The Australian Beekeeping Club List

Valley Bees (Mary River Catchment area – Gympie region) -Valley Bees is a group of people specialising in native bees and honey bees who come together at least three times a month to share knowledge and passion for bees.  See the website for meeting details.  Facebook page –Valley Bees

Whitsunday Beekeepers Association – email: webbee@tpg.com.au

Beekeepers at a beekeeping club meeting

Victoria

Victorian Apiarists Association-The Victorian Apiarists’ Association can help all beekeepers regardless of how many beehives they own.  Whether you are a hobbyist beekeeper with one hive in the backyard, a semi-commercial beekeeper wishing to take the next step towards becoming entirely financially dependent on beekeeping or a full-time commercial beekeeper.

Central Victorian Apiarists’ Association Inc. – This beekeeping club is active in the Maryborough area of Victoria.  Facebook Page – Central Victorian Apiarists Association

VRBA – Victorian Recreational Beekeepers Association – The VRBA was formed in response to the changing face of beekeeping and increasing demand from the recreational, sideline, and part-time beekeepers to be able to access high quality, flexible and professional education opportunities;  Recognition of the challenges facing beekeepers responding to the needs of the recreational, sideline and part-time beekeepers;  Recreational beekeepers needing to be better represented in the community and at a Government level.  Facebook Page  – VRBA – Victorian Recreational Beekeepers Association

Gippsland Apiarists’ Association Inc. –The GAA is based in Gippsland and services all of the Gippsland Region. There is a mixture of members both experienced and new beekeepers.  Facebook Page – Gippsland Beekeepers

CERES Bee Group– The CERES Bee group is open to the public for membership. As a visitor or member, we can show you all about bee-keeping, guidelines, and responsibilities, industry memberships such as The Victorian Apiarists Association, and practical advice on making up frames and bee hive equipment. And if you feel like giving us a hand maintaining the bee space, that’d be great too. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month in the market area at 10.00 am and welcome new visitors and members. We have a small number of spare protective veils, just bring long trousers, boots and a long-sleeved shirt, some rubber or leather gloves, and a narrow-brimmed hat. Facebook Page – CERES Bee Group

Collingwood Children’s Farm Apiary – We aim to educate the public about bees and beekeeping as well as providing beekeeping advice and practice to current and prospective beekeepers.  We are open from 10:30 to 3:30 on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September to May and on the last Sunday for June, July and August.   How to find us: at the end of St Heliers St Abbotsford turn right along the Capital City bike path and walk approx 300 metres (Melways map 2D, grid D10)  Facebook page – Collingwood Children’s Farm Apiary

Melbourne Section of the Victorian Apiarists Association– The Melbourne Section of the Victorian Apiarists’ Association helps beekeepers to manage their hives, particularly in an urban environment. All beekeepers and prospective beekeepers in Melbourne and surrounding areas are invited to become members of our club.  Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month (except December). The VAA Melbourne Section meets at “The Avenue Church of Christ Surrey Hills”.  The address is 1 The Avenue, Surrey Hills, 3127. This is very close to the intersection of Canterbury Road and Warrigal Road. Surrey Hills Train Station is only a few minutes away. Facebook Page – VAA Melbourne Section Beekeepers’ Club

The Beekeepers Club Inc. – The Beekeepers Club is based in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and supports beekeepers and beekeeping through education, information sharing, and mentoring.  We meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month at  7:00 pm at Doncaster Secondary College, 123 Church Rd Doncaster Victoria Australia 3108

Perm-apiculture – the Natural Beekeeping group– The Perm-apiculture group formed in January 2011 as a sub-group of Permaculture Victoria (PCV). We’re a keen bunch of people based in Victoria (Australia) who are interested in beekeeping from a permaculture perspective. That is; bee-friendly, on a small scale, and in a sustainable manner. We have members ranging in experience from just starting out to people who have been enthusiastically keeping bees for many years. We’re keen to swap ideas, learn from each other, and promote Natural Beekeeping. We meet on the third Monday of each month between 6:45 pm – 9 pm, except for two months – March and June.  The meeting location is the Kew Library meeting room, Corner Cotham Road, and Civic Drive, Kew.  Facebook page –Permapiculture – Natural Beekeeping Australia

“J” Beekeeping School – J Beekeeping School includes professional beekeepers, amateurs, and new learners. The main idea is to help members to learn how to manage beekeeping processes. The club provides support in establishing and organizing beehives. The Club meets every second Thursday of the month at the J Beekeepers School Hall at the premises of the Jadran Social Club at 35 Duncans Lane Diggers Rest 3427. The meeting commences at 7.30 pm.  Facebook page –  J Beekeeping School in Melbourne

North Western Bee Club Inc. – North Western Bee Club Inc., who is that?  We are a welcoming group of individuals who love to get together, talk about bees and share the how-to, tips, tricks, and ideas of/for beekeeping.  We meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month with Beginners Corner at 7 pm (most months) and the main talk at 7:30 pm.  Meeting on the west side of Melbourne you can find us at Parkwood Green Community Centre (88 Catherine Drive, Hillside)  Facebook page – North Western Bee Club Inc.

