Victorian Apiarists Association (VAA)Melbourne Section February 2025 Meeting &
Election of the VAA Melbourne Section Representative to the VAA Board

All are welcome – bring a friend!

Join us for a night of learning, inspiration, and great company.

Thursday, 27 February 2025
Church Hall, The Avenue Church of Christ, 1 The Avenue, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127
Plenty of parking available at the rear of the church

Contact: vaamelbournesection@hotmail.com

Join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and engaging discussions to enhance your beekeeping journey.

Meeting Schedule
7:00 PM – Registration Opens
Meet and mingle with other beekeepers, explore the VAA Library, enjoy a cuppa and get ready for an insightful evening.

7:15 PM – Beginners’ Corner

This month, led by David Basket (VAA Melbourne Section Committee & Pollinator Alliance Board Member),

Topic: Balancing Harvesting Against Preparing for Winter

• Learn how to maximise your honey harvest while ensuring your bees have enough stores to stay strong through winter.
• Get practical tips and advice to keep your hives healthy.
• Questions encouraged.

Chair’s Welcome

Professor (Associate) James Doery, Chair of the Melbourne Section, will warmly welcome all attendees.

Guest Speaker: Richard Rowe

Richard Rowe, who teaches the Plant Identification unit at Melbourne Polytechnic, will present an insightful talk covering the following topics:

• The importance of plant identification for successful beekeeping
• Identifying key nectar and pollen sources for your hives
• The best tools and resources to enhance your plant knowledge

Election of the VAA Melbourne Section Representative to the VAA Board

• VAA members can nominate or be nominated beforehand or on the night.
• This is your chance to influence the future direction of beekeeping in Victoria.
• For more details, contact VAA President John van Weeghel at 0419 542 479 or john.vanweeghel@bigpond.com.

2025 VAA Recreational Beekeeping Conference Update – An Event Not to Be Missed!

• The 2025 VAA Recreational Beekeeping Conference is set to be the most exciting and comprehensive yet. Hear about the impressive speaker line-up and take the opportunity to register on the spot.
• Find out why this event is essential for beekeepers eager to broaden their expertise.

Chair’s Wrap-Up

• Raffles, a door prize, and essential updates on news and events to keep our beekeeping community engaged and informed.
  
  

• Sample two freshly harvested honey varieties from our Chair’s own apiary: Manuka and Melaleuca.
• Enjoy them served with warm, freshly made pancakes.
• A perfect way to relax, network, and share experiences over a light supper.

Explore the VAA Beekeeping Library

• Expand your knowledge with our extensive collection of books, manuals, and guides.
• Resources cover everything from beginner beekeeping to advanced hive management, queen rearing, and bee health.
• Need help finding the right book? Our VAA Librarian, Bruce Diggles, is happy to assist.
• Borrow a book or two and continue your learning journey at home.

VAA Shop – Beekeeping Essentials Available

• A limited selection of beekeeping essentials will be available for purchase.
• If you are new to beekeeping, a committee member will be happy to guide you in selecting the right supplies.

Regards,

VVA Melbourne Section Committee