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

​

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

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

BSFG has continued a wide range of activities in the past year aimed at supporting sustainability in our locality, region and beyond (the mantra think global, act local is trite but relevant to our purpose). Brief details of our various involvements are covered by the action group reports from members and convenors in a few minutes, but I would like to highlight a few special moments of the past year.
 
Firstly, I need to thank the Committee and members for their support of me and of our activities since our AGM last year. We have maintained a steady base of memberships and with a significant number of supporters we do have a voice which is used for the benefit of our community.
 
In making ourselves heard, we have: -

• Submitted to Benalla Rural City Council on the draft Climate and Environment Policy.
• Made representations to Parliamentary Committees of Inquiry on several occasions.
• Run public meetings with guest speakers – for example Dr Lynette Bettio (a former Benalla student, now working for the BOM) was our Guest Speaker at the last AGM.
• Conducted workshops on a variety of matters (as you will hear later). Together with the Food Cooperative, manned a stall at the Creating Community Connections Expo of BRCC at the Lakeside centre and showgrounds in February.
• Maintained a watching brief on renewable power developments in our municipality.
• Contributed to forums such as NERSA, NEWA and CEN (more on these in a moment).
• Together with Swanpool Landcare put on the iconic annual Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.
• And more.

 
A big task for the Committee over the past twelve months has been coming to grips with new reporting requirements for not-for-profits such as ourselves, landcare and other environmental organisations with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC).
 
For a Not for Profit with an ABN, only undertaking charitable purposes and self-reported as tax exempt (which describes BSFG), advice from the DEECA Volunteering webinar with representatives from the ACNC in June 2024 on “Understanding Income Tax Reporting changes affecting Landcare and Environmental NFP organisations” was that BSFG must undergo such a process.
 
The good news is that we no longer have to prepare an annual report to Consumer Affairs Victoria!
 
This task took considerable effort from the Secretary and Treasurer and other Committee members, but we were finally successful in obtaining registration late last year. A consequence of this registration however is the need to develop and formalise a number of guiding documents.
 
The first step is ratifying tonight a Policy and Action Plan, and on Implementation Plan on Safeguarding vulnerable people; this will be put to the meeting shortly. The other documents to be developed in the future include: -

1. Privacy Policy
2. Risk Management Plan
3. Code of Conduct

 
A further step for the new Committee will be the appointment of a Safeguarding Officer, to meet the policy requirements.
 
Looking to the future more broadly, the need for ramping up the energy transition to renewables is self-evident. The current rate of global temperature increase from climate change suggests that the target 1.5 deg maximum increase may well be exceeded already.
 
However, despondency will get us nowhere; proactive action at all levels is critical.
 
I’m pleased to announce tonight that REB has a new solar panels project in Benalla in sight: details will be forthcoming in the very near future.
 
In our other areas of action, work continues to improve sustainability in Benalla, and I wish the new President (to be elected) and Committee all the best in working together towards this objective.
 
 
David Blore
26 June 2025

Over the last 12 months:

• REB has been following Utility Solar Farms in the Benalla/Glenrowan areas. Some will include Big Batteries and Battery ‘Farms’ in the North-East. REB supports these, as they are not utilising prime farmland, and the marginal land in the Glenrowan area is obviously good from an electrical transmission point of view. These projects will involve Community Contributions as dictated by Vic. State Government.
• In the last couple of months, AEMO allowed PV and Farms to be considered as one generating entity. This has greatly changed the industry economics and has been sought after by the Developers.
• REB notes that Utility sized PV Farms and/or Batteries are privately owned profit-making entities, run for profit, not for Community benefit. Although there are obvious Network benefits (and the necessity) for more big batteries, the big Generators are now owning batteries and using them to maximise their profits. AEMO needs to catch up with their regulations to prevent this screwing of the general public [high tariff rates]
• The same (as above) for Neighbourhood Batteries – eg Benalla Library. Currently, with the existing tariff structure, there is no way that so called Neighbourhood Batteries can benefit the Community. REB is watching with interest the new round of tariffs just being announced.
• Community Energy Network (CEN) MeetIngs have the same issues – How to structure for the Community to benefit? REB members attend these Meetings.
• Developers have Community Obligations by legislation. REB has been talking with Developer and Goulburn Valley Community Energy (GVCE). GVCE are trying to co-ordinate this funding as a single entity, with REB support. 
  
• REB is also working with GVCE to develop an education program for All Electric and Getting Off Gas.
• New proposal for REB Revolving Fund to provide PV for Community Projects. This follows the successful projects with two Benalla Kindergartens, and we will shortly finalise agreement with another educational entity.
• REB is closely following progress of an Indigo Power project of sharing PV power peer to peer. This would be a great game changer if they can get it up (the major networks and distributors are NOT in favour!) . Just about everyone would prefer to direct their excess PV power to friends or businesses rather than give it away to the networks for just about nothing (as of August).

