well under way with two specialist contractors working alongside Winton Wetlands Rangers.

Target species include:
·       Sweet Briar
·       Bathurst Burr
·       Noogoora Burr
·       Prairie Ground Cherry
·       Stinkwort
·       Fleabane
·       Woody Weeds (Cotton woods,
willows, Desert ash, Honey Locust, etc)

Next time you are visiting you might see the rangers out and about in a Forest Fire Management Victoria branded vehicle. Make sure you give them a wave!

A big thank you goes to our Gateway Health volunteers who continue to assist with a wide range of works across the reserve. Most recently, the team completed oiling and repair works on the picnic shelters – thanks for your ongoing support.

We would also like to acknowledge Andy from the Regent Honey Eater Project. Andy has been out watering trees planted last year because of the very dry season. Thanks, Andy, for going that extra mile to look after the young trees and increase their survival rate.

Dry summer conditions

This season Winton Wetlands has experienced very dry conditions because of low rainfall and higher than average temperatures.

All swamps have dried up, with water being retained only in some old dams and ponds, but these are also continuing to dry.

A reminder that the reserve is closed to the public on all days of Total Fire Banday and days of Extreme or Code Red Fire Danger Rating, with the exception of the lakeside foreshore zone where the cafe is located.

Seeding a Greener Future: Sowing healthy habitat and hearts project

Winton Wetlands has marked an important milestone with the completion of the Seeding a Greener Future: Sowing healthy habitat and hearts project.

Funded through a Restorative Project Court Order granted in October 2024, the project focused on on‑ground restoration works, strengthening cultural and community connections and building local seed collection and storage capacity.

On 31 July 2025, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA) took responsibility for coordinating the final stages of the project, including completion of the Bush Tucker Garden and Corroboree Circle, and delivery of a large community celebration event.

Community, Culture and Country celebrated at Winton Wetlands

Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James was engaged by GB CMA to lead the finalisation of the Bush Tucker Garden and Corroboree Circle project.

“This project has been about far more than planting trees – it has been about strengthening cultural connections, building community pride and ensuring that restoration works at Winton Wetlands continue well into the future,” said GB CMA’s Project Officer Janice Menitplay-Smith.

The garden features three distinct sections, showcasing edible and culturally significant species including bulbine lilies, saltbush, kangaroo grass, golden wattle, sarsaparilla, banksia, everlasting daisies, kangaroo apple and buloke.

Sedge and rush species were also planted for future weaving, while shade trees were planted and protected around the Corroboree Circle.

The project culminated in a community celebration on Saturday 29 November 2025, to formally open both the Corroboree Circle and Bush Tucker Garden. More than 200 people attended the event.

Dancing on the Corroboree Circle

Glennys Briggs weaving circle

Photo credits: Rene Martens

Building local seed production and storage capacity

The Regent Honeyeater Project will establish a one-hectare seed production area with kangaroo-proof fencing at the wetlands during winter and spring 2026.
In partnership with the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank and the Euroa Arboretum, this will support seed processing and storage and provide an ongoing supply of locally sourced seed for future revegetation projects at Winton Wetlands and the Regent Honeyeater Project.
Activities already completed include:

5kg of indigenous seed collected and processed by Euroa Arboretum staff in the 2024/25 season.
Purchase and installation of seed storage equipment for the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, including shelving and dehumidifiers, to add to the new cool room.

New cool room for seed storage for the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank,
Euroa Arboretum Photo credit: WW Committee of Management

Visit the link to learn more about collection of indigenous seed for propagation by the Regent Honey Eater Project.

Wildlife and research updates

Growling grass frog release project
A significant environmental restoration milestone was achieved with the release of 59 Growling grass frogs (Ranoidea raniformis) at Winton Wetlands, marking the return of a species historically known to inhabit the site.

Delivered by Swamps, Rivers and Ranges the release represents the culmination of more than 10 years of collaboration and planning.

The frogs were translocated from a Coliban Water site in Bendigo, where they were carefully selected before undergoing a strict quarantine process to protect both the animals and the wetland ecosystem.

Project Coordinator Sophie Enders from Swamps, Rivers and Ranges said the success of the release was immediate: “It was the best feeling hearing the frogs calling within half an hour of being released at the site.”

A second translocation is scheduled for March to further support the establishment of a self-sustaining population.

Swamps Rivers and Ranges extend a big thanks to the project team and to funders and supporters:
DEECA, Wettenhall Environment Trust, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, and Nature Glenelg Trust.

