Strider     Magazine

No 3

Bridging the gap 

CERES

Ceres – Centre for Educational, Research and Environmental strategies- is an organic garden, farm and energy park in Brunswick Victoria; but as you will see, it is so much more than that.  Its’ self-proclaimed vision is: “to be a world class model for environmental sustainability, social equity, cultural richness and community participation.”  Anyone who has visited Ceres would have to agree that this has and is being achieved.

Established in 1982, the 4 hectare site contains so much, the problem is where to start? Through their commitment to the environment they have established :

·        A sustainable energy house displaying the alternative ways to use domestic resources

·        Community gardens available for leasing as vegetable plots etc

·        An animal farm

·        Walking tracks

·        Water recycling via an aquiculture grey water system

·        Viticulture – fancy name for a worm farm

 All of these enterprises are backed by an extensive range of educational  workshops and courses for both adults and schools.   This commitment to information sharing is carried  through to further community involvement.  They recently hosted a Work for the Dole scheme which saw 15 participants establish vegetable and herb gardens based on organic and biodynamic principles.  Composting on a large scale, water recycling and basic agriculture and animal husbandry have all been included in the skills Ceres has shared through these schemes.

But wait!  That’s not all! On site are life sized models of 2 villages from  Africa and Indonesia. Their houses and domestic lifestyle are reproduced and provide a fascinating insight into different cultures – and a touch of the exotic in suburban Brunswick.  The festivals they host can also include the celebration of other cultures such as Ghana as well as the more traditional, annual folk and kingfisher festivals.

Ceres also run a nursery where many plants native to the area are propagated and available to buy.  And when you are tired and hungry from all the wandering and wondering there is a café open 10-4 daily, set in beautiful gardens, to relax in.

Membership to Ceres is available and entitles you to a regular newsletter and discounts at the nursery, festivals and some other events.  Contact Ceres below for more information.

Over the years I have been to Ceres many times and have always been impressed by not just the ongoing commitment to education and sustainable, alternative energy and agriculture, but also by the beauty of the place.  They practice what they preach in a way that is harmonious as well as effective.

  Did I forget to mention the wood-fired oven which produces 300 loaves a week?  Or the orchard?  Or the Saturday Market? Or their fantastic, informative web site?  Ceres contains so much and is so diverse that I’m sure I’ve left some things out.   You’ll just have to get down and see for yourself.

·        CERES  8 Lee St Brunswick  ph 9387 2609   www.ceres.vic.edu.au

·        Gates open 9 – 5 every day   later for festivals

·        Nursery open 10 – 5 daily

·        Office open 9 – 4.30 weekdays

·        Saturday market   9 - 2