BEEINFORMED
BICWA
UPDATE
The Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (BICWA) represents all stakeholders across the state’s beekeeping sector and continues to advocate for a strong, biosecure, and sustainable future.
Words Michael Bellman, Director, BICWA
SPRING brought excellent conditions across WA, with lingering moisture driving strong nectar flows. As summer approaches, the heat is building, and beekeepers are preparing for the challenges ahead. While WA enjoys favourable conditions, our colleagues in South Australia face a tougher season with dry weather and pressure on colony strength. We recognise their challenges and stand with them as the industry navigates another demanding summer.
National pollination and biosecurity
The national pollination landscape has shifted significantly this season. The detection of Varroa in South Australia has altered interstate hive movements, reducing demand for WA hives to travel east. Consequently, pollination prices have fallen, prompting WA beekeepers to carefully weigh the financial viability of participating in interstate pollination.
Despite these changes, BICWA remains firmly committed to safeguarding WA’s Varroa-free status.
Our strong biosecurity measures ensure WA bees continue to support national food security while preserving the state’s unique honey flora.
The recent confirmation of Nosema ceranae in WA is a timely reminder of the importance of sound bee husbandry in maintaining healthy colonies.
Recent highlights
• Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) — The program has now concluded, with 18 beekeeper businesses participating. The 25 participants completed a business plan and gained valuable tools to enhance decision-making and long-term business sustainability. BICWA extends its thanks to Value Creators for their professional delivery of the program and to DPIRD for supporting it through the Drought Fund.
• Varroa-Resistant Bee Breeding Sundowner — The October Beekeepers Sundowner featured Julien Duwez (Arista Bee Research) and Gavin Phillips, who shared insights into breeding Varroa-resilient bees and the steps WA can take to prepare for a potential incursion. The event attracted national attendance and sparked valuable conversations across state boundaries as we begin to explore what could shape the future bee breeding of WA’s industry.
• Hive Brand Regulation Updates — After extensive consultation and advocacy, the updated hive brand regulations have been finalised and released. The process has been streamlined, simplifying compliance for beekeepers. Details can be found here: Hive Brand Regulation Changes
Meanwhile, Bee Sentry units, strategically positioned along the Nullarbor and other high-risk entry points, remain a critical tool for surveillance and early detection of biosecurity threats.
Meetings and advocacy
BICWA continues to engage actively with government and industry partners:
• Ministerial engagement — BICWA met with the Minister’s office to reinforce the need for enhanced border security and an online traceability system. While some cybersecurity hurdles have been identified, work continues in partnership with DPIRD and DAFF to progress this important project.
Michael Bellman handing over the perpetual trophy to Melanie Tolich.
Melanie Tolich thanks outgoing beekeeper director David Routley.
Michael Bellman thanks Beth Green, independent Director.
PHOTOGRAPHY Christine Spycher
• APC and hive brand invoicing — Discussions with DPIRD are ongoing to ensure transparency and compliance in Hive Brand and APC Fee for Service invoicing. These funds are vital in maintaining WA’s biosecurity and beekeeper support systems.
Looking ahead
BICWA’s recent Strategic Planning Workshop, facilitated by Value Creators and supported by DPIRD, helped shape priorities for the coming year. Five focus areas have emerged:
1. Funding and Financial Security
2. Biosecurity
3. Governance and Membership
4. Data and Benchmarking
5. Leadership, Advocacy and Education
BICWA AGM 2025
BICWA recently held its 2025 AGM in Yanchep, kindly hosted by Y-Trace, Dr Liz Barbour. The event began with a botanical tour, led by Dr Liz Barbour, followed by the AGM proceedings, DPIRD Biosecurity update and Y-Trace laboratory tour, and a relaxed sundowner amongst attendees closing the event.
During the proceedings, we farewelled Brendon Fewster and David Routley, who have both been instrumental to BICWA’s growth.
• Brendon Fewster, who has served as Chair for four years in his 7½ year directorship, led BICWA through some challenging times with remarkable industry knowledge, inclusive leadership, and unwavering commitment to the beekeeping community.
We thank Brendon for his tireless hours of service to the industry! Thanks goes also to his family and business partner, whose support and sacrifices enabled Brendon to dedicate time and energy to advancing WA’s beekeeping community.
• David Routley joined the board three years ago, contributing as both director and treasurer. His expertise and passion for biosecurity, and support in developing and deploying Bee Sentry units, were instrumental in advancing BICWA’s initiatives. We thank him for his time, and service to the organisation, and wish him continued success.
We also said goodbye to Melanie Tolich, who joined the BICWA board in 2023 as an independent director and immediately took on the Chairperson role. Melanie’s expertise in finance and governance was invaluable in guiding the board through multiple projects, establishing a strong board culture, and supporting BICWA’s financial stability. We greatly appreciate her commitment and understand her decision to step down to focus balancing work and other commitments. Melanie was presented the Industry Perpetual Trophy for excellence for services to the Honey Bee Industry.
We sincerely thank Beth Green, who was elected as an independent director in December 2024, for her invaluable support to the industry. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in agronomy and biosecurity, Beth has been fundamental in guiding BICWA through departmental policies, acts, and traceability initiatives. Her knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding biosecurity and supporting the beekeeping industry have been greatly appreciated.
Beth’s term came to an end at the AGM; however, she has re-nominated, and the board has appointed her for another one-year-term.
The board also welcomed Tina Mettam as an Independent Director. Tina is well known to the industry through her many years of involvement across honey sales, marketing, and communications. Her commitment to the sector has been long-standing, and she recently completed an MBA to further deepen her expertise.
In line with BICWA’s succession planning, Jack Watson was elected as the new beekeeper director after a close election and will serve a three-year term. We thank Patrick Chamberlain for his nomination and look forward to his involvement in future subcommittees.
We wish the newly elected directors all the best and every success as they help guide and grow our industry.
BICWA Interim Executive Officer Update
Michael Bellman has completed his term as Interim Executive Officer and will continue his contribution as an elected Director, Executive Chair, and Chair of the WA Honey Marketers Committee.
Budget limitations led to this structural change, and BICWA extends sincere thanks to Michael for his professionalism, dedication, and continued leadership within the WA beekeeping community.
In summary
BICWA continues to deliver strong outcomes for Western Australia’s bee industry through advocacy, collaboration, and targeted projects. Protecting WA’s borders, advancing the Jarrah Honey trademark, and building industry capability remain core priorities. With a strong season underway and the sector buzzing with activity, our focus is firmly on resilience, readiness, and sustainable growth.
From all of us at BICWA, we wish you a joyful, safe and restful Festive Season with family and friends and a happy 2026!