Growling grass frog in quarantine

Released Growling grass frog

Photo credits: Sophie Enders, Swamps, Rivers and Ranges

Follow updates on the Swamps Rivers and Ranges facebook page.

Turtle islands at Winton Wetlands

Murray River Short-necked Turtle
https://wintonwetlands.org.au/

Following up on the success of last year, La Trobe University researchers have reintroduced artificial floating islands for Winton Wetlands’ breeding turtles. These islands provide safe nesting areas away from predators.

Preliminary observations suggest around 25 turtles nested on the two islands this year. Further field work will estimate hatchlings by counting the hatched eggs. We’ll keep you updated!

Christina Hunter, PhD student at La Trobe University, has completed fieldwork using model turtles filmed using GoPro and trail cameras to identify predators of hatchlings. Early results indicate purple swamphens, ravens, and magpies are the major predators, with some predation also by Eurasian coots and rakali.

Want to learn more? Contact Dr James Van Dyke, Associate Professor at La Trobe University, Wodonga: [email protected] .

Visitor information

Days of Total Fire ban
Please note the reserve is closed to visitors during periods of and days of Extreme or Code Red Fire Danger Rating, with the exception of the lakeside Foreshore zone where the café is located. The Winton Cafe & Events will remain open at the operator’s discretion.

Explore the reserve
Walk or cycle more than 90 kilometres of roads and tracks across the wetlands.

The Winton Wetlands Cycle Guide can help you plan your visit and is available to download here.

Image from https://wintonwetlands.org.au/

Open for camping
Winton Wetlands offers 20 unpowered campsites across three locations:

Green’s Hill Camp
Bill Friday Swamp
Duckpond Camp

For more information visit:
https://wintonwetlands.org.au/camping/

To protect wildlife and wetlands, dogs are not allowed at any of the camp sites.

Can I fish?

Fishing is allowed but you must have a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL).
To protect our native biodiversity, catch and release is preferred, and non-native catches must be humanely dispatched.

Resident snakes
Keep an eye out for the resident snakes when visiting – local species include venomous snakes, such as the Eastern Brown Snake; Red-bellied Black Snake; Tiger snake and Copperhead snake.
Some tips:
· If you see a snake, keep clear and allow it to move out of your way.
· It is recommended you carry a snake bandage at all times.

Eastern Brown snake, Pseudonaja textilis
(image credit: Australian Museum)

In case of snake bite DO NOT MOVE & call 000.

Contact us
If you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe to our community update or are having difficulties viewing this email, contact us at [email protected]

We acknowledge Victorian Traditional Owners and their Elders past and present as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters and commit to genuinely artnering with them and Victoria’s Aboriginal community to progress their aspirations.

Transcribed from emailed March Update in the interests of sharing - BSFG Web Team

Swanpool Environmental Film Festival - Expressions of Interest

4/3/2026

Interested in contributing to make the 2026 Swanpool Environmental Film Festival a success? There's an Information session at Swanpool Cinema, Thursday 12 March at 7pm

Last year's Festival was a sold-out success, featuring two dynamic guest speakers, and four thought provoking films. Master of Ceremonies Ramey Hengen filled the role with warmth and humour.

Themes from the first film, 'Climate Extremes' were explored by speaker, Dr Philip Lawn, an ecological economist from Torrens University Australia. The second film, 'Roots So Deep', looked at attitudes to sustainable and regenerative farming in the US. This was followed by a lively interview and Q&A with local farmer Mark Foletta and MC Ramey in which Mark spoke about his ventures in diversification and passion for involving his local community.

The third film before the dinner break was 'Takayna - The Heart of Lutruwita', followed after dinner by the final film of the 2025 festival, 'Ocean' with David Attenborough.

For more detail about the 2025 Festival and earlier festivals, follow this link : - Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.

Did you celebrate Pistachio Day? Food Coop Open Dates - March

2/3/2026

Hoping you enjoyed celebrating Pistachio Day, which occurs annually on Feb 26!

Did you know that pistachio was named 2025’s flavour of the year in Australia?
Pistachios (along with almonds) have the most protein of all tree nuts.
Pistachios provide all nine essential amino acids plus a powerful antioxidant and dietary fibre.
Pistachios get their green and purple colour from the antioxidants they contain.
Pistachios contain high levels of melatonin, which is linked with getting a better night’s sleep.
Pistachios are THE top nut source of the mineral potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure for a healthy heart
How good that the co-op stocks very fresh, high quality shelled pistachios.

