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April 2025
Autumn health check-up
Autumn is the perfect time to pause, take a few deep breaths and check on yourself, like you do your bees.
As you prepare to bed your bees down for the winter, take a few moments to reflect on the past few months and what the rest of the year may look like for you.
Some beekeepers have told us that Varroa impending is overwhelming. Use this slower period to plan for the busy spring months ahead, perhaps develop a Varroa Management Plan for your hives/businesses to help you feel more in control.
Jamie, the National Varroa Mite Management Program’s Resilience Officer, can put you in touch with the right people to help you overcome the overwhelm. Visit varroa.org.au/resilience, phone 0477 544 379 or email jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Meet our team at your state conference
In the coming months several states will be hosting their annual Apiarists’ Association Conferences.
To coincide with these conferences, the National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP) is hosting a series of Advanced Varroa Mite Management Workshops for commercial beekeepers.
Dates for the upcoming conferences are as follows:
22 – 23 May 2025 - NSW Apiarist Association Conference
30 – 31 May 2025 - Tasmanian Beekeeper’s Association Conference
11 – 12 June 2025 - Victorian Apiarists’ Association Conference
19 – 20 June 2025 - Queensland Beekeepers Association Conference
4 July 2025 - South Australian Apiarists’ Association Conference
For more information on all upcoming state and territory conferences, including venue and registration details, visit AHBIC events.
To learn more about the NVMMP’s upcoming Advanced Workshops for commercial beekeepers, visit Advanced Varroa Mite Management Workshops.
Staff from the NVMMP will be on hand at all these events, and Jamie the NVMMP’s Resilience Officer, will be joining the team at the New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian Conferences and Advanced Workshops.
If you’re visiting any of these events, make sure to pop by and say ‘G’day’ to Jamie and the team.
National Varroa Mite Management Program Resilience Officer, Jamie Perry-Meijer
Taking time out to relax
Are you feeling drained after the Easter long-weekend? (If you are, don’t worry, you’re not alone!)
Have you ever asked yourself the question, ‘How do I take time out to relax when I’m constantly flat out?’
The common misconception is that relaxation means taking time off or going away on holidays. The reality is this isn’t always possible, but we can still create a sense of relaxation into our day-to-day life, even in the face of stressful times.
When you’re feeling
completely flat out, finding ways to relax is key to avoiding burnout. Try these short strategies to help recharge:
Deep breathing or mindfulness: Just a few minutes of focused breathing can help calm your mind and reset your energy levels. Short breaks: Step away for 5 to 10 minutes. Even if it’s just a quick walk around the room or stretching your body. This can give your mind a refresh.
Listening to soothing music: Put on something calming to shift your mood or drown out stress.
Simplify your to-do list: Focus on just one or two tasks at a time.
Have a healthy snack: Small meals that fuel you can make a big difference in how you feel.
Grounding exercises: Focus on your senses - notice what you can see, hear and feel around you. This can help bring you back to the present moment.
Take a power nap: If you’re really worn out, a 15 or 20-minute nap can work wonders without leaving you groggy.
Even during hectic times, carving out just a few moments for yourself can help prevent exhaustion from taking over.
For more health tips, visit our Wellbeing page.
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
