President’s Report
September-October 2026
Dear Members,
Spring has sprung and the busy time for beekeepers is well underway. The bees are building up and if you don’t pay enough attention, you will see them swarm.
Swarm System
In the last season 1218 swarms were reported through our current platform with 559 or 46% collected. The season was short and sharp. September through November carried 58% of the year, and October alone carried 28%. More than a quarter of the entire year's swarms arrived in that one month.
Collection rates varied a lot by state which is a reflection on the spread of our affiliated clubs. NSW accounted for 59%, QLD 23%, ACT 50%, SA 21%, VIC 45% and WA 2% of swarms collected.
If you want to sign-up to the swarm list, here is the link to the step-by-step guide. Remember to select “Amateur Beekeepers Australia” on the Association setting so that you are notified when swarms are reported through our website and benefit from the free option.
Membership Renewal
The majority of members have already renewed their membership for 2026/27. If you were too busy and haven’t renewed yet, you can do it online, on our website www.beekeepers.asn.au Just use the login details quoted on the renewal notices you received earlier, so that you sign-up with the same profile.
Although it has been a very smooth process with around 98% of renewals flowing through the system without any issues, we understand that for some members there are still some gremlins in the system. Contact your club Membership Officer or the ABA Support Team via email to support@beekeepers.asn.au We can look into the issue or offer to renew over the phone for you.
Volunteers and Committee Members Needed
As we approach our upcoming Annual General Meeting, we are looking for members who would like to become more involved in supporting the Association.
While committee positions are available, there are also many opportunities for members to contribute their skills and experience without formally joining the committee. Even a few hours of assistance throughout the year can make a significant difference.
We are particularly interested in hearing from members with experience or an interest in:
Information Technology, including Knack.com and Google Workspace
Administration and member support
Treasurer and financial management activities
Bee Biosecurity and industry engagement
Beekeeping Education, training and mentoring
Our association is run entirely by volunteers, and bringing together people with a range of skills helps us deliver better services, stronger advocacy and more educational opportunities for beekeepers across Australia.
If you have ever considered becoming more involved, now is an excellent time to step forward. Fresh ideas, new perspectives and practical skills are always welcome. Please, get Involved!
If you would like to nominate for a committee position, assist with a specific project, or simply discuss how you might be able to contribute, please contact us before the AGM. we would be delighted to hear from you.
Together we can continue to build a strong, vibrant and supportive beekeeping community for current and future generations of Australian beekeepers.
I hope you enjoy reading our webzine.
Kind regards,
Vince