Geelong Beekeepers Club Inc.– Geelong Beekeepers Club aims to foster good beekeeping practices in the community, promote the interests of beekeeping, and exchange information about all aspects of beekeeping. Visitors are welcome. The first visit is free; subsequent visits are $5. Or become a member! Annual membership is $30 per person.  The Geelong Beekeepers Club meets on the third Friday of every month. Meetings start at 8.00 pm. We also offer “Ask a Beekeeper” which commences at 7.15 pm Facebook page – Geelong Beekeepers Club Inc.

Coonara Beekeeping Club – The Coonara Beekeeping club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm in the Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully, Vic 3156.  Facebook page – Coonara Beekeeping Club

Southside Beekeepers Club Inc. -Southside Beekeepers Club Inc is a not-for-profit community club for hobby beekeepers – Educating the community on all things Apiary.  We meet at Leawarra House, also known as the Elderly Citizens Club Rooms at 200 Beach Street Frankston.  Setting up the hall commences from 6.30 pm and all help is gratefully accepted. New Member Registrations begin from 7:00 pm.   Our meetings start at 7:30 pm sharp.  Visitors and Guests are most welcome, $5 entry fee applies to non-members. Supper included  Facebook page – Southside Beekeepers Club Inc

Yarra Valley Bee Group -The Yarra Valley Bee Group is a not-for-profit community group with an emphasis on sustainable and natural beekeeping. We support local beekeepers by facilitating monthly educational talks, workshops, mentor programs, book and equipment libraries, and the Yarra Valley honey co-op. We also run educational programs for schools and other community groups. Membership is $30 a year. Meetings are held at ECOSS, 711 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn, in the newly renovated ‘Coop’ (past the old house, over the green, down the bottom).  (MELWAY 289 B10)  When: the last Sunday of the month unless stated otherwise.  Facebook page – Yarra Valley Bee Group

Woodend Bee-Friendly Society– The Woodend Bee-Friendly Society is a working group of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group that seeks to promote the sharing of knowledge about beekeeping between aspirants, novices, and experienced beekeepers in Woodend and surrounding areas.  Woodend, Victoria, has a unique climate with long, cold winters and relatively short summers.   The primary aim of this Society is to promote best practices for sustainable beekeeping in the local area.  We meet every third Sunday from 3.00 – 4.30 pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood House.  Facebook Page  – Woodend Bee-Friendly Society

Ballarat Regional Beekeepers–  Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc. is a public Incorporated Association, formed in March 2015.   Our members are passionate about beekeeping, honey, environmental sustainability and education, and networking with other people who share an enthusiasm for everything “bees”.  Our membership comprises both professional and amateur beekeepers, with a common goal of sharing their knowledge and experience in this fascinating subject.  Whether you are a curious potential beekeeper, a beginning backyard beekeeper, or an established commercial apiarist, we welcome you to consider membership of Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc.  Meetings first Thursday of the month 6.30 pm-7 pm Beginners Corner or Ask a Beekeeper  Beginners Corner covering all that you need to know when starting out as a beekeeper – topics themed to the time of year activities.  Ask a Beekeeper for non-beginners to ask a more experienced beekeeper for advice – questions themed to current activities generally.  7 pm-9 pm General Meeting  Includes guest speaker and biosecurity update and monthly topic, questions and answers, etc.  Facebook page  – Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc.

Latrobe Valley Bee Keepers Association – The Latrobe Valley Beekeepers Association exists to promote good beekeeping and provide a social, safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for beekeepers in the Latrobe Valley & surrounding areas.  The Latrobe Valley Beekeepers Association meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 7 pm – 9 pm. We meet in the community rooms at the Moe Library, 1-29 George Street Moe.  Facebook page – Latrobe Valley Beekeepers Association.

