March 2025

Has Cyclone Alfred compounded your Varroa concerns? 

As residents of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales continue to clean up in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the full impact and cost of the cyclone will take considerable time to determine. 

Some beekeepers in affected areas may have already checked on their hives. 

It's highly likely that the cyclone will have impacted some hives and apiaries. 

Preparing for natural disasters and cleaning up afterwards can be extremely stressful. 

Many beekeepers in Cyclone Alfred’s path may have also been previously worrying, or even dealing with, Varroa mite. Having to manage this natural disaster on top of existing stresses can compound anxiety. 

When multiple incidents occur, seemingly out of our control, it’s only natural to feel anxious. 

If the events of Cyclone Alfred have compounded your mental or physical health as a result of managing Varroa mite, or perhaps you have financial concerns, reach out to our dedicated Resilience Officer.    

Our Resilience Officer has extensive experience in helping people and communities impacted by Varroa mite. He also has invaluable connections to wellbeing and support service providers.   

Staying resilient in the face of new detections

Picture this scenario - you’ve just undertaken your regular Alcohol Wash on your hives and you’ve detected Varroa mite for the first time in your apiary. 
 
You’ve done the right thing and you’ve reported your results to your respective state or territory authority. But what now? 
 
The likelihood is you might be feeling anxious, confused or even upset. These reactions are totally normal. No one expects everyone to have all the answers all the time. 

It is however important to remember that there are various ways you can access free help and support. 

Below are some quick contacts you can take advantage of:
 

• Arrange a free onsite visit by a Varroa Development Officer (VDO) from the National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP) if you haven’t already done so @ www.varroa.org.au/vdo. 

• Speak to the Rural Financial Counselling Network if you have financial concerns. 

• Visit the National Varroa Mite Management Program's website at varroa.org.au and view online training links and resources.

Over the coming issues we’ll detail even more contacts for you to access if Varroa is impacting your wellbeing. 

Until then, it’s important to remind yourself that the introduction of Varroa mite is a shared journey that you need not make alone. 

Steps to building resilience

• Persistence is the key to resilience
• Acknowledge your feelings
• Focus on what you can control
• Trust the process
• Celebrate the small wins
• Take time to reflect

For more information on identifying and managing stress, visit our Stress Management page.

New resources to improve beekeeper resilience

It’s often said that taking the first step can be the hardest part of any journey. 

This is particularly true when asking for help. 

If you’re having difficulties dealing with Varroa, be it mental, physical or financial, we can help. 

The National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP) recently uploaded a suite of new Resilience resources to its website at varroa.org.au/resilience. 

Here you’ll find a range of wellbeing support services offering tips and assistance on how to cope with anxiety, sleep, stress and general wellbeing. 
 
You can always follow-up any concerns by having a confidential chat with the NVMMP’s Resilience Officer, Jamie at varroa.org.au/resilience, phone 0477 544 379 or via email at jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au. 

So come on, let the Resilience team help you take that first step... 

Screenshot from the NVMMP's newly launched Resilience webpage at varroa.org.au/resilience

Do you know of a fellow beekeeper who may be doing it tough but isn’t on our email listing? Encourage them to sign up at National Varroa Mite Management Program e-news or phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to receive the latest in Varroa Resilience developments. 

For more information from the National Varroa Mite Management Program visit varroa.org.au.   

Is there a conversation you've been putting off? While time can change a lot, sometimes just a few minutes of honest talk can make a huge difference.

Let's have that conversation. 

Visit www.varroa.org.au/resilience