Description
Varroa management skills are crucial for successful beekeeping in Australia.
Unfortunately, the honeybee pest Varroa destructor is present on the east coast of Australia and is spreading rapidly.
If Varroa is left unmanaged, it can quickly overwhelm your beehives, causing extensive losses.
The owner of Mt. Coramba Apiculture, Glenn Locke, has had significant exposure to Varroa management. Glenn worked on the NSW DPI Varroa response for 15 months during 2023/2024 as an Authorised Officer in Varroa monitoring.
Glenn also participated in Varroa management training with the Varroa transition to management team in 2024 and helped deliver several training sessions.
Varroa was first detected in hives managed by Glenn in August 2024.
If working with Varroa is a challenge for you, a day with Glenn will give you a good understanding of what is required to keep your bees healthy and productive.
Our training is science-based with practical implementation in a working small commercial apiary.
This Varroa workshop can be delivered as a stand-alone topic or combined with our beginners or advanced workshops.
Cost $300.00 per person. Children must be 16 years and over and accompanied by an adult.
We require a 10% deposit prior to accepting your booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
Course times 9 am to to 4 pm.
Contact us about the beekeeper training – Varroa Management
Beekeeping Courses & Workshops for Beginners
FAQ
What makes our beekeeping courses and workshops different?
Mt. Coramba Apiculture’s beekeeping classes are hands-on and practical. As a participant, you have the full attention of our trainer. We run our courses with one to 5 participants.
Where are our workshops held?
Each session is run in the field at our apiaries and our property at Nana Glen. We don’t soak up hours of the day sitting in a classroom.
When are we running our next course?
Our beekeeping classes can be run at any time of the year and on any day that is mutually suitable to our trainer and yourself. Naturally, it is easier to run our classes in the warmer months as the days are longer and more conducive to beekeeping. A general rule of thumb would be from the start of August to the end of April.
Are the courses flexible regarding subject matter?
Yes most definitely. We can tailor your course (if you attend on an individual basis) to suit what you want to learn. For instance, if you have some experience and are comfortable with lighting a smoker and opening a hive, we can spend less time on those activities and more time on others such as splitting and merging beehives or managing small hive beetle.
What is included in our beekeeping courses?
Mt. Coramba Apiculture can supply personal protective equipment such as a beekeeping veil and gloves however, we would prefer that you bring your own. We will provide cold water. You will need to bring your lunch or it can be purchased at the Nana Glen General Store. Toilet facilities are available at the Nana Glen General Store or at the Coramba pub.
How much do your beekeeping courses and workshops cost?
Our one-day workshops are $300.00 per person.
We require a 10% deposit prior to accepting your booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
We regret having to ask for a deposit however we are consistently let down by people who change their mind, cancel at short notice or simply don’t turn up.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, no problems at all. They must be at least 16 years of age & pay the full adult price.
Can I bring a friend or relative along?
Yes, observers are welcome, provided they pay the full price of $300.
What do participants need to bring?
Participants at our beekeeping courses and workshops will need to wear covered footwear & long pants. A hat and sunscreen are essential as we will be outdoors most of the time. Bring your lunch if you are doing a one day workshop. Please don’t use too much deodorant or strong perfume before you attend as it gives the bees the gripes!
What fitness level do I need?
Beekeeping requires a moderate level of fitness. While our trainer is happy to assist with lifting bee boxes you should be able to lift 35 to 40-kilo honey supers. Inspecting hives involves lots of bending over and you will be on your feet and in the sun for most of the day. We often work on uneven ground and you should be able to get into and out of a 4wd vehicle. Think hard about committing to a one day workshop if you have mobility issues or a bad back.
What qualifications does our trainer have?
The owner of Mt. Coramba Apiculture, Glenn Locke started beekeeping in the early 1980’s as a 14-year-old. This lead to a lifelong interest in bees and apiculture. After a career in the food industry, Glenn took up beekeeping again in 2009. Glenn has formal qualifications in pests and diseases of honey bees and queen bee breeding. Glenn also has a certificate IV in training and assessment. He also volunteers in the NSW Rural Fire Service and regularly assists with training and assessment of other volunteers in the Mid North Coast district. Glenn is a qualified first aider.
Is there any accommodation nearby?
If you are travelling to Nana Glen from a more distant location you may choose to stay in the Coffs Harbour area the night before the workshop. The Coffs and Mid North Coast area is a popular tourist area so there is no shortage of accommodation. We are close to Woolgoolga and there are numerous resorts and camping areas between there and Coffs Harbour.
If you have a caravan, camper or tent you may choose to stay at the Nana Glen Sport, Recreation & Equestrian Centre. This very popular facility is a couple of kilometres down the road from us. They have powered sites and hot showers. Cost is $15.00 per night.
You may also consider the Coramba Hotel or the Golden Dog at Glenreagh.
There are also numerous Air B & B properties.
Is Mt. Coramba Apiculture a registered training organisation?
No. Mt. Coramba Apiculture is NOT a registered training organisation and we do NOT offer the Certificate III in Beekeeping.
Is Mt. Coramba Apiculture insured?
Yes. We are always insured for public liability and products liability to a total of $20 000 000.
