CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) was founded in 1981 as a four hectare community environment park located in Brunswick East near the Merri Creek. Over time the site has grown to include an animal farm, community gardens, cafe, walking trails as well as exhibits on energy, water and transport sustainability.

This afternoon I attended a tour of CERES, organised in conjunction with local residents, the Croydon Conservation Society and the North Ringwood Community House to learn about the project and to identify the potential for a similar scheme within Maroondah.

The tour, which coincidentally was conducted by a local Maroondah resident, provided a history of CERES, as well as understanding of the community garden and exhibits. CERES has progressed rapidly over the past twenty years, due to a strong partnership with the local council, community groups and businesses. Today, CERES is largely self-sufficient with a $5 million turnover, while promoting social equity and sound environmental practices.

CERES conducts a number of educational programs, including incursions and excursions for schools and other tour groups. The site is visited by over 330,000 people per annum with approximately 15,00 student visits. A partnership has been established by North Ringwood Community House, Eastern Volunteers Resource Centre, Park Orchards Community House, as well as Maroondah and Manningham Councils to investigate the potential of a similar project in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

The tour was most informative and provided an opportunity to see first-hand the benefits of a community environment park. While replicating a similar project in Maroondah may take some time it would certainly provide immense benefits to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

• For more information on CERES please visit www.ceres.org.au.