Young and Old at Illawarra Beekeepers Open Day
A Brief History of Illawarra Beekeepers
On 15th March 1961, the first organising committee meeting was held to consider forming the Illawarra Branch of the Amateur Beekeepers Association of NSW. 29 May 1961 at the first meeting more than 80 people attended St Johns Church, Sutherland from the meeting there were 39 foundation members.
During 1961, the committee attempted to acquire its own apiary as efforts to obtain land in the Royal National Park was unworkable. Due to their efforts, Mr and Mrs Delardes, who owned a property Menai, offered their land to use. This became the site of the branch’s first apiary. In June 1978, the first positive move to acquire land for own use was made to Sutherland Council, requesting land be set aside for an apiary site.
Illawarra Beekeepers Club House from the air
During the ensuing years much work was done by the committee to bring about the building of a more permanent clubhouse. On 17 February 1983, the building was agreed to, with an estimated cost of $48,500.
In November 1985, Sutherland Council Bicentennial Committee endorsed the project, however, some members were hesitant about the cost of the building, then estimated to be $50,000.
There were fundraising activities and donation with the club contributing $30,000 toward the cost of the club house whilst Sutherland Council met the balance of the $50,000 as a Bicentennial Grant.
Mid-1988, preliminary work on the site commenced. On Monday 12 December 1988, the first use of the clubhouse was for a committee meeting. It was not until 16 January 1989, members had their first general night meeting at the clubhouse.
These days, our clubhouse is used for members meetings, a museum, training courses, mead group and to host community groups, including recently a group of South Korean Beekeepers.
16 July 1979, members were advised the Menai apiary had a maximum life of two years so an alternate site was being sought. Council officials inspected seven possible sites in the Shire for consideration. The present site at Waratah Park, was chosen as the most suitable for its parking, toilets nearby and it close proximity to Sutherland Railway Station. On 2 November 1979, at a committee meeting a Sutherland Council representative presented a proposal to allocate 2 ½ acres (One hectare) of land to the branch for an apiary. In 1980, the Council allocated $6000 towards the cost of erecting the fence and shed.
As a club we regularly present at schools and community groups, attend community events and collect swarms. Pre-COVID we held an Open Day which close to 1000 people attended. Most would agree due to the efforts of our previous committees and members we have an excellent facility for the benefit to our current circa 260 members.