September 15, 2014
The South Burnett may get its first-ever beekeeping club after an Open Day at Burnett Beekeeping Supplies in Kingaroy on Saturday attracted around 35 interested visitors.
The event was organised by owners David Horton and Gaye Jarvis.
For the past six years, the couple has been manufacturing wooden beekeeping products from their premises at 806 River Road, growing from a small backyard operation to a large-scale, mechanised business that now exports its products to every State.
The purpose of the new club is to assist new beekeepers by providing hints, tips and guidance – something that both local and amateur beekeepers said they wanted, but didn’t have time to organise themselves.
The Open Day kicked off at 9:00am with factory tours and live demonstrations of timber manufacturing, and was followed by a free sausage sizzle lunch and then a meeting.
A local beekeeper also gave a talk about beekeeping during the day, and there were free information packs available for those starting out.
There was also a demonstration of a simple trap for small hive beetles invented by Kingaroy beekeeper Trevor Kerle which protects hives from this dangerous introduced pest without the need for chemicals.
The trap is also quick and inexpensive to install in beehives.
David Horton said the reaction to the idea of a local beekeeping group had been very good, and the club would now try to hold its first meeting in the next few weeks.
Anyone who missed the Open Day but is interested in joining or obtaining further information can contact David on 0429-130-167 or (07) 4162-3606 or by email
