The Western Australian Apiarists’ Society (WAAS) is a long-established, incorporated not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting beekeepers across Western Australia. While its core membership is made up of hobbyist beekeepers, the Society also welcomes anyone with an interest in bees, pollination, and the natural environment.

Words Wayne Passmore

FOUNDED in 1953, WAAS has grown steadily over the decades and now supports a thriving community of more than 1,200 members. Its longevity reflects both the enduring importance of beekeeping in

Western Australia and the Society’s role in education, advocacy, and community connection.

WAAS operates as a hub for knowledge-sharing and practical learning. It runs active chapters in regional areas including Greater Bunbury and the Margaret River regions, helping to connect beekeepers beyond the Perth metropolitan area. Within Perth and surrounding districts, “Bee Buddy” groups provide a more local, informal network where members can share experiences, assist one another, and build confidence — particularly valuable for those new to beekeeping.

A key focus of WAAS is education and responsible beekeeping. Normally over 300 students attend our training courses each year. Through its apiaries and training programs, members gain hands-on experience in hive management, seasonal care, and best practices that support healthy bee populations. This is complemented by regular monthly meetings and newsletters, which keep members informed about seasonal conditions, biosecurity issues, and developments in apiculture.

Membership also provides practical benefits, including public and product liability insurance for beekeeping activities, access to an online store, and discounts with selected retailers.

Beyond these tangible benefits, WAAS fosters a strong sense of community, offering opportunities for fellowship, mentoring, and ongoing learning.

Through its monthly meetings, website, Facebook group, and extensive resource links, WAAS continues to support both new and experienced beekeepers — helping to sustain and grow Western Australia’s beekeeping community into the future.

If you are a current or prospective amateur beekeeper, why not join us? Details can be found here https:// waas.org.au/

A summary of the training options is below

Responsible Beekeeping 101 Full Day Course

A beginner-friendly course covering the fundamentals of beekeeping.

Topics include:

• Safety awareness and essential equipment

• Hive types, structure, and setup

• Sourcing bees and selecting a suitable site

• Understanding brood boxes and supers

• Managing swarming behaviour

• Biosecurity and maintaining hive health

• Honey extraction basics

• Registration and record keeping

Practical sessions include:

• Using a smoker

• Opening and inspecting a hive

Responsible Beekeeping 101 Half Day Course

Designed for beekeepers with around two years’ experience, this course focuses on managing common early challenges.

Topics include:

• Identifying and managing poor-performing queens

• Handling aggressive or difficult colonies

• Splitting hives and creating nucleus colonies (nucs)

Practical apiary sessions:

• Simulated queen replacement

• Simulated queen production

Practical apiary sessions:

Flow Hive Management Half Day Course

Ideal for beekeepers new to the Flow Hive, this course provides practical guidance on getting the most from your setup.

Topics include:

• Assembly, setup, and operation

• Ongoing maintenance

• Essential equipment checklist

• Useful information sources

Practical session:

• Honey extraction in the apiary

Practical Biosecurity for Beekeepers Half Day Course

Suitable for all beekeepers — especially beginners — this course focuses on protecting hive health through effective biosecurity practices. (Prerequisite: online biosecurity training)

Topics include:

• Code of Practice for beekeeping biosecurity

• Identifying bee pests and diseases (endemic, restricted, and exotic)

• Surveillance and monitoring techniques

• Best-practice hive management

• The barrier system and reporting requirements

Practical apiary session:

• Sugar shake testing

• Alcohol wash

• Drone uncapping

Additional courses and activities

A range of supplementary workshops and hands-on experiences are available, including:

■ Ambrosia making

■ Wax rendering and candle making

■ Hive box and frame assembly

■ Honey and beeswax-based body products

■ Queen rearing

Also offered are Apiary field days and excursions for Bee Buddy groups.

More information

Contact Helen Humphreys (WAAS Secretary) 0422 095 870, secretary@ waas.org.au or go to www.waas.org.au