Rhona Rose

BSFG General Meeting - 'BSFG Action Groups - what have they been doing, what are they planning to do?' Thursday 26 February

18/2/2026

Members and Supporters are invited to attend Benalla Sustainable Future Group's next General meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 26th Feb.

We will revisit BSFG's Purpose Statement and hear reports from representatives of our Action Groups including what they have been doing, and any plans for ongoing work in the next 12 months.

Examples of BSFG's current operating or in-recess Action Groups:

Benalla Food Co-operative;
Renewable Energy Benalla;
Wastewise Benalla;
Ecological Sustainable Design and Development;
Connected and Engaged Community;
Greening and Cooling Benalla;
Sustainable Farming Systems.

Do you have any ideas of action to pursue that fit BSFG's Purposes !?
Everyone is invited to attend, and Members may offer their suggestions to the discussion and contribute their support by becoming involved in an existing, rejuvenated or new Action Group.
Supporters may apply to become a member on the night, in order to become involved.

We will meet in the Uniting Church Meeting room, opposite Coles carpark.
Please RSVP to this email for catering purposes.

We look forward to your ideas, interest and energy/participation!

Judy Schwarzman,
Secretary, on behalf of the committee,
Benalla Sustainable Future Group

Reminder - Energy Bill Support Services - Victorian Government

2/2/2026

As we move towards an all-electric, clean energy future, equity is an important part of the transition. With many households are struggling to pay their energy bills, we are sharing this reminder about two home energy bill support services established by the Victorian Government -

Energy Assistance Program – A free phone support service
Friendly, expert advisors from Anglicare Victoria help people reduce and manage energy debt, find the best energy offer, save energy, and negotiate with their energy companies.
Power Saving Bonus – $100 payment for concession card households
Available to households with a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and a recent electricity bill. The Power Saving Bonus is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026.

Further Information:
Energy Affordability Programs and Services
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Food Coop Opening Times - February

1/2/2026

Informative General Meeting with Tim Grant, Founder and Director of 'LifeCycles', Thursday 27 November 2025

5/12/2025

Tim Grant from Life Cycles: LCA Experts - Sustainability Consultants explained to the meeting the procedural framework to conducting Life Cycle assessments and how they can assist evaluating the environmental impacts of products and services.

See this YouTube video for An introduction to Lifecycle Assessment featuring Tim Grant.

Tim demonstrated a typical approach to Life cycle assessment by considering the life cycle of renewable energy. Download Tim's presentation here or view below.

Tim finished his presentation with:

Conclusions

Yes-renewables are very good and getting better
Liquid fuels and aviation remain less positive with all feedstocks having some issues
The energy transition is maybe the most amazing thing humans have ever achieved - against all the odds and vested interests.

Before supper, Tim answered questions from members who found his presentation on Life Cycle Analysis informative.

Peter Maddock

Winton Wetlands: Official Hume Engagement (DEECA) Update 21 November

25/11/2025

Hume Engagement (DEECA) released on Friday November 21st this Winton Wetlands Reserve community update.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is committed to the ongoing restoration of this environmentally significant site and will be providing the community with updates on a range of projects at the reserve.
DEECA officially took over management of Winton Wetlands Reserve on 1 August 2025 and is committed to its ongoing management for the benefit of the environment and the community.

Please share this community update with your friends and networks.
To subscribe please email us at [email protected] .

Mokoan Hub EOI
Expressions of interest to operate the Mokoan Café and Hub closed on 11 September. Since then, evaluations have been underway with support from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), Rural City of Benalla Council, and a community representative.
We are now in discussions with the parties behind the preferred proposal to finalise tenancy conditions. Our goal is to support the operators to establish the café and commence operations as soon as possible.
We look forward to making a joint announcement in the coming weeks.

Mokoan Hub Café

Winton Wetlands restorative project
Since 31 July 2025, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) has been responsible for administering the Winton Wetlands restorative project grant.
The ‘Seeding A Greener Future: Sowing Healthy Habitat and Hearts initiative is funded through an EPA restorative court order and focuses on:

Advancing ecological restoration
Enhancing local seed collection
Strengthening community engagement at Winton Wetlands

Below are the latest updates on the Bush Tucker Garden and Corroboree Circle.

