BEEINFORMED
If you keep bees, you’re a bee keeper! Registering with DPIRD is mandatory
In Western Australia, all owners of livestock (Yes, Bees are livestock, unless they are dead) are legally required to register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (DPIRD) Brands Office. This includes beekeepers. Registration is now done online with the Department utilising myGovID from the Australian (federal) Government. It is the same digital identity technology used when you lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or access Medicare.
By registering as a beekeeper you also support industry efforts to educate all beekeepers and manage disease outbreaks. Please encourage other beekeepers to register also if they have not.
New online registration portal
If you are a registered beekeeper and you have a change of address you must notify the Brands Department of DPIRD. To ensure that the Beeinformed newsletter and any correspondence regarding your registration and renewal get to you, you must update this information if it changes. Please keep all your information updated via the DPIRD Portal at https://brandsportal.dpird.wa.gov.au/submissions/new. Transfers and cancellations cannot be performed via the online porta, only via the paper forms. You will need to achieve a STANDARD Identity Strength (level 2) in myGovID to access the Brands Portal. Please provide two documents to verify your identity. These can include your Driving License, Birth Certificate, Passport or Medicare Card. For assistance setting up or using myGovID please use the myGovID Help support line. Please do not contact the DPIRD Brands Office re myGovID queries.
Due to the “difficulties” experienced with the Brands Dept registration portal, you can still register by submitting the old paper form.
Back issue newsletters are available online
All recent newsletters are available to download at https://apcwa-beekeepers.mailchimpsites.com/.
Bunbury WAAS Chapter
The Greater Bunbury Region Chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except for December and January. This Chapter welcomes beekeepers of any experience level from Harvey to Manjimup and Busselton.
The meeting runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm and generally involves a guest speaker and a Q&A discussion. A $5 entry charge covers tea, coffee and biscuits — please bring your own cup. For further information, contact bunbury@waas.org.au
Margaret River Region WAAS Chapter
Meets on the second Thursday of each month, except for January. Members come from all points between Dunsborough and Augusta. We meet at the Margaret River Senior High School from 6:00 to 8:00pm with a guest speaker, and plenty of opportunity to ask questions and meet other local beekeepers. There is a $5 entry charge and refreshments are provided — bring your own cup.
Peter Wallace, 0428 881 808, margaretriver@waas.org.au.