Q&A with Geordie Ferguson

Geordie Ferguson, Recyclery Manager at the Canberra Environment Centre

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to the Canberra Environment Centre?

I have a lifelong interest in making and restoring things. This interest led to an apprenticeship in the upholstery trade, followed by a decade working in vehicle restoration, then tertiary study in industrial design, and finally the founding of my own design and production studio. 

While at university, I helped found a bike collective and as a side hustle, ran a business restoring and building bicycles. During this time I was lucky to be mentored by a couple of people with extensive skills and knowledge in the bike industry. But after launching my studio, bikes took a back seat. 

An opening at The Recyclery provided an opportunity to once again indulge my passion for bikes. It was also an opportunity to give back, share skills and knowledge, and engage with the local community, 

What’s your role here, and what kind of projects will you be working on?

I manage the Recycery, overseeing projects including the volunteer mechanic programme, Build a Bike: intermediate/advanced mechanic workshops, Bike Kitchen: Community Tools access, and refurbished bike sales. This year we are working towards expanding community access to our programmes, sales, and events.

What’s one fun or surprising fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’m an avid record collector and have hosted music shows on radio stations including 2XX and Bondi FM.

Do you have a favourite local spot in Canberra to connect with nature?

Riding in the Brindabellas. 

What does “living sustainably” mean to you personally?

Being aware of your own impact on the earth, as well as that of the wider society that we are all part of. 

Making personal lifestyle choices that minimise negative impacts.

Engaging in community efforts to affect positive outcomes.

What’s one easy sustainability tip you’d share with the community?

For local commuting, trips to the shops, school or work, ride a bike and learn how to maintain & service it. 

Do you have any final remarks you’d like to share with the community?

The Recyclery is a community bike shop. We are here for you, so don’t be shy to drop by, ask questions, and get involved.