MAD Bee Group (Mansfield & District) – A local group of passionate beekeepers, young and old, experienced and novice. All with the intention to look after bees, and to help more people understand and benefit through the healthy nurture of these magnificent beings. Come and join a meeting – the THIRD Thursday of each month at the Delatite Hotel 95 High Street Mansfield, Victoria 3722…from 6:30. pm   Facebook page – MAD Bee Group

A speaker at a beekeeping club meeting

South Australia

South Australian Apiarists’ Association – The South Australian Apiarists’ Association Inc. was formed in 1945. It is an association of apiarists in all fields, including honey production, pollination, queen breeding, and propolis and pollen collection. Members include commercial and amateur beekeepers.  Facebook page – South Australian Apiarist Association – SAAA

Beekeepers Society of South Australia (BSSA)–  The Beekeepers’ Society of South Australia (BSSA) is located in Adelaide, South Australia.  The BSSA is a friendly group of active hobbyist beekeepers who meet regularly to share our knowledge, experience, develop our beekeeping skills, and, most importantly, have fun!  The BSSA is dedicated to advancing the education of the public on the importance of bees in the environment.  All general meetings will be held at St Matthew’s Meeting Hall, 67 Bridge St, Kensington, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm  Facebook page – Beekeepers’ Society of South Australia

Northern Territory

Alice Springs–

Western Australia

West Australian Apiarists’ Society Inc. –  The WA Apiarists’ Society currently has over 800 members, the majority being hobbyists who meet to learn, share and promote the craft of beekeeping. Formed in 1953, the Society has been guided by a committee of volunteers under whom membership numbers have steadily increased. We are the second oldest Beekeeping Association in Western Australia and can proudly say that we have the largest membership not only in WA but Australia.  General meetings, to which all are invited, are held on the first Thursday each month except December* and January, starting with our Beginners’ Corner at 6:30 pm, designed to instruct new beekeepers on various fundamental aspects of beekeeping and allows for questions to be asked of the experienced beekeeper presenting on the night.  Parallel to that, we also now feature a Discussion Group with Stan Taylor, also at 6:30, for more experienced beekeepers to share their insights and discuss what they have learned over many years in the field.   Our General Meeting follows this from 7:30 – 9.30 pm South Perth Community Centre,  Corner South Terrace & Sandgate Street,  South Perth WA, 6151.

Inspecting a flow hive at a beekeeping club meeting

Tasmania

Tasmanian Beekeepers’ Association –  The TBA is the peak apiarist industry organisation in Tasmania. Three regional branches operate around Tasmania.  The chapters are semi-autonomous, and branch membership is separate from full TBA membership. While the TBA represents beekeeper interests at the state and national level, the branches focus predominantly on the practical aspects of beekeeping, holding regular meetings and field days, and conducting beekeeping demonstrations at school fairs and agricultural shows.  The branches are an invaluable source of information to the new beekeeper. Contact the branches for further information.

Southern Tasmanian Beekeepers Association -The Southern Beekeepers Association, is a forum for back-yard and commercial beekeepers alike in Southern Tasmania.  Membership conveys excellent benefits through sharing ideas and information. The peak beekeeping body in Tasmania is the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association (TBA).  The Association has a group of about 270 beekeepers.  Meetings of the Association are held monthly at the Glenorchy LINC, with attendance averaging about 45.  Facebook page – Southern Tasmanian Beekeepers Association

Northern Branch Tasmanian Beekeepers Association  – Meetings are held every third Monday of the Month starting at 7:00 pm at Launceston Lutheran Church Hall in Frankland Street.   Facebook page – Northern Branch Tasmanian Beekeepers Association

North West Branch Tasmanian Beekeepers Association – Meets 2nd Monday of the month, 7.30pm at the Sulphur Creek Hall Sulphur Creek.

ACT

Beekeepers Association of the ACT -Meetings of the Beekeepers Association of the ACT will be held on the third Thursday of the month (except December) at 7:30 pm Yarralumla Primary School Hall, 24 Loftus Street Act 2600.  Facebook page – Beekeepers Association of the ACT.

About the Author

The owner of Mt. Coramba Apiculture, Glenn Locke, has had the beekeeping urge since the early 1980’s as a 14-year-old teenager.

The Warwick (QLD) high school agriculture department had a few beehives and beekeeping was taught as a subject.  Glenn’s agriculture teacher Jim Caird let him have a nucleus hive, and the addiction started.

The move to the mid-north coast of NSW and particularly the beautiful Orara Valley means that Glenn now has the space to commence beekeeping again. Glenn has managed beehives in the Orara Valley since 2009.

We supply high-quality local, raw honey.

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