CERES or The Centre for the Study of Environmental Research and Educational Strategies, is a not for profit organisation situated on the banks of Merri Creek at Brunswick East on a land spanning nearly 4.5 hectares. The whole idea behind the creation of CERES was to open up work possibilities in environmentally oriented jobs. Today it focuses on sustainability through diverse range of community-based projects and activities. CERES runs environmental education programs, urban agriculture projects and green technology demonstrations. The social enterprises taken shape under its umbrella includes, community Kitchen, Online Supermarket, market and plant nursery.
CERES Permaculture and bush food nursery was established with the intention to encourage backyard food production. Bushfoods are Australian Native plants with an edible component and promoting its plantation at the backyard helps increase the choices one has. Along with-it CERES sells organic fertiliser, pesticides and potting mix. This is also a place to buy fresh local and organic produce.
CERES has two certified organic market gardens where they grow organic plants and vegetables and sell to the public. CERES also hires venue spaces for Children’s birthday parties, private events, Weddings and public events like festivals and music fests. Every Saturday from 9am – 2pm there is a makers and flea market at the market space next to the Organic Grocery.
Another main objective of CERES is to provide educational programs, workshops and short courses related to environmental sustainability. Today it is one of the largest sustainability education providers in Victoria.
History of CERES
CERES was established in the late 1970’s, born out of a need to foster community awareness in matters regarding environmental sustainability and social issues affecting urban areas. It was setup in association with RMIT, initially at the land adjacent to Brunswick East High School in Victoria Street. But uncertainty about the future availability of the site coupled with other issues forced CERES to look for other locations, which took it to a new site at Lee Street in East Brunswick. In March 1982, the site which was a bluestone quarry and later a tip was leased for a ten-year period. Over the years CERES grew with establishing a worm farm, animal farm and a nursery mainly with donations from people and organisations. The land previously being a quarry and a tip, offered many challenges towards its transformation to a more hospitable environment for CERES’s activities. Along with its environmental programs, today the CERES hosts many events and cultural programs.
Most of its public interaction programs are through School environmental education programs. CERES also undertakes many environment related research programs.
Details
Address: Cnr Roberts & Stewart Streets, Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Phone: 03 9389 0100
Email: ceres@ceres.org.au
Free Admission / Dogs are allowed on leashes
Visitor Centre Opening Hours
Sat & Sun: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Click Here to Visit CERES Discussion Forum – https://tomelbourne.com.au/forums/topic/ceres-community/
Home › Forums › CERES Community Environment Park – Discussion Forum
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