UPDATE: Over 100 people gathered in Brunswick East on July 15, 2023, to witness a historic reunion of the founders of CERES, a pioneering community environmental project. This urgent gathering highlighted the remarkable journey of transforming a neglected site into a beacon of sustainability and community engagement.
The event served as a powerful reminder of how CERES emerged from the challenges of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Brunswick faced rising youth unemployment and an industrial decline. Original builders like Genevieve Timmons and Chris Ryan recounted their bold vision to reclaim an eight-acre rubbish tip, with the aim of creating jobs and restoring the local environment.
Attendees relived moments of innovation, as stories revealed how ahead of their time these early volunteers were. Rodger Lamb, Brunswick City’s electrical engineer, championed solar energy long before it became a mainstream concern. The founders also pioneered curbside recycling, demonstrating their commitment to socially and environmentally responsible practices at a time when such ideas were not widely accepted.
As one speaker noted, “We were dealing with energy efficiency ten years before Australia even recognized the greenhouse effect,” showcasing the foresight that defined CERES’ mission. The evening was not just a nostalgic look back; it was a celebration of the community’s collective effort to push boundaries and innovate.
The event featured humorous anecdotes, including tales of the “Sunday Fun Day, Gets Things Done Day” working bees, where hundreds came together to shift mountains of concrete and haul bluestone. Attendees also remembered how communities came together, with families from Greek, Italian, Turkish, and Maltese backgrounds contributing seeds, tools, and camaraderie to cultivate community gardens.
More than just a gathering, this reunion celebrated CERES’ legacy, which has now evolved into a thriving hub for education and biodiversity restoration. With a new 50-year lease secured, CERES has launched the initiative “Keep CERES Humming,” inviting locals to continue the stewardship that has sustained the project since its inception.
The founders conveyed a clear and inspiring message: “Anything’s possible if you work collectively with energy, passion, and commitment.” This sentiment resonated throughout the room, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in imagining a better future.
As CERES embarks on its next chapter, it continues to document its early history. Locals with photos, names, or stories from those formative years are encouraged to contribute, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration remains alive.
The reunion was a vivid reminder of the resilience and innovation that can emerge when a community comes together for a shared cause. As CERES looks to the future, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action in creating lasting change.