Planting the Bush Tucker Garden
Sixteen people including volunteers from Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation, local manufacturing business Thales Australia Limited and GBCMA and DEECA staff recently spent an enjoyable morning at Winton Wetlands, planting 325 bush tucker species in the newly constructed bush tucker garden.
The three sections of the garden were planted with edible plants including bulbine lilies, saltbush species, kangaroo grass, golden wattle, sarsaparilla, banksia, everlasting daisy species and buloke. Sedge and rush species were also planted and will be harvested for weaving.

Rabbit proof fencing encircles each bed and deep mulch, and drip irrigation will ensure plant survival. The bush tucker garden complements the nearby newly constructed corroboree circle (also constructed as part of the EPA funded project) and weaving circle.

Images courtesy of GB CMA

Launch of the Bush Tucker Garden and Corroboree Circle
Join the Yorta Yorta people on Woka (Country) to celebrate healing, restoration, and revival of culture on Saturday 29 November 11-2pm at Winton Wetlands.
Celebrate the opening of the newly completed Bush Tucker Garden and Corroboree Circle with bush tucker talks and demonstrations, corroboree circle dancing, native plant and wildlife information and local indigenous craft (cash only).
Free BBQ - RSVP by 25 November to Janice via [email protected] or 0418 316 169.

Saturday 29 November 11-2pm
Winton Wetlands Education Centre
668 Lake Mokoan Rd, Chesney Vale

“I am proud to deliver this event with GBCMA that celebrates the significant connection between culture and ecology and Yorta Yorta Nation's longstanding connection to Mokoan. This is an opportunity for people to return and reconnect to Country and walk together as we build a future back at Winton Wetlands.”
Nikki James, Proud Yorta Yorta woman.

Turtle islands are back
Murray River Short-necked Turtles (Emydura macquarii) are an important part of the Winton Wetlands ecosystem, but they face challenges such as limited nesting sites and predators including foxes and Swamphens.
La Trobe University researchers have reintroduced floating islands for breeding turtles after last summer’s success at Winton Wetlands. These islands provide safe nesting areas away from predators. In early 2025, more than 200 hatchlings emerged from eggs laid on the islands. Watch this video of a turtle laying her eggs on a floating island in late 2024.
Researchers radio-tagged and tracked hatchlings to learn about their movements and survival and concluded more vegetation around ponds is needed to protect young turtles. This season, monitoring continues including using plastic turtle models to further study predation.
Adult females will begin nesting soon, and the islands are ready.
Want to learn more? Contact Dr James Van Dyke, Associate Professor at La Trobe University, Wodonga: [email protected] .

Kangaroo survey results
The 2025 kangaroo population survey is the seventh year of collecting data across the reserve. The annual surveys add to our understanding of the drivers of kangaroo population changes and provide valuable information for management.
The survey found that the density of the Eastern Grey Kangaroos has reduced from an average of 0.72 per hectare in 2024 to 0.57 per hectare. It estimates the reserve currently carries approximately 3000 Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
The department is expecting the final report shortly and looks forward to publicly releasing it when available.

Growling grass frog project
Swamps, Rivers and Ranges, a community-driven landscape restoration group, is continuing with the project to re-introduce the Growling grass frog to Winton Wetlands.
The captive cohort of frogs residing in the on-site custom-built quarantine laboratory and breeding habitat pods are doing well, looking healthy and with plenty of calling indicating breeding behaviour.
The Growling grass frog project team is preparing for the second translocation of frogs from Bendigo. The frogs will undergo a quarantine period to ensure good health before they are released along with the current on-site cohort, into the wetlands before the year end.
Swamps, Rivers and Ranges extend a big thanks to the project team and to funders and supporters- DEECA, Wettenhall Environment Trust, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, and Nature Glenelg Trust.
Follow updates on the Swamps Rivers and Ranges facebook page.

Rangers’ update
Since August 2025, rangers Gil and Matt have been focused on weed control. The primary targets have been Paterson’s Curse and St John’s Wort, with spraying carried out along Mokoan, Winton North, and Boggy Bridge roads, as well as internal bike trails.

The aim is to push these weeds back, create buffers along property boundaries, and improve visibility along paths. Approximately 300 hectares have been sprayed.
The window for controlling spring weeds has now passed, and attention will soon shift to summer weeds, including:

Noogoora burr
Bathurst burr
briar rose
blackberries.

