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23.01.2022 Quality beekeeper education on Saturday with the Tocal Beekeepers Virtual Field Day. Register now for this online event.

22.01.2022 UPDATED GUIDANCE ON CARING FOR ANIMALS INCLUDING INSECTS DURING STAGE 3 AND 4 RESTRICTIONS. https://www.business.vic.gov.au//agriculture,-forestry-and

20.01.2022 The VRBA are currently waiting for clarification from Agriculture Victoria regarding recreational beekeeping activities and Stage 4 restrictions in the Melbourne metro area. When this information becomes available we will share with you here.

19.01.2022 Over the past 12 months the VRBA have been advocating on behalf of Victorian Recreational Beekeepers to have the fee removed from this important training. Thanks to the Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Team for listening and responding to our needs. This removes any financial barrier for recreational beekeepers accessing this valuable biosecurity training.

17.01.2022 The VRBA have submitted an application for funding through the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Program Industry Development Grants Open Call (2020-21) to undertake a collaborative pilot project with industry to upskill recreational or sideline beekeepers to enter the pollination services sector. The project would seek Expressions of Interest from recreational or sideline beekeepers to undertake accreditated biosecurity training, participate in tutorials with pollination brokers on preparing bees for pollination and online peer discussion with small scale beekeepers who have scaled up to enter this sector. Funding announcements will be announced within the next month.

14.01.2022 Due to increased public concern, to protect the health of staff, speakers and visitors, and in response to the Australian Government Health Office direction that any organised mass gathering over 500 people should be cancelled, the 2020 Recreational Beekeepers Conference is officially POSTPONED. It is very disappointing to have to make this decision at this time. There are many people who will be very upset by this decision and we fully understand your frustrations. The safet...y and well-being of our patrons and visitors is paramount and out of precaution, and in consultation with Victoria Health, The Victorian Recreational Beekeepers Association has decided that this is the best course of action. We appreciate that the rescheduling of the conference is a huge disappointment for our community, particularly speakers, exhibitors and visitors who were looking forward to help us celebrate our 3rd conference in Geelong. We are implementing a FULL refund policy for ticket holders and stall holders at this time. We will keep you up to date as we know more information via these channels and look forward to announcing new dates ASAP. We appreciate your understanding and patience as our team works through the logistics and issues that come with rescheduling an event like this. V.R.B.A. Recreational Beekeepers Conference 2020

14.01.2022 ADVICE FROM AGRICULTURE VICTORIA Can I leave my home to care for my animals? Metropolitan Melbourne (Stage 4)... Outside of curfew (5am to 8pm), you can travel to another property to care for your animals, even if it is beyond 5km from your home or outside of metropolitan Melbourne. You should limit travel where you can, wear a face covering and avoid travelling with others where possible. If you do need to leave home to attend to your animals you should comply with the public gathering requirements, implement sensible biosecurity arrangements and practice good hygiene, including hand hygiene before and after handling animals and their equipment, bedding or food. You are required to wear a face covering whenever you leave your home. If you own or care for an animal that needs veterinary attention, you should make phone contact with your veterinarian for advice. During curfew hours (8pm to 5am) you may only leave home to provide emergency care for your animals. If you’ve been directed to self-isolate, you must not leave your home. Regional Victoria (Stage 3) You can travel to another property to care for your animals, but you should limit travel where you can. If you do need to leave home to attend to your animals you should comply with the public gathering requirements, implement sensible biosecurity arrangements and practice good hygiene, including hand hygiene before and after handling animals and their equipment, bedding or food. You are also required to wear a face covering. If you own or care for an animal that needs veterinary attention, you should make phone contact with your veterinarian for advice. If you’ve been directed to self-isolate, you must not leave your home. https://agriculture.vic.gov.au//covid-19-faqs-for-animal-c

11.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT: The VRBA are proud to announce the confirmation of the 2021 Victorian Recreational Beekeepers Association Conference in Geelong in May next year with the support of the City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Beekeepers Club. Further details to come in months ahead.

09.01.2022 The VRBA have sought funding through the Honey Bee Compensation and Industry Fund to facilitate the delivery of free places for recreational beekeepers to undertake the Plant Health Australia Biosecurity Online Training Course and provision of the NSW DPI resource Bee AgGuide. The application also seeks funding for an expert Guest Speaker in Honey Bee Biosecurity to present at the 2021 VRBA Conference in Geelong.

04.01.2022 We have been in talks with AgricultureVic regarding the movements of beekeepers for the purpose of beekeeping. Please read these 3 dot points and go to the attached website for more information. Please be safe, practice all social distancing rules and 'be kind'. The Victorian Government recently announced that non-essential activities are required to shut down in Victoria and detailed the particular activities that are restricted. Farming and food production are not include...d in these restrictions. Under the Stay at home directions, people are permitted to leave home for work. An agricultural producer ensuring animal welfare is considered work and is allowed under the Stay at home directions. You can refer Beekeepers to the FAQs (look up FAQ Am I permitted to leave home to check animals under my responsibility or to purchase food or other necessary supplies for my animals?) published yesterday available at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au//coronavirus/agricultural-bu

03.01.2022 European foulbrood is associated with stress: moving colonies, cool wet weather, poor nutrition and pesticides https://bit.ly/2EUvvcR

02.01.2022 It's National Volunteer Week this week so a huge shout out to all Beekeeping Club Committee members right across the State who are Volunteers. It's not always easy being part of a Committee, especially during the current pandemic, so thank you to everyone who plays a active role and contributes to their local Club. Thank you.

02.01.2022 The Victorian Recreational Beekeepers Association has been successful in receiving a grant from Agriculture Victoria for the 2021 VRBA Conference to be held in Geelong in May.

01.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT regarding Stage 4 COVID-19 Restrictions and Recreational Beekeepers. The Victorian Government declared a state of disaster on the 2nd of August, 2020. Current advice as at Friday 7th August from Agriculture Victoria Apiary Officers for recreational beekeepers in Melbourne under current Covid-19 Stage 4 restrictions state that:... - If your hives are located within 5kms of your home, you CAN attend to your hives. -If your hives are more than 5kms of your home, you CANNOT attend to your hives. It is recognised that this may cause concerns for some beekeepers as swarm season is approaching. Agriculture Victoria Apiary Officers are liaising with the Victorian Government to establish if an amendment to these rules for recreational beekeepers is possible. Updates will be provided as further information comes to hand.