The situation on the ground is that there are now two IP Sites in NSW at Balranald and Euston in the Southwest . Both have significant areas which fall under the special protection areas in Victoria. See the AgVic web site for the latest maps. There are approximately 55000 hives affected by a quarantine order at the moment in Victoria and cannot be moved at this time. All bees that have been moved prior to the declaration of the outbreak on Friday need to register their destination. VAA has emphasised the urgency of the situation and AgVic are well aware of the need to make a quick decision. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. All beekeepers who are affected need to be patient as we are aware that this is a major time in your yearly calendar. AgVic are hosting daily meetings and setting up an Emergency Control Team to co-ordinate operations. I will have more to report tomorrow.. 
Regards Phil Mcpherson, ILO  

VAA is working closely with Agriculture Victoria in the emergency response to the Varroa incursion. We  are in constant and close contact with the biosecurity team. 

The situation is increasingly critical with confirmed detection of mites in the almond orchards along the Murray. The large numbers of hives and the possibility of extensive robbing as blossom finishes make the situation particularly complex.  VAA is strongly supporting Agriculture Victoria's efforts and will make every effort to keep members informed. 

Meanwhile, there are nearly daily updates being published on the Agriculture Victoria website which is linked here.

The map has been updated for the new swarm season and now includes over 50 members who are contactable for help.

Click here to go to the AgVic website Beekeeper Update

The Wheen Bee Foundation is seeking a permanent Program Administrator to support the work of the CEO.

More information is available on the Wheen Bee Foundation website at wheenbeefoundation.org.au/news-events/uncategorized/wheen-bee-foundation-is-hiring

For a copy of the full Position Description please email info@wheenbeefoundation.org.au

You might also like to share our Facebook post about the job opening at facebook.com/photo?fbid=731315255664009&set=a.533744352087768

Applications close on 7 July.

Details of the Melbourne Polytechnic Certificate III in Beekeeping are available here.

Plan Bee continues the national honey bee genetic improvement program until at least April 2024.  Further details at their website here.

Dates of the 3 workshops are posted on the Melbourne Section page.

Take advantage of the discounted early bird registration rate,  which closes 5th June.  Register here.

Apimondia 2023 is coming up fast (Sept 4-8).  A package tour including the conference and tours of Chile and Argentina is available, download the details here (pdf).