Rocket Science #4: Community Gardening

This session featured Chris Ennis from CERES. Chris manages the organic farm at CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies, pronounced ‘series’). Located on 10 acres in Brunswick, Melbourne, CERES engages 470,000 people each year about living more lightly and equitably on the planet. CERES runs on renewable energy, is a 55 tonne carbon sink, conserves and recycles its water and waste, grows organic food, and teaches diverse audiences about more just and environmentally friendly ways of living. 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. CERES Organic Farm is an outstanding example of how an urban farm can contribute to the local community by providing locally grown organic food, education in community food systems, a happening & ethical place and employment for community members.

Rocket Science #3: Green Guide technology guru Charles Wright

Having trouble untangling your ADSL, lost your RAM and still think your wireless needs tuning? Got savage phone bills that need cutting? Bring along your question, no matter how simple, for “technology guru” Charles Wright.

Charles Wright writes the long-running Bleeding Edge column in The Age Green Guide and for many years was computer trouble-shooter on ABC Radio 774's Jon Faine Show. His status as an advocate for the long-suffering consumer of computer and communications products has been recognised by a Telstra black ban and routine threats of legal action. He was computer editor of The Age, and founded that newspaper's lift-out computer section, and subsequently assistant editor of the Australian Financial Review for which he developed its daily Information section. He has been news editor of The Australian, Melbourne editor of News Ltd's publications, and a senior writer for the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Weekend Magazine and Australian Business magazine. Former president of the Melbourne PC User Group, he established one of Australia's first Internet Service Providers. He is the unofficial Lifeline crisis help centre for thousands of people who suffer from technology trauma, and as an unpaid computer sociologist, has discovered such modern phenomena as Toad of Toad Hall Syndrome, the Upgrade Gene, the Kafka Approach to Computers, and Microsoft's Department of Unfulfilled Desires. He has travelled extensively with technology, and has a Gold Frequent Flyer card with the Australian Chiropractors' Association to prove it. His blog and forum at www.bleedingedge.com.au are a regular point of call for the computer-afflicted.

Rocket Science #2: Writing and publishing

Local Newstead literati, Nick Hudson and Neil Boyack shared their experiences of writing and publishing.

Rocket Science #1: Sustainability Issues

Jayson Burhop from the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG) launched our very first “Rocket Science” session. It was a great opportunity to learn about renewable energy options for local homes, businesses and our community. The session was very well attended with more than 30 local folks enjoying the great atmosphere at DIG Cafe.