This December, we will, for the first time, have the opportunity to learn directly from the leaders of the organisation responsible for the implementation of the Vermont Farm to Plate plan—by many accounts one of the most comprehensive and long-term food and farming system programs of its kind. Across three weekly webinars, Director Jake Claro and Network Manager Sarah Danly will discuss how the decade-old program has successfully increased employment, business creation and food security through collaborative, whole-of-system actions and networking, aligned to a shared agenda of a better food and farming system for Vermont.
Register for the webinars here.  The first webinar is free.
Brought to you by SUSTAIN, the Australian Food Network.  Download Media Release.
Click the image below to download the flyer.

Infrastructure Victoria is inviting 450 Victorians to participate in a series of engagement activities to explore how we can move away from petrol-and diesel-powered vehicles to meet the state’s emissions targets.The transport sector is Victoria’s second most emission intensive sector, accounting for around 20 per cent of the state’s total carbon dioxide emissions (22.3 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) from a total of 113.9 Mt (CO2e) in 2016).
 
Cars are the biggest contributor, generating 56 per cent of our transport emissions. Unless Victorians adopt low or zero emission vehicles at a faster pace than current trends, we will not reach the state’s legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050.
 
Infrastructure Victoria is inviting participants to meet in a state-wide online community panel which will inform recommendations to be included in Victoria’s updated 30-year infrastructure strategy, to be finalised mid next year. Participants will also be compensated for their involvement through a $60 payment on conclusion of the events.
 
Infrastructure Victoria is an independent advisory body responsible for preparing a 30-year infrastructure strategy for Victoria. We encourage public debate about infrastructure needs, issues and preferences to help inform planning and solutions that will better meet the needs of Victorian communities.
 
Invitation to  community members:
Infrastructure Victoria is inviting 450 Victorians to get involved in a series of online activities, between 25 January and 19 February 2021, to explore how Victorians can be supported to reduce transport emissions. We want to hear from people of different ages, genders, jobs, cultural backgrounds, accessibility needs and postcodes to ensure the panel participants and solutions are broadly representative of the Victorian population.

The expression of interest form is available online on Infrastructure Victoria’s website at www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/communitypanel

Community panel members will hear from a range of subject matter experts and learn why we need to transition to low or zero emission cars. Participants will also take part in online activities where they can ask questions, discuss key themes, share their views and ultimately provide advice and feedback to Infrastructure Victoria.

Key dates and details
Expression of interest nomination period
9 November – 11 December, 2020

Notification of successful participants
14 – 18 December, 2020

Engagement process

25 January – 19 February, 2021 with approximately 15 hours total commitment. The majority of this time is self-paced.

Are you interested in becoming a panel member?   
For more information and to complete a panel expression of interest application, go to www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/communitypanel 

​Finally, on Thursday 26th November, we will be able to have our first "real" live BSFG meeting for 2020! As this is also our last scheduled meeting date for the year, the committee felt it would be good to have something special, and a little less formal, to end the year.

We have obtained approval to screen a recently released film, "Kiss the Ground", which examines the effects of industrial farming practices on the world's agricultural land, and the potential benefits of regenerative farming techniques, not only to heal the land, but in assisting the drawdown of carbon from the atmosphere, to reduce the effects of climate change.  https://kissthegroundmovie.com/

The film showcases some amazing examples of restoration projects from various parts of the world, and how they have transformed landscapes, and restored hope in the ability of the Earth to heal itself.

As this is a film about the future of the Earth's food production capability, I urge you all to attend, and to invite a friend who may be involved in food production, be it meat, grain, fruit or vegetable.

As usual, we will conclude with a cuppa and something to eat, and a chance to chat about the film, and of course, the year that was!!

We hope to see you all at the John Cooper Hall, Benalla Uniting Church, 7.30pm on the 26th.

As we may have limits on numbers attending, please RSVP to email:  [email protected]  or simply reply  to this email with names attending.
Of course, covid protocols will need to be followed: stay home if unwell, wear facemasks, sanitize hands on arrival, and observe correct social distancing.

New Committee

In September, the new BSFG Committee was elected at our special zoom AGM. The members are as follows:
Peter Holmes - President
David Blore - Vice President
Judy Schwarzman - Secretary
Wendy Baker - Treasurer
Christine Holmes - food Co-op rep
Peter Maddock
Wendy Sherlock
Kevin Smith
Kay Blore

Many thanks to each of these members for agreeing to serve on the committee, and we look forward to achieving some of our (deferred) goals in the very near future.
​
Peter Holmes