The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Inc. (AHBIC) has given approval to conduct the Third Australian Bee Congress at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast Queensland from Wednesday 27 June to Saturday 30 June 2018. The theme for the Congress will be “Pollination and Beekeeping for the Future”.

Previous congresses have been held on the Gold Coast in 1972 and 1988; it’s undeniable that this congress is well over due.
A National Conference Committee has been established by AHBIC and is chaired by Ben Hooper.

“My Committee is working towards providing a program that is both educational and empowering, especially in the field of providing pollination services.” Ben Hooper said. “So at this time we would ask you to put the date in your diary for 2018 and spread the word to all beekeepers, both here in Australia and overseas.”

So please put this in your diary. June 2018 is not that far away.

Soon we will start a regular information update that keeps you informed of the latest developments. You will be invited to subscribe to that information service. So keep an eye out for the invitation to subscribe. It will be publicised widely within our industry.

Trevor Weatherhead
Executive Director
23 March, 2017

Download PDF here (286 KB)

In the two and half months since I last reported there have been no Asian bees found in Townsville.

Under the Response Plan the eradication phase of the program ended on 28 February and we now move into the proof of freedom stage. It is anticipated that the proof of freedom stage will last for three (3) years unless there are more findings of Asian bees and Varroa jacobsoni.

In February I spent a day in Townsville talking with the leaders of the eradication response. I was pleased with the discussions I had. Now the proof of freedom stage has been started there will be a reduction in the staffing numbers. Key members of the eradication program will be retained.

Thank you to the industry volunteers who went to Townsville to help out. Your input, particularly in showing the local beekeepers how to carry out sugar shakes, alcohol washes and drone uncapping, were very much appreciated by the local beekeepers. This testing forms an important part of the proof of freedom stage.

One of the staff who will moving onto another job is Roger Winton. Roger came in as the local controller when the Asian bees and V. jacobsoni were first found. I found Roger very easy to work with. So thank you Roger for your work. Best of luck in your new job.

So at this stage I will not be putting out any more information bulletins unless there is a change in the situation in Townsville.

Trevor Weatherhead
Executive Director
2 March, 2017

Downlaod PDF here (268KB)

Unfortunately Haley Pragert, who had been employed as the Bee Biosecurity Officer in New South Wales, resigned for family reasons.

The position is now being advertised. Details can be found at: iworkfor.nsw.gov.au

If you know of someone who may be interested please pass this information on to them. Please note that applications close on the 7 March, 2017.

Download AHBIC Special News here (PDF 429KB)