CERES is located on the banks of the Merri Creek, land that was occupied by the Wurundjeri, prior to European invasion. The creek was subjected to heavy industrial use throughout much of the 20th century and the East Brunswick site was quarried for bluestone, and then eventually turned into a landfill for household and construction waste. The water became more polluted as a result of this. In 1982, some locals of the area suggested making use of the land to grow vegetables and make compost as part of a “work-for-the-dole” program. Shortly afterwards, invitations for school kids to learn about these emerging programs in green technology, recycling and organic farming. Along with Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Merri Creek, CERES and volunteers planted hundreds of trees and shrubs and lobbied governments to clean up the creek.