Successful pest control by licensed contractor
Between 20–24 October, DEECA engaged a licensed contractor to control foxes, pigs, rabbits, and deer. Forty-six foxes were shot — the highest number since the program began. Fox control helps protect turtle eggs, as foxes consume up to 95% of eggs laid.
DEECA is committed to protecting native wildlife and reducing pest threats to livestock on adjoining farmland.

Visit the wetlands
Walk or bring a bike to explore more than 90 kilometres of roads, walking and cycling tracks at Winton Wetlands.
Choose your route with the help of the Winton Wetlands Cycle Guide to explore the woodlands, wetlands, ponds and history of the site. Available to download here
Image from https://wintonwetlands.org.au/

Open for camping
Winton Wetlands offers 20 unpowered campsites in three great locations within the reserve.

Green’s Hill Camp
Bill Friday Swamp
Duckpond Camp

For more information visit:
https://wintonwetlands.org.au/camping/
For the protection of the wildlife and wetlands, dogs are not allowed at any Winton Wetlands camp sites.
Please note the reserve is closed to visitors during periods of total fire ban.

Murray River Short-necked Turtle

La Trobe University researchers moving a floating island into position
Images: https://wintonwetlands.org.au/

Eastern Grey kangaroos at Winton Wetlands
Photo Credit – Rene Martens

Growling grass frog

On-site facilities at Winton Wetlands Images from https://wintonwetlands.org.au/

Hand spraying Paterson's Curse
and St John’s Wort

Image: DEECA Hume facebook

Can I fish?
Fishing is allowed by any person that holds a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL). To protect our native biodiversity, catch and release is preferred, and non-native catches must be humanely dispatched.

Resident snakes
Keep an eye out for the resident snakes when you are visiting – local species include venomous snakes, such as the Eastern Brown Snake; Red-bellied Black Snake; Tiger snake and Copperhead snake.
Some tips:

If you see a snake, keep clear and allow it to move out of your way.
It is recommended you carry a snake bandage at all times.
In case of snake bite DO NOT MOVE & CALL 000.

Red Bellied Black snake
(from https://wintonwetlands.org.au/ )

Contact us
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Kind regards
Clare Kiely
Regional Director, Hume
Regions, Environment, Climate Action and First Peoples
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

General Meeting - Guest Speaker, Tim Grant, Founder and Director of Lifecycles - Thursday 27 November, 7.30 pm, Uniting Church

19/11/2025

Benalla Sustainable Future Group invites members and supporters to our General Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 27th November in the Uniting Church Meeting Room opposite Coles carpark, where we welcome 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 at our meeting will address the lifecycle costs of renewable energy.

A light supper will be provided at the conclusion of the evening.
Please RSVP your attendance for numbers to [email protected].

Judy Schwarzman,
Benalla Sustainable Future Group

Benalla Active Transport Strategy Open Community Workshop

18/11/2025

Benalla Rural City Council has engaged Eukai to help prepare the Benalla Active Transport Strategy. Clare Huggins, Eukai Principal Consultant, has contacted us on Council’s behalf.

Council through Eukai, wants to hear what helps or hinders you from walking, riding, or getting around safely in Benalla. Your experience on local streets is important.

Open Community Workshop
Thursday 27 November 2025
4:30 pm (early evening session)
Location: Ray Sweeney Centre, Community Care Building in Coster Street
Please reply to [email protected] to confirm attendance or raise any access needs.

Project details and the online community survey are available at:
https://haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au/pathways-future-active-transport-plan-2025-203

Judy Schwarzman,
Benalla Sustainable Future Group

BSFG General Meeting - Film - 'The Rights of Nature' - 7:30 pm Thursday 25 September, Uniting Church Meeting Room

12/9/2025

Members and supporters are invited to Benalla Sustainable Future Group's next General Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 25th September at the Uniting Church Meeting Room opposite Coles carpark.

There will be a screening of the film "Rights of Nature". The synopsis of the film is as follows:-

"THE RIGHTS OF NATURE: A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
52 mins. USA 2018. Filmmaker: Isaac Goeckeritz
As pressures on ecosystems mount and as conventional laws seem increasingly inadequate to address environmental degradation, communities, cities, regions and countries around the world are turning to a new legal strategy known as The Rights of Nature. This film takes viewers on a journey that explores the more recent origins of this legal concept, and its application and implementation in Ecuador, New Zealand, and the United States."

A light supper will be provided at the conclusion of the evening.

Please RSVP your attendance for numbers to [email protected].

