​Tim Bowtell's compelling portrait of Greta Thunberg, painted on the side window of the Benalla Rural City offices in Mair Street for the Window to Window festival, draws from and is representative of Tim's current work and concern about climate change.

Tim describes being surprised that around 90% of people who spoke to him while he was painting weren't aware of Greta Thunberg, and is pleased that his work has acted as such a catalyst for conversations about climate change.

The discussions which began in social media and mainstream television news last week continued this week in three pages of Letters to the Editor in the Ensign, most of which were about the portrait of Greta, and most of which were positive!

The announcement by Time Magazine of Greta as their Person of the Year a few days into the controversy on social media proved a wonderful endorsement of Tim's choice of a portrait of Greta for his window.

This news item from 9 News Border North East on December 12 includes responses from Renewable Energy Benalla's John Lloyd and BSFG's President Peter Holmes:  

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsBorderNorthEast/videos/2595848333804065/​ ​

While a media storm - social and mainstream - was hitting Benalla on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 of December relating to Tim Bowtell's 'Window to Window' portrait of Greta Thunberg onthe council offices and climate change, workers for Solar Gain were quietly very busy completing a huge solar panel installation on the ample roof space of Fobia Industries newly restored premises in Bridge Street next to Macdonald's.    Some photos to add to our 'On They Go - towards 100% renewable energy by 2028' collection!

I am sending this update to BSFG members and REB followers about the free community screening of the film 2040 from 7.00 pm this Wednesday at BPACC Cinema.

There are still seats left for this DELWP and Council supported screening of 2040.  You need to book to confirm your seat either online at www.bpacc.com.au/theatre or call 03 5762 5515. 

We have been issued 30 tickets to distribute to contributors and have about 12-14 left if you would like to book through me.  These tickets are on the third and fourth rows back from the front of the main central seating area which you can view at the above booking link.  Contact me if you would like me to hold tickets for you in this area, or book online for other seating.

Download the 2040 flyer

BSFG is providing a light supper after the screening which will be tea and coffee and a few nibbles.  If you are coming to the 2040 screening are you able to bring in a small plate to provide something to eat after the film?  If you can help in this way please reply and let me know by Wednesday morning to assist us with the catering arrangements.  At this stage we have bookings for about 140.

Peter Maddock
0418 135 330