9th August 2026 Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Festival
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Despite windy, rainy weather lots of brave and excited people popped into the festival to check out the stalls and purchase their favourite bare rooted trees.
Werribeeks Bee Club sold lots of honey and we got to chat to many people about honey-bees. I was scheduled a 30m guest speaker slot, however they lost my powerpoints so I started while they were discovered. 30m later they were found, so I extended out to 45m which was not hard with such a good subject. |
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Wyndham Learning Festival 2026
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Bee Basics with Be Like Bees - Thursday 3rd August 2026 from 10am to 11am From 1–7 September, Wyndham will come alive with almost 130 FREE learning events hosted by local businesses, community groups, organisations and passionate individuals.Whether you'd like to learn a new skill, hear from inspiring speakers, explore a new hobby, meet new people or simply try something different, there's something for everyone. Browse the full program and book your free events here: Wyndham Learning Festival |
5th and 6th June 2026 - VAA Conference
Interesting two days at the VAA Conference. Stephen Martin was especially interesting.
vaa_conference_2026.pdf
vaa_conference_2026.pdf
7th May 2026 - WYNnovation Business Expo
What a great opportunity to find out about local businesses and to expand the Be Like Bees horizon.
Had a little chat with MC and guest speaker Osher Günsberg.
Connected with a range of people, with a shout out to:
- - Jayne Ramlakan from ActionCOACH Australia for connecting me with Wyndham Biznet.
- - Juvi Singh from Global insurance Solutions who has set us up as a home business.
19th April 2026 - Mossfiel Community Garden
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10th April 2026 - Varroa Management
Manage varroa mite levels using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.
As the Werribeeks Bee Club Varroa Specialist, I maintain my knowledge of varroa management through attending specific training and ongoing professional development provided by the Victorian Apiarists Association (VAA), Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) and through the National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP).
An initial outbreak of varroa will see us fighting mite bombs. These high mite loads occur as unmanaged hives collapse due to varroa, spreading infestation. An unmanaged hive might be one that is feral or one that is owned by a person who does not manage the health of colonies. Unfortunately there will be some managed hives that collapse, particularly those that are weak.
By having an IMP in place, beekeepers will be able to monitor loads and act promptly.
As the Werribeeks Bee Club Varroa Specialist, I maintain my knowledge of varroa management through attending specific training and ongoing professional development provided by the Victorian Apiarists Association (VAA), Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) and through the National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP).
An initial outbreak of varroa will see us fighting mite bombs. These high mite loads occur as unmanaged hives collapse due to varroa, spreading infestation. An unmanaged hive might be one that is feral or one that is owned by a person who does not manage the health of colonies. Unfortunately there will be some managed hives that collapse, particularly those that are weak.
By having an IMP in place, beekeepers will be able to monitor loads and act promptly.
The number one priority is attempting to keep mite loads low by putting in place as many cultural and mechanical actions as possible. These include sterilising equipment, creating brood breaks, having screened bottom boards, removing drones and using bee gyms.
Once mite levels exceed the treatment threshold, my preferred treatment method is Varroa Controller (heat treatment).
There is evidence that varroa is becoming resistant to chemicals, so these should be used with caution.
You can find out more about varroa on my links page.
Once mite levels exceed the treatment threshold, my preferred treatment method is Varroa Controller (heat treatment).
There is evidence that varroa is becoming resistant to chemicals, so these should be used with caution.
You can find out more about varroa on my links page.