 
Kevin Smith
June 26 2025

Benalla Sustainable Future Group invites members and supporters to attend our Annual General Meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday 26th June 2025 in the Benalla Uniting Church Meeting Room opposite Coles car park. 

Our Guest Speaker for the AGM is Mr Peter Keane, the new CEO for Benalla Rural City Council.  Peter is an Engineer with post-graduate management qualifications, and has worked across industry and in the municipal field in New South Wales, Queensland and now in Victoria.  His recent experience in waste management in Western Australia and Queensland will be of particular interest to a number of our members.  He will be talking on his journey to Benalla Rural City Council.

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 but 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.

As part of the process of becoming a Charity, at this meeting members will be asked to ratify BSFG's "Safeguarding" Policy; part of our obligations to the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission.

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

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 this year 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 Boundaires, 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.  Modern Money Lab at Torrens is training Ecological Economists.

After previewing the film Climate Extremes prior to the festival, Phil changed the title of his talk to "Climate change, degrowth, and saving the world to save us!"  He used a Power Point presentation to guide his talk which was very much to the letter.  You can view his presentation as a PDF below, or download here.

Thanks to Robert McLean for attending the festival and providing his audio recording of Phil's presentation.  You can listen to this recording on Roberts Climate Conversations Podcast on Spotify, or Apple Podcast.  No need to sign in.

Phil is the author of the book Resolving the Climate Change Crisis, The Ecological Economics of Climate Change, from Springer Nature Link.

The second film, 'Roots So Deep', looked at attitudes to sustainable and regenerative farming in the US, interviewing farmers on neighbouring properties about their very different approaches to farming, and what helps or hinders change in practice.  

Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there) is a 4-part documentary series all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, heart and soil.  Episode 1 was screened at the festival.  However Roots So Deep offered festival attendees an opportunity to stream the four episodes with a 50% discount for $5 US.

Roots So Deep was followed by a lively talk and Q&A with local farmer Mark Foletta and MC Ramey, talking about his ventures in diversification, and involving his local community.  

Mark and his family operate a mixed farming enterprise at Yin Barun (Good Water) a short drive from Benalla on the midland highway.  Mark has opened his farm to Woofers for many years, https://wwoof.com.au/members/vn200/. MC Ramey has also worked at the farm for some time. 

In 2023 Mark won the Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Marks talk  was presented with a slide show backdrop of Yin Barum Farm photos.  We don't have a recording of his talk however Mark has been interviewed by Anthony Hucksted in his Deep In The Weeds Food Podcast, listen here.

Our third film before our dinner break was 'Takayna - The Heart of Lutruwita'.   
Join and support the Bob Brown Foundation in defending this ancient, threatened sanctuary before it’s too late! This film is an inspiring and hopeful film about the battle to defend Takayna from mining and logging and saving one of the last wild places on earth.

After dinner the final film of the festival, from Silverback Films was Ocean with David Attenborough, https://silverbackfilms.tv/shows/oceanwithdavidattenborough/.

The film’s global release was timed ahead of World Ocean Day on the 8th of June, https://worldoceanday.org/

In concluding the film David Attenborough says
"If we save the sea we save the world. The ocean, our final frontier". 
A sentiment very much reflected by the title of our opening speaker, Phil Lawns presentation, "Climate change, degrowth, and saving the world to save us!"

Ramey our MC thanked Pavlos Catering, from Benalla, assisted by the Swanpool Catering Team for the delicious food served at the festival. 
Patrons thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the topics included in the program during the afternoon tea and dinner breaks.

Swanpool Environmental Film Festival is jointly organised by Swanpool Landcare and the Benalla Sustainable Future Group.  They very much appreciate support provided by the Goulburn Broken CMA, the Gecko CLaN, Benalla  Rural City Council, and Winton Wetlands.  Many thanks too to the organising committee for bringing us another jam-packed event and to all our volunteers and patrons who contributed to the success on the day.

Recently two BSFG Members have made submissions to the Inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria, https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/regionalhousing.  Howard Bartlett's BSFG Submission, and Kate Holmes submission for Benalla Homelessness Response Group Inc.

Community consultation is now open for the Homes Victoria Benalla West Development https://www.homes.vic.gov.au/projects/benalla-west.  The Community Consultation is at https://engage.vic.gov.au/benalla-west-housing.  Feedback closes this Wednesday 04 June 2025.

Howard Barlett has been looking at the Benalla West Development and you can view his Smart Block Design Concepts for this development on the BSFG website, https://www.bsfg.org.au/ecological-sustainable-design-and-development/howard-bartletts-smart-block-design-concepts-at-benalla-west. 

Howard is intending to make a formal submission on the Benalla West Development.  He can be contacted for comments and suggestions on 0409 504 420, email [email protected]. 

Ecologically Sustainable Design Action Group