About the Bendigo Branch VAA Inc

·      The Bendigo Branch of the Victorian Apiarists' Association (BBVAA) continues its 40+ years commitment and development as an integral part of the Apiary Industry.

·      BBVAA membership includes both urban and rural beekeepers, with varying experience levels – ranging from prospective, recreational, small, and large commercial beekeepers; welcoming all. 

·      BBVAA provides support, advice, and a forum for beekeepers to discuss issues, concerns or achievements, and where required problem solve in a collaborative, supportive environment.

The aims and objectives of the Bendigo Branch VAA Inc.

·      Promoting and encouraging improved knowledge and practices of beekeeping.

·      Disseminating useful information relating to apiculture and hive management.

·      Assisting and mentoring beginning beekeepers through discussion, personal assistance, and the provision of educational and practical sessions such as beginners’ activities, an annual autumn pack-down day and annual field days.

·      Sharing knowledge, experience, and learning more about the industry, including the knowledge of the vast contribution made by the VAA, on behalf of all beekeepers, over many years.

·      Developing knowledge as to good bee husbandry and ways to problem solve.

·      Provision of Q&A sessions and guest speakers vital to promote discussion and debate; with some people interested to discover there are often varying solutions according to the season, the strength of hives, the flora available seasonally, together with the geography of the location and the effect of climatic changes. 

·      To provide a warm, welcoming, inclusive environment for all beekeepers attending meetings and activities.

·      All interested people are invited to attend meetings held monthly at the Lakeside Hotel, Bendigo.

What We Do

·       Conduct General Q&A Information Meetings for beekeepers of all experience levels, including prospective beekeepers on the first Wednesday of each month (except in January & December). (Please note in 2023 our July meeting will be on the second Wednesday to avoid clashing with the VAA Annual conference).

·       Conduct Business Meetings on second monthly as required.

·       Beekeepers are welcome to attend either or both meetings according to their interests.

·       The venue for all meetings is the Lakeside Hotel, Napier Street, Bendigo commencing with a meal (optional) at 6.00 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7.00 p.m. Registration is essential.

·       Conduct beginners’ developmental activities periodically at various venues, to provide beekeeping advice and practical activities to current and prospective beekeepers.

·       Run an annual April autumn pack-down day, offering varied practical activities in preparation for winter hive management.

·       Facilitate an annual field day on the second Sunday in October at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve, including open hive, flow hive and beginners’ demonstrations, equipment sales via a variety of Trade stall vendors, the sale of mated queen bees, guest speakers and access to biosecurity and apiary officers.

Liaise with and support the Victorian Apiarists’ Association.

Contact:   secretarybendigobranchvaa@gmail.com

Please contact the secretary no later than 9.00 p.m. on the Monday prior to meetings if you are intending to come, indicating if you intend to come for the meal or otherwise.

Contact:   secretarybendigobranchvaa@gmail.com for enquiries or to register for meetings.

Executive & Committee April 2023-April 2024:

• Chair: Margie Gallagher
• Deputy Chair: Stafford Kelly
• Secretary: Carol Maunder  Ph: 03 5446 7911
• Assistant Secretary: Jamie Trimby 
• Treasurer: Max Maunder

• Assistant Treasurer: Marilyn Chester

• Resources: Max Maunder & John Storey 

• Committee: Katie Canterford, Robert McDonald, Jacob Nixon, Brennan O’Brien and Scott Wright.