Fate in our hands

In 1992, elected on a mandate to change the state, Premier Jeff Kennett cut 45,000 government jobs, slashed health funding and closed more than 300 government schools.

In the first Kennett budget 90% of CERES $100,000 funding was cut.

Overnight years of scratching and scrabbling resources and support was lost along with CERES entire staff – five environmental education teachers. 

There was great despair. But what came next would define CERES.

Determined never let itself be so financially vulnerable again CERES decided as an organisation that it would generate its own income by operating businesses.

The decision to go into business (the term social enterprise wouldn’t come into use for another ten years) was a blind leap of faith.  

With a staff made up of activists and free-thinkers spreadsheets, budgeting, and accounting principals in general were viewed with deep suspicion – the only certainty was CERES’ businesses had to reflect our social and environmental values.  

CERES first tried its hand running a cafe and a nursery – staff were well-meaning but without hospitality or retail experience the new Cafe and Nursery struggled.

Likewise the generous-hearts in the Education Team couldn’t bring themselves to charge visiting school groups high enough fees to cover their costs.

When they finally gritted their teeth and set realistic prices the Ed Team suddenly found themselves with enough money to fund new programs and even hire a person to take bookings.  Rather than turn away schools began flocking to CERES from all over the state.  

Sometimes luck played a role – when CERES’ farmers grew more produce than they knew what to do with they promptly opened a Saturday produce market. With few organic options in the neighbourhood CERES Organic Market (now CERES Grocery) was a hit with lines stretching out the farm gate even on rainy days.

By 2002, ten years after losing its staff 50 people were working at CERES, including a dedicated and very patient accountant. 

In the following years a rash of social enterprises would emerge – Adult Workshops, Worm Farms, Joe’s Market Garden, Sustainable Schools, Seven Stars Catering, Green Tech, OM Mushrooms, CERES Landscaping, Venue Hire and a food coop that would become a grocery delivery service called Fair Food.

In the 2010’s a farmgate began at Joe’s Garden, then came Corporate Volunteering, CERES Microgreens, 3000 Acres community events and Fair Wood selling timber and carpentry services. 

Not all CERES enterprises were successful; some shone briefly and then disappeared. Some took a long time to find their feet while others took off right out of the gate.

Along the way we learnt so many lessons the hard way that a consulting service was launched to help other organisations avoid all the mistakes we’d made.

Today, thirty two years after almost losing everything, CERES social enterprises employ around 250 people and generate 90% of CERES’ income. 

It’s easy to think that after all this CERES’ fate is back in our own hands, but that’s not totally right. CERES’ fate actually lies in the relationships these enterprises have built with our community.

It’s in the hands of the schools and the kids who come and learn here, the people who eat and garden with us, who buy their groceries, build their houses, celebrate their special occasions or just come for a play and an icy pole.   

Have a great week

Chris

BTW – Fair Food is closed on Tuesday for the Public Holiday