Olives to Oil is an annual community harvest program run by CERES in partnership with My Smart Garden and the Cities of Brimbank, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek and Whittlesea. Each year, people collect olives from backyard and neighbourhood trees that might otherwise go to waste. The olives are combined and pressed into local olive oil and shared back with contributors. The project celebrates local food, community participation, and the diverse food traditions that make our communities vibrant.

About the role

We're looking for volunteers to help with our olive drop-off days, oil bottling, and olive oil collection events across Melbourne's north and west. No experience is necessary. We provide induction and training on the day.

Please note: CERES is a child safe organisation and therefore all volunteers are required to hold a valid Working With Children’s Check to volunteer in this program. If you don't have one you can apply for a volunteer WWCC for free.

Benefits

• Receive a bottle of delicious olive oil

• Be part of local food-systems work in action

• Be part of a vibrant, local food-focused community event

• Help turn otherwise-wasted olives into delicious local olive oil

• Meet like-minded individuals

Olive drop off

Tasks: Weighing, collecting and recording quantity of olives, Welcoming people and directing them, Helping with event set up and pack down.

• Sunday 3rd May 2025, CERES Brunswick East. Shift: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM

• Saturday 9th May 2026, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang. Shift: 11AM - 3PM

• Sunday 17th May 2026, Visy Cares Hub, Sunshine. Shifts: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM

• Sunday 24th May, 13/15 Mason St, Newport. Shifts: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM

• Sunday 31st May 2026, McNish Reserve, Yarraville. Shifts: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM

Oil bottling

Tasks: Assisting with pouring olive oil into bottles, labelling and boxing.

Date: Friday 3rd July 2026, CERES Brunswick East. 10:30am - 2:30pm

Olive oil collection

Tasks: Pouring and distributing olive oil and giving it to people who register to collect it, Welcoming people and directing them, Helping with event set up and pack down.

• Northside date: Sunday 12th July 2026, CERES Fair Food Preston. Shifts: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM

• Westside date: Saturday 18th July 2026, Burnside Community Centre, 23 Lexington Dr, Burnside, Shifts: 10AM - 1.15PM or 1PM - 4PM