Judy Schwarzman
Secretary, Benalla Sustainable Future Group

Planting at Winton Wetlands by the Regent Honeyeater Project

10/9/2025

Since our 'Winton Wetlands & its Ongoing Management' General Meeting on Thursday July 24th, 2025, Regent Honeyeater Project Coordinator Andie Guerin has arranged with DEECA to conduct some planting weekends at Winton Wetlands. Report from the meeting, https://www.bsfg.org.au/news/supporters-of-winton-wetlands.

The first weekend planned for August 30th and 31 was cancelled due to poor weather. The second weekend took place on September 6th and 7th and was attended by 20 people.

Three remaining planting weekends will be held on September 13th and 14th, September 20th and 21st, and September 27th and 28th. Full details of these planting weekends are available at https://www.regenthoneyeater.org.au/news-events.

Book your attendance by emailing regen[email protected], preferably by the Wednesday before the planting you can attend. If possible, put the date(s) you are interested in attending in the subject line of the email. On booking you will be emailed details about the planting.
The planting site is along North Road extending over Flynn's road below the dam wall. To access the site, meet at the outlet channel on the dam wall at 9am on Saturday and Sunday.
As in previous years a free meal in Benalla for Saturday night and a Sunday lunch will be arranged. There will be a continuous supply of hot drinks on site.

Ecosystem Restoration - Supporters of Winton Wetlands

28/7/2025

At the BSFG AGM On Thursday June 26 we heard about the imminent closure of Winton Wetlands as ongoing funding of the Winton Wetlands Restoration Project had not been secured.

The closure was published widely in the media. Many people were disappointed the project would be discontinued and there were strong community feelings that the project should receive ongoing funding to realise the goal of restoring Winton Wetlands given the progress already made in restoring the ecological values of the site, increased indigenous knowledge of the Wetlands, and the development of educational, tourism and economic opportunities already progressing at Winton Wetlands.

Within a short time from the closure announcement a number of locals got together as community Supporters of Winton Wetland and arranged a meeting with representatives of the Victorian Environment Minister, Treasurer and the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) on 15th July 2025. Three members of Supporters of Winton Wetland (SWW) attended the online meeting; Jane Rushworth, Peter Holmes and Hamish McPherson.

BSFG Inc decided to have a General Meeting on Thursday July 24th about the Winton Wetlands closure. The SWW group arranged for Winton Wetlands CEO Dennis O'Brien to speak at this meeting and they would also report on its online meeting on 15th July.

The General Meeting on Thursday July 24th was very well attended.

Dennis O'Brien presented a very good report which covered indigenous connection with Winton Wetlands, then European Settlement, the Commissioning and Decommissioning of Lake Mokoan and details about the Winton Wetlands Restoration and Monitoring Strategic Plan. Peter Holmes read Hamish McPherson's Report on the Government DEECA meeting as Hamish was unable to attend.

It was decided to publish ongoing announcements about Winton Wetland on the BSFG website beginning with Dennis O'Brien's presentation to the meeting and also the SWW report about the online meeting with Victorian Government representatives. These reports can be downloaded and viewed in pdf format below.

Ongoing developments about Winton Wetlands will be posted here.

Download Dennis O'Brien's PPT Presentation as PDF.

Download Report by Supporters of Winton Wetland of the Meeting with DEECA and State Government.

At the 2023 Swanpool Environmental Film Festival Sue Lebish, then Chief Executive Officer of Winton Wetlands titled her presentation ‘Winton Wetlands: A Story of Hope and Renewal’.
Download Sue's Presentation.
The film screened in this session was 'The Rights of Nature, A Global Movement'.
Watch the film.

Attention: BSFG Members - General Meeting Thursday 24 July 7.30 pm - 'Winton Wetlands & its Ongoing Management'

11/7/2025

No doubt members will have heard about the current problems concerning the Winton Wetlands and its ongoing management. This is of great concern to us at BSFG, particularly that the research and ecological rehabilitation and restoration of species be continued and previous vital work in this area over decades not go to waste.

Members are invited to attend our next General Meeting at 7.30 pm on Thursday the 24th July at the Uniting Church Meeting Room opposite Coles Car park.

Dennis O'Brien (CEO Winton Wetlands) and Hamish McPherson who many of you will know, have agreed to address our Members at this meeting.

Dennis will give us an overview as to how Winton Wetlands has come to the current state of impasse, and what is the future role of DEECA at Winton.

