What is CERES?

CERES  (the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies, pronounced ‘series’)  is an internationally recognised model of a sustainable society located in Melbourne, Australia. CERES shares its name with the Roman Goddess for agriculture.

CERES is located on 4.5 hectares (10 acres) on the banks of the Merri Creek, in East Brunswick, close to the centre of Melbourne. CERES runs on renewable energy,  conserves and recycles its water and waste, grows organic food; and teaches diverse audiences about more just and environmentally friendly ways of living. What makes the CERES concept particularly compelling is that sustainability initiatives are located in a participatory social setting which, over time, has created a village-like environment, made up of a melting pot of different audiences.

This makes CERES quite unique.

Walking around CERES today, you may be struck by the peaceful green environment and the village-atmosphere, and think that you have stepped back in time. Yet here is a model for a possible future, where innovation and appropriate technologies sit harmoniously in a human scale environment.

Significantly, CERES is engaging with 470,000 people each year in living more lightly and equitably on the planet. It is the most visited community environmental centre in Australia, known for being a pioneer of community arts, experiential education, sustainable urban agriculture and for demonstrating innovative and achievable solutions to pressing environmental and social issues. 

The CERES Café, CERES Nursery, Organic Farm and Market are exciting models of sustainable and social enterprise. Along with CERES festivals and eduction programs, they aim to teach and inspire – creating a rich tapestry of experience, as well as services to the community and income to support further CERES projects.  CERES is also host to a range of independently managed site groups and volunteers which enrich the community landscape and provide diverse opportunities for participation. 

CERES has been in existence now 27 years and employs 150 people (equivalent to 45 full time positions). It is an incorporated Not For Profit organisation governed by a Committee of Management. CERES has been created for community by community and is an available model for communities all over the world.

It's an enchanting place. Come, be welcome.