BEEINFORMED
Around Perth, a wet winter has supported diverse multi-floral honey production.
BICWA
UPDATE
The Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (BICWA) supports WA’s bee industry, producers, and related organisations by providing leadership, advocating on their behalf, and actively contributing to policy development and planning.
Words Michael Bellman, Director & Executive Committee Chair, BICWA
WE ended the year with our Beekeeper’s Christmas lunch at Nikola Estate in the Swan Valley, which was a lovely way to celebrate the season. With 40 guests enjoying the festive atmosphere, a delicious meal and plenty of Secret Santa fun, it was a wonderful way to begin the holidays together as a bee community.
Over the break, we took time to regroup, set our strategies for the year, and, whenever the bees allowed, enjoy a little well-earned rest. We started the year refreshed with our first executive meeting in February, followed by a full board meeting at the end of the month.
Summer season update — nectar flows, flowering and hive health across WA
The November to January period has seen summer in full swing across WA. Redbell north of Perth delivered excellent early returns before tapering off, while Jarrah fell short of expectations in many areas as nectar flows declined quickly.
Blackbutt has been producing steadily and is now overlapping with Marri, and the South West Karri flow has provided reasonable returns for both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers.
Around Perth, a wet winter has supported diverse multi-floral honey production, with Marri now flowering strongly and supplying valuable pollen for colony build-up ahead of winter.
Bud development across several species, including Blackbutt and early Marri, indicates promising potential for continued flowering. With strong bee numbers and good pollen availability, beekeepers are encouraged to monitor hives closely and maintain regular Varroa surveillance through alcohol washes and drone uncapping as the season progresses. Please report all findings here, whether favourable or otherwise: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/pests-weeds-and-diseases/animal-pests-diseases/pest-insects/varroa-mite-of-honey-bees/
Thanking the Varro Development Officer (VDO) team for their outstanding work
On behalf of BICWA, we sincerely thank the VDO team for their outstanding work over the past 17 months, with the project formally concluded on 31 January 2026. Through more than 1,100 direct engagements and interaction with over 2,000 beekeepers, most delivered in the field nationally, the team played a critical role in strengthening WA’s varroa preparedness through practical workshops, demonstrations and on-ground support.
Recent highlights
The Single Story
Western Australia is home to some of the healthiest bees in the world, and safeguarding this remarkable advantage remains one of BICWA’s core commitments. To further this mission, we have established The Single Story — a registered charity with DGR status dedicated to protecting WA’s bees and native forests. We invite you to learn more and get involved at: https://singlestory.com.au/.
New Board Member
We are delighted to welcome Manisha Patel to the BICWA Board as our new independent director and treasurer. Her experience and insight will be invaluable as we guide the organisation through a new phase of stability and long term sustainability. With all board positions now filled, we encourage you to visit our webpage and meet the full board: www.bicwa.com.au.
Strategic planning
The BICWA team has been finalising an updated Strategic Plan to guide our work over the next five years. It’s an exciting period of renewal as we begin rolling out this plan with the support of our refreshed and committed board.
BICWA extends its appreciation to Kate Powell, Wayne Passmore, Helen Humphreys, Wendy McIntyre, Shannon Holt and Tiffane Bates for their professionalism, expertise and dedication. They have done a fantastic job. While the formal VDO program has come to an end, we know they will continue to be invaluable champions of Western Australia’s beekeeping industry.
Looking ahead
In 2026, BICWA’s work will be guided by three key pillars of our Strategic Plan: Organisational Stability & Sustainability; Industry Resilience; and Leadership, Advocacy & Awareness.
With a highly skilled and enthusiastic team in place, we’re excited to get out into the community and connect with our members throughout the year.
Keep an eye on our webpage for details and for other chances to meet, chat and engage with us — we’re looking forward to seeing you soon: www.bicwa.com.au/whats-on. www.bicwa.com.au/whats-on.
BICWA continues to support WA’s bee industry through advocacy, strategic initiatives and active industry engagement. With a strong season underway and a committed team, we remain focused on resilience, readiness and growth, while strengthening our connections with members across the state.