Hamish will be able to outline the role and progress of an advocacy group, and its suggestions for Winton Wetlands' future.

There will be opportunities for members to bring forward positive suggestions which could be utilised in further negotiations with State and Federal government departments.

Please RSVP your intention to attend, or apology to [email protected]

A light supper will conclude the evening.

Judy Schwarzman
Secretary, Benalla Sustainable Future Group

Photos and Reports - BSFG's AGM, Thursday 26 June 2025

27/6/2025

Photographs - Peter Maddock

Reports presented at the 2025 AGM on Thursday 26 June (as available for publication on 25 July 2025)

President's Report - David Blore

Financial Report - Wendy Baker

Benalla Food Cooperative Report - Sonia Bourke

Ecological Sustainable Design and Development (ESDD) Report -
Part 1 -Peter Maddock
Part 2 -Howard Bartlett

Greening and Cooling Benalla - Katie Holmes and Judy Schwarzman

Renewable Energy Benalla Report - Kevin Smith

WasteWise Benalla and NEWA Report - Kaye Blore

Website Report - Peter Maddock and Bev Lee

Benalla Food Cooperative Annual Report June 2024 - June 2025

26/6/2025

The Benalla Food Co-op is in its 14th year of operation and currently has a membership of 75 households with over 50 of them shopping regularly.

The committee has been very busy. The warmer weather saw an increase in oat bugs, resulting in some stock losses. Efforts to address the issue included a very well attended working bee, the introduction/replacement of bait traps and the storing of most products in plastic containers in the fridge. A chest freezer is now on the shopping list in preparation for the next warm season in the hope that we can quarantine some products when they first arrive.

Callum Morrison, The Public Health Coordinator, provided a Food Safety Assessment report after a visit during one of our open sessions. He raised a few items that needed addressing, including the labelling of clean and used scoop tubs and a small hole in the wall of the building. The committee promptly addressed these concerns.

Post-pandemic publicity for the co-op included a stall at the BRCC’s Creating Community Connections Expo, an interview on ABC local radio, an opening during the Benalla Heritage week and an article in the Ensign announcing the appointment of a new Coordinator.

We currently stock 127 products, many of which are chemical free and sourced from within Victoria. Our product list had a few changes with the introduction of Australian dried figs. Teabags are no longer available and we are now stocking 3 types of loose organic tea. Some of our regular and much-loved products such as dried apricots, choc hazelnuts, olive oil and more recently, plain and SR flour have been difficult to source for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, we now have a supply of olive oil and choc hazelnuts in stock. We are hoping the other products will be in stock again soon.

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

Thank you to Claire Mathlin-Cook for her time in the co-ordinator role. She did a great job keeping on top of the many demands of the role.

Thank you to Wendy Baker for the overall accounting matters (see Wendy’s financial year report). Thank you Christine for continuing to coordinate the roster, and Peter for ongoing management of the day-to-day accounts as well as the biannual stock take. The Holmes have been a huge support to me in my new role as coordinator, having relied heavily on their knowledge and experience.

Thank you to Rhona for the regular email update news and for the fabulous job she did being interviewed on radio. Her promotion of the co-op directly resulted in the signing up of some new members.

Thank you to Graeme Greed for ongoing equipment and building maintenance.

Thank you Maren and her support crew (Julienne and Marlies) for ordering and packaging the spices and herbs.

Thank you to Karen for her dedication as a committee member, which she resigned from late last year. She will continue supporting the co-op in her role as a computer operator.

Thank you to my husband Damien who has regularly collected products and helped unload and stack into the cupboards.

Thank you to Beverly Lee and Peter Maddock for maintaining our social media and BSFG website presence.

And finally, a special thank you to our dear friend and committee member Julie McPherson, who lost her battle with cancer in May this year. Her friendship along with her dedication and passion for the co-op over the many years she was involved, will be deeply missed.

Co-op Committee: Sonia (new coordinator), Christine (rosters), Peter (finance), Rhona (weekly up-dates), Judy (BSFG secretary), Tanya and Rosalie

Duty managers: Graeme, Sonia, Tanya, Rosalie, Christine, Rhona, Joy, Robyn, Eleanor, Claire, Jenny Muller (new) and Theresa Carney (new)

iPad Operators: Peter, Karen, Glenys, Simon, Stacy, Deanne, Jenny, Julienne, Maren, Marlies, Sally and Robert, Graeme

Enquires/feedback welcome via the BSFG website or the Co-op email [email protected]

Sonia Burke
Benalla Food Cooperative Coordinator
June 26 2025

Benalla Food Cooperative Annual Report 2024-2025 PDF

Greening and Cooling Benalla Action Group - Annual Report for Benalla Sustainable Future Group’s AGM 26th June 2025

26/6/2025

Since the last AGM our focus has been on connecting people to the natural environment, with the well-documented aim that when people are better connected to nature and through social connection, they value the natural environment, and gain mental and physical health benefits.

With two successful grant applications by Kate Holmes on behalf of the Greening Group, to the Social Inclusion Action Group, the Greening Group ran:

Plant-A-Tree Day on Sunday 26th May 2024 with 85 plants to give away for people to plant. Christine selected & purchased suitable plants, Karen printed up signs.

65 people registered with 40 known attendees including some late attendees. 35 plants were taken with planting instructions. Another 20 plants were given out to 14 people at the Waminda Community lunch at the CWA hall on Wed 12th July. Some money left over was used to buy more plants, guards & stakes to give out with the remaining 30 at sessions like Food Co-op, Waminda morning teas.

On the day, people enjoyed the Wayapa session run by Kate, and the Nature Games session run by Rachel, as well as the planting demonstration and information sessions run by Christine and Kate, & the BBQ cooked and served by Benalla Lions.

Community education provided through a Nature Games session included:

Facts about trees
Ecosystem dynamics
How trees function

The Wayapa Wuurrk session combined:

Wellbeing
Mindfullness and
Environmental education

The Art of Connection was run by Kate Holmes in January 2025 with another successful SIAG application from the Health & Well-Being Program.

An immersive environmental awareness and wellbeing program, it invited participants to interact with the natural environment through a series of 3 nature-based art and games workshops.

The workshops were facilitated by local artists and nature connection practitioners in various nature reserves and parklands within and surrounding Benalla.

Participants had the opportunity to be guided through nature connection practices which help to "rewire" the nervous system to promote a sense of wellbeing and connection through nature. The groups then participated in the collaborative making of natural ephemeral art pieces to generate a collective snapshot of the experience and facilitate space for sharing, connection and discussion about their experiences and connection to environment.

Local area field guides and information about the landscape and relevant species to the reserve or park were made available as part of the program, promoting awareness and connection to the broader ecological community within which we live.

At an individual level, the facilitated nature connection experiences were designed to bring about a sense of personal well-being as nature time - particularly within a guided framework - acts as a nervous system reset and supports mental health. The program gave participants tools which they may integrate into their lifestyle to support well-being.

Opportunities for meaningful social connection were provided through the group facilitated processes including collaborative art pieces and sharing circles; opportunities for participants to meet like-minded community members and build social bonds through the shared experience of awe, wonder or curiosity in nature.

Broader environmental benefit for the community: The event promoted environmental awareness, connection and responsibility. By developing meaningful connection to the natural world, people develop a sense of purpose and stewardship which supports wellbeing and belonging and a desire to protect the natural environment.

In particular, the event was promoted to groups who support those experiencing isolation or mental health and wellbeing challenges.

Benalla Council National Tree Day Event – Planting. 28th July 2024

BSFG received notification from the Environmental Sustainability Coordinator at BRCC, of the Council’s Event with an invitation to share this among our Members and Supporters. Many from BSFG attended this planting day, in Council land adjacent to Psaltis Pde. It was a positive and enjoyable day, thanks to BRCC and the Regent Honeyeater Project.

Loss of mature trees. September 2024

BSFG received a copy of an email from a BSFG supporter to the Environmental Sustainability Coordinator at Council, which was shared with the BSFG committee and Greening &

Cooling group. It detailed the Supporter’s disappointment that 4 mature gums providing habitat, had been bulldozed in land north-east of the last industrial building in Irwin Rd, in a paddock adjacent to Sydney Rd, and included reasons why it is important to keep mature trees. We believe the writer followed up with their own questions to the ES Co-ordinator, but answers were not shared with BSFG.

The Greening Group is concerned about any potential tree loss in our Council area, and continues to look for ways to prevent this and for opportunities to plant suitable trees, if possible in collaboration with Council. We encourage people to write to the council with any concerns about tree cover and habitat trees, at any time.

Note that to have maximum effect, emails can be addressed to each councillor individually (email addresses are on the Council website), the CEO and the relevant Council employee.

Kate Holmes and Judy Schwarzman

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.

Photo from davebloggs007