Advanced Beekeeping 2026/2027 season

This Advanced workshop is essential for all existing amateur beekeepers who need a refresher or a confidence boost in managing their bees. With the Varroa Mite now well established in colonies around NSW, it is more important than ever to have a plan to manage them in addition to all the other pests & diseases. Swarm management has also become even more important. This 6-hour hands-on workshop will cover theoretical & practical aspects of swarm control & pest management. There will be approx 2 hours of classroom time and 1.5 hours out with the bees at the Burnetts Apiary, and after a lunch break, back to the classroom to learn about Varroa Management - the biggest threat our honeybees are currently facing. We cover all the reasons for swarming - weather, space, genetics, resource availability, queen age, pest & disease management, honey management. We also discuss WHY we need to prevent swarming - a commonly asked question! A highly interactive session, we will cover all these topics in detail: - Swarm management techniques - Signs of swarming preparation - Understanding influence of weather on the bees - Brood manipulation by creating space within the hive - Brood cycle timing - Starvation risk (“Spring Dearth”) - Disease inspection & management (including Varroa Mite). - Reading Queen cells - Re-queening - Honey removal - Secondary swarm management - Transporting split hives - Record keeping A delicious gourmet morning tea and lunch is provided by The Quarry Cafe at Burnetts on Barney, to give us a chance to de-buzz our brains. An Award-winning Cafe, their healthy Wraps and Frittatas, scrumptious Salads, mouthwatering Cakes (made with their own bees' honey) and the best coffee in town; the Quarry Cafe is the icing on the cake for a terrific day of indulgence. The workshop is designed for existing beekeepers using Langstroth or Flow Hives. Included in the ticket price: • A workbook packed full of useful information to take home • PPE Equipment - a Bee Suit and Gloves • Morning tea and lunch. • A local honey tasting The Workshop will be run by local Kiama Beekeeper Rachael Peedom from @BeeInspiredco, who owns 20+ hives across apiaries in Kiama & Saddleback Mountain on the South Coast of NSW. Rachael has 10 years beekeeping experience and has attained her Certificate III in Beekeeping with the NSW DPI's Tocal College. The Bee Inspired Team of 4 staff mentor beekeepers and manage customer's hives across the Illawarra & South Coast NSW, teach beekeeping workshops for all ages and run bee education programs in local schools. Bee Inspired is a Regional Flow Hive Ambassador. Bee Inspired sells honey in local retail outlets in Kiama and Berry. Burnetts' honey is harvested onsite and available to purchase at the Quarry Cafe. Hosted by @Burnetts_on_Barney Nursery, Kiama, NSW, it is a perfect opportunity to time your workshop with some pollinator-friendly plant shopping. Bring your own suit and gloves if you prefer, but please ensure they are clean and washed before you bring them onsite. Any questions about the workshop, call Rachael on 0409860044 or email [email protected]. Wet weather backup plan will be advised the day prior in the event